Tips for Creating an Irresistible Backyard for Entertaining in Destin, Florida and Beyond
By Barb Ambrose
Looking to elevate your entertaining options at home? Look no further than your backyard. An upgraded outdoor space will impress your guests and enhance your home’s enjoyment. Here are some tips to make your yard a crowd-pleasing paradise for your next party.
Party Platform
A new or upgraded deck or patio should be the starting point for your outdoor oasis. If you’re installing a deck, consider lower-maintenance composite materials. Don’t overlook the railing: it’s an important design element that can modernize the space. A drink rail is a trending finish that gives your guests a place to set their beverage. Patios dress up the ground level, and you can customize the look with stone, pavers, or concrete.
OUTDOOR SEATING
What’s an outdoor space without plenty of places to kick back and relax? Bay Breeze Patio has everything you’ll need to outfit your space. This includes tables, chairs, sectionals and loveseats, and much more. The Polywood collection offers durable, all-season furniture. Put pops of color in the mix with Polywood’s popular Adirondack chairs. Add elegant seating solutions with a Polywood dining table.
Outdoor Cooking
One of the biggest trends in outdoor living spaces is an outdoor kitchen. These go far beyond a grill on the deck. Upscale versions include built-in grills, under-counter refrigerators, ice makers, and even pizza ovens. An outdoor kitchen adds convenience and increases the value of your home. And because of the Emerald Coast’s temperate climate, you’ll use it for entertaining throughout the year.
Light the Night
Keep the party going into the night with outdoor lighting. Incorporate LED lights into your patio or deck, especially on stairs and railings. String lights are a festive touch above the deck or along fences. You can light up walkways with inexpensive solar lights for an illuminating touch.
Stay Cool
Beat the heat by adding shade to your outdoor retreat. Umbrellas are a classic choice that let you incorporate color with bright fabrics. Pergolas with covers or curtains make a stylish statement while keeping you cool. Shade sails protect you from the sun while adding a modern look to your backyard.
Make a Splash
Turn your yard into a true outdoor oasis with a swimming pool. This is a significant investment, but it can be a good one in Florida, especially if most homes around you have one. Plus, it’s hard to resist a pool party during the summer.
Upgrading your backyard allows you to spend more time outside without leaving home. You’ll have more room to host gatherings, and your space will be the place where everyone wants to be.
This blog was contributed by Barb Ambrose, a home stager and landscape design writer. She loves entertaining and playing in her backyard, but she despises yard work. She recently expanded her patio and added an outdoor kitchen so she has less grass to mow.