Plan Distinct Zones
Make the most of outdoor entertaining through the warmer months by creating designated areas for dining, lounging and activities. Set up a table with comfortable seating under a pergola, big tree or umbrella, to invite guests to dine outdoors and keep them shady and cool. Decorate your outdoor table with a garden grown floral centrepiece or fill recycled containers or jars with freshly picked blooms and dot them along the length of the table. You might also like to create a more casual, cozy area with outdoor sofas and rugs to lounge around on.
And don’t forget to provide a space for outdoor games like bocce or bean bag toss, for months of summer fun. For especially hot days, install a Nylex misting kit to cool the area by up to 10 degrees, ensuring your guests stay comfortable.
Choose Comfortable Furniture:
Invest in durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture like wicker or teak sofas and chairs. Add ottomans or poufs for extra seating and comfort, and don’t hesitate to incorporate vibrant colours into your design.
Incorporate Shade:
Create other shady areas for people to gather around and chat. Use portable market umbrellas or gazebos, which provide shade and protection from unexpected rain. Use a Nylex retractable hose reel to easily hose down the patio or furniture when needed. The reel ensures your hose stores away neatly and out of sight when not in use, keeping your outdoor area tidy.
Enhance Ambience with Lighting:
Keep the party going after dark with the right lighting. Use string lights to create a warm, inviting glow and add lanterns or solar lights to pathways and steps for safety and ambience. Outdoor-safe candles or tiki torches can also add a magical touch while helping deter mosquitoes.
Bring in Greenery:
Decorate outdoor entertaining areas with colour and greenery to bring life to the space. Create a vibrant display with seasonal annuals like Petunias, Vincas, Impatiens and Snapdragons, which bloom profusely throughout the warmer months or fill garden beds with scented plants like lavenders or gardenias. For effortless maintenance, use a Nylex soaker hose to keep your plants hydrated and save time on manual watering.
Offer Outdoor Entertainment:
You might also like to set up wireless speakers for background music or go all out and install an outdoor movie screen for summer movie nights. Lawn games like croquet or backyard bowling can help to keep guests entertained during the day.
Add a Fire Pit or Heater:
A firepit provides the perfect focal point for entertaining and takes the party from day to night, providing both warmth and ambience. Take the party up a notch with s’mores or mulled wine cooked on the fire. Outdoor heaters can also extend the use of your space as the temperature drops.
Personalise with Décor:
Add a personal touch to patio areas with outdoor rugs, throw pillows and decorative accents, which make your space feel cozy and stylish. Choose weather-resistant fabrics that can withstand the elements while adding comfort and character to outdoor areas.
Simplify Food and Drink Access:
Install an outdoor kitchen or set up a bar cart for easy access to food and drinks. Place coolers nearby for self-service, and consider adding a small fridge or ice chest to keep refreshments cold. For added convenience, a Nylex hose and spray gun can make cleaning up spills or rinsing off surfaces a breeze.