For most people, summer is the best time of the year. While there’s certainly a lot of festivities in the winter and many people enjoy some snow from time to time, there’s nothing quite like summer for spending your time outdoors relaxing in the garden. And right now, many people are interested in creating a nicer outdoor space, especially after spending all that time at home during the COVID19 lockdowns.
Whether your outdoor space is small, large, or fairly average, there are several things that you can do to create the perfect al fresco dining space. You can create a space that is simply perfect for just you and your family to dine outdoors on summer evenings whenever you like, or make sure that you have enough provisions and seating for outdoor get-togethers with family and friends. If you love being the host with the most in the summer and putting on barbeques and other outdoor dining experiences for the people in your life, then you’re going to love these tips on getting the space just right.
Cooking
First of all, consider how you are going to cook outdoors. There are lots of options to choose from, so don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to just one. In fact, having a few different appliances to cook on can be ideal for an al fresco party as you can provide a wider range of options for your guests and make sure that everybody gets some food faster.
Barbeque grills are one of the most popular options for outdoor cooking. You can use a gas, electric, or charcoal grill depending on your preferences. Charcoal is the traditional option, but it might take longer to clean up and be a little bit messier to deal with compared to the other options. Gas is great if you value convenience and portability. Electric is a popular option for smaller spaces, as you will need to plug it into an outlet. It’s also the best choice if you are concerned about the risk of fire.
Pizza ovens are another great option for your outdoor space. With this pizza oven from Ooni, you can wow your guests at your summer parties by making stunning wood-fired pizzas outdoors, instead of simply offering the standard burgers and hot dogs from the grill.
Lighting
Getting the ambience right is crucial if you want to create the perfect outdoor space for dining and al fresco parties. Lighting is one of the best ways to do this, and where you place your lights, along with how many you use, can make all the difference. If you expect to be enjoying your outdoor space well into the evening when the sun has gone down, then you will need to get the right lighting.
String solar lights are one of the most popular options for outdoor spaces, for good reason. They provide a cozy atmosphere and ambience, and they look amazing. You can also get lights to put up along the fence, or stake lights that can be driven into the ground or placed in plant pots. Driving stake lights into the ground can be an amazing way to light up pathways in your garden and make it easier for people to find their way around. Blingle in Beachwood, Ohio can get your backyard ready for entertaining with a lighting solution that will heighten the celebration and add a familiar warmth to your home.
Furniture
The right outdoor furniture is one of the best ways to ensure that your garden is a comfortable space for outdoor parties and get-togethers. There are lots of different types of outdoor furniture to choose from, so carefully consider a few different factors before you decide on the right option for you. Garden chairs and tables are a great idea if you expect to be hosting a lot of guests. You can even get extendable tables that come with folding chairs, allowing you to bring out more seating for your guests when needed, but avoid having lots of extra chairs and table space when it’s just you and your family enjoying the garden.
Garden sofas are another popular outdoor furniture idea. You can find full sofa sets or corner sofas, with something for everybody depending on the type and size of space that you have. The material that you choose for your garden furniture is one of the most important factors to consider. Rattan-style materials are popular for sofas and other soft furniture for the garden. It’s a good idea to go for a waterproof and weatherproof material if you want your furniture to stay in good condition throughout the winter. Aluminum garden furniture is also very popular for this reason. On the other hand, wooden garden furniture is a timeless choice, but you will need to put more effort into maintaining it and ensuring that it is protected when the weather is cold and wet.
Firepit
One way to really add the wow factor to your garden and make sure that it stays cozy and warm even when the sun goes down is to add a firepit. Firepits come in a range of sizes so it should be easy to find one that is suitable for your outdoor space. In a smaller outdoor space, a firepit that can be placed to the side such as a chiminea is a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a larger space, then you can achieve a more focused point for people to gather around the fire. Lower firepits that can be placed in the center of your garden seating arrangement, or a firepit that can safely be placed on the top of your garden coffee table can be a great idea.
Keeping Bugs at Bay
While it’s difficult to spend any amount of time in an outdoor space without seeing a bug or two, being constantly pestered or even bit by bugs is never a nice experience for anybody. The good news is that there are several things that you can do to keep bugs at bay in your garden when entertaining guests outdoors.
Citronella candles are a cheap and effective option for reducing the bugs in your garden. Place a few on the table or in other areas of your garden to repel flies and other bugs. Not only do they smell amazing, but they can also really ramp up the ambience in your garden, especially during the evenings when the sun starts to go down.
You can also get devices that catch flies and other bugs that can be placed discreetly in your garden to keep creepie crawlies or flying pests away from your food and the people in your garden. If you are barbequing on a charcoal or gas grill, then the good news is that the smoke also acts as a natural repellent to stop irritating insects from bothering you and your guests.
If you are in the process of getting your garden ready for summer and want to ensure that you turn it into the perfect space for al fresco dining and parties, then keep these tips in mind. No matter the size of your garden space, there is a lot that you can do to turn it into a great area for entertaining friends and family, cooking outdoors, or simply relaxing in the sunshine at home on your own.
