If you want to expand your home’s entertaining space, your yard offers endless possibilities. Whether you want a serene space for relaxing with guests, a place to host big parties or a dedicated area for games and exercise, we can help you transform your yard into the perfect space for outdoor entertaining.
With over 30 years of experience creating beautiful and functional outdoor entertaining spaces for our clients, G&G Landscape Solutions can help you take your vision and make it a reality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, ensuring your outdoor space is both stunning and practical.
Step 1: Match Your Vision to Your Needs
As fun as it is to daydream about everything you want for your perfect outdoor space, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you need.
Do you regularly run out of room when hosting dinner parties? Perhaps an outdoor dining area is what you need.
Could you use more shade to relax outside with friends? A covered area like a pergola could be ideal for you.
If you feel like you have too many ideas for just one yard, make a list of priorities, whether that’s relaxation, entertainment, or storage. This will help guide you to the perfect outdoor entertainment space for you.
Expanding Your Vision
Consider how your outdoor space can complement your indoor living. For example, if you love cooking, an outdoor kitchen adjacent to your dining area could be a seamless extension of your home. Or, if you’re an avid gardener, integrating a greenhouse or herb garden into your design could provide year-round enjoyment.
Step 2: Take a Good Look at Your Yard
Now that you know what you need in an outdoor entertaining space, it’s time to consider how it would work practically in your yard. Thinking about which areas get the most or the least sun is especially important. The light your yard receives could influence where you need a covered area for lounging or the best place for a garden!
If you’ve decided on an outdoor eating space, consider where you’d like your bar or dining area and how close or far away, you’d like a grill from the house. These are all helpful to know when working with a professional on the design.
Practical Tips for Your Yard
Take note of your yard’s dimensions and existing structures.
If your yard is small, consider multi-functional spaces, such as a dining area that can double as a lounging spot.
For larger yards, you can create distinct zones for different activities—like a dining area, a play area for kids, and a cozy fire pit corner.
Step 3: Pick a Theme that Matches your Aesthetics
Consider which theme and vibe you want your outdoor entertaining space to have.
Do you want it to be a formal space with Tuscan-inspired furniture and landscaping? Or perhaps you find a relaxed beachy atmosphere with big, comfy outdoor couches, water features, and tropical plants to be more aligned with your vision.
Whatever direction you decide, a theme will help you select features, furniture, and landscaping that will flow together perfectly.
Consider adding unique elements that align with your chosen theme.
For instance, a water feature like a fountain or pond can enhance a Zen garden, while string lights and lanterns can add warmth and charm to a rustic outdoor dining area.
Step 5: Consider Pathways, Structures, and Lighting
The pathways, structures, and lighting you choose are essential in bringing your outdoor space to life. A well-placed pathway can lead guests through your garden, while structures like pergolas or gazebos provide shade and focal points.
Lighting is another crucial element that can transform your space from day to night. Soft, ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings, while task lighting ensures functionality in cooking and dining areas.
Creative Ideas for Your Space
Consider using different materials for your pathways, such as natural stone, brick, or gravel, to add texture and interest. Lighting can be layered, with string lights for ambiance, spotlights for highlighting plants, and lanterns for a decorative touch.
If you’re looking for a modern feel for your outdoor eating area, consider a slate pathway leading to a white pergola adorned with soft white lights.
Or maybe you want to create a quiet place for reflection. A paver pathway to a gazebo, lit with lanterns and overlooking a fountain, could be ideal for you.
Whatever you decide, the pathways, structures, and lighting you choose will help bring your space to life.
Step 6: Incorporate Landscaping and Decor Throughout the Space
themePlants, trees, and flowers add beauty and define your outdoor entertaining space. While selecting what type of greenery best matches your vision, keep in mind the climate you live in, the amount of light your yard receives, and how much maintenance each plant requires.
A water feature, like a pond or small fountain, can add a relaxing touch to your outdoor space. To further enhance aesthetics and to bring your entire space together, choose outdoor rugs, cushions, and decor that meshes well with your space’s theme and function.
Additionally, using plants that attract birds and butterflies can bring life and movement to your garden.
Seasonal Considerations
Think about how your outdoor space will look in different seasons. Evergreens and winter-blooming plants can ensure your garden remains attractive year-round, while deciduous trees offer shade in the summer and beautiful foliage in the fall.
Step 7: Hiring a Professional Landscape Company to Help Execute
Designing a space for outdoor entertaining can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! Talking to a professional landscape company will help you to transform your vision into reality. Professionals bring experience, tools, and a trained eye to your project, guaranteeing a seamless and beautiful outcome.
If you’re worried about the logistics of creating an outdoor entertaining space, hiring professional help will ensure that every detail, from the plans to the plant selections, is executed flawlessly. They can handle the design and installation complexities, allowing you to enjoy the design and installation process without the stress of managing every detail yourself.
For more information on how G&G Landscape Solution can help you, contact us today!
About G&G Landscape Solutions
When considering your landscape design plans for your residential or commercial space in the coming year, we invite you to work with our outdoor living consultants at G&G Landscape Solutions.
Contact us today for a FREE 20-minute consultation.
Our expert landscape designers are dedicated to bringing your vision to life from initial installation to ongoing maintenance of your elevated outdoor environment.
G&G Landscape Solutions, a proudly locally owned and full-service enterprise, is committed to delivering a premium custom outdoor space for every customer. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the Charlotte metro area, G&G Landscape Solutions guides you seamlessly through the entire process and beyond.
Our offerings include design services, expert installation of landscapes and hardscapes, and ongoing maintenance. We also offer commercial maintenance and construction services. Rest assured, as a licensed and insured provider, G&G Landscape Solutions is ready to transform your outdoor space into your dream space. We are committed to delivering a finished product that meets and exceeds your expectations.
