Anyone can host an event at their home, but there are some things you can do to make hosting easier, more comfortable, and more successful.
Here are some tips that will help you create an outdoor space where you’ll be excited to host events.
Maximize your space for your needs.
Whether you live on acreage or have only a small yard, you should always think about the best ways to maximize your unique space. Think about creating defined spaces that you can use while hosting. For example, you might have a seating area for conversation, an area around a fire pit, a kitchen/dining space, an outdoor gaming area, and so on. Most people won’t have room for all of these individual spaces, so you should prioritize the ones you will use the most.
Have plenty of seating.
If you want your guests to be comfortable, then it’s important that they each have a seat in your outdoor space. Think about the size of the group you’d like to host, and make sure you have enough seating (whether permanent or temporary) to accommodate everyone. Along with this, make sure there are tables or other flat surfaces for people to place plates or drinks.
Don’t forget the lighting.
If you ever plan on hosting an event after dark, you need to take lighting into consideration. The good news is, there are plenty of stylish, functional options that will add plenty of light into your yard. Think: can lights on your porch, string lights over your dining area, and stake lights lining pathways. You can also use flood lighting to illuminate a large space, and spotlights to highlight plants or other features.
Create a pleasant sensory experience.
A great event isn’t just about what you see. It’s also about what you hear and smell. Natural elements like water features can add relaxing background noise to your yard, while herbs and flowers introduce lovely fragrances. Alternatively, built in speakers could play music, while scented candles or torches could add scents.
Be mindful of bugs.
No one wants to attend an outdoor event only to be swarmed by flies or mosquitoes. Once again, scented candles or torches are your friends here. Additionally, you could use fans to keep the air moving, which will help keep flying pests away.
Control the temperature.
If you want your guests to enjoy your outdoor space, it’s important to make your outdoor spaces as comfortable as possible. While you can’t exactly control the weather, there are some things you can do to help keep your guests comfortable no matter the temperature. Outdoor heaters or fire pits are a great idea for cold winter nights, while ceiling fans and misters can help cool down hot summer temps. Shaded areas, using either umbrellas or permanently installed sun shades, can also help keep guests cool on a hot day.
Creating an outdoor space where you can host events doesn’t have to require a lot of expensive additions or major landscaping renovations. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a yard that is perfect for hosting friends and family at any time of year. With some careful planning and a little work, you’ll have a great event space available to you at any time.
For help transforming your outdoor space into the landscape of your dreams, contact Rustic Creek Landscaping today to speak with one of our experienced landscape designers.