The time of the year is upon us where we will be welcoming family, friends and loved ones into our homes, and luckily for us, our gorgeous Southwest Florida weather makes hosting an outdoor event possible. If you’re an entertainer, hosting the perfect backyard soiree takes some planning and organization. That’s why many homeowners building a new custom home take their backyard very seriously when working out the details of their property. Here are a few tips from our experts for building the perfect backyard for your guests.
Carve Out the Space
It’s important to map out your backyard, especially if you are working with a custom home builder on a new home. If entertaining guests is going to be something that you plan to do often, keeping your builder in the loop is crucial. Work with them to design the position of your home on the lot and figure out the flow of the backyard. It’s important to create enough space for entertaining; you don’t want your guests to feel like they can’t move around freely. You also want to be sure to have enough privacy, either by implementing a custom privacy fence or by planting trees to help create the feel of a private backyard oasis.
Make It Comfortable
One of the key aspects to keep in mind when entertaining is guest comfort. Many homeowners work with their builders to implement various items into their backyards to make guests feel at home, including:
- Comfortable furniture
- Covered lanais
- Firepits for chilly evenings (yes, we get those occasionally!)
- Activities, such as shuffleboard or volleyball courts
Keeping your guests comfortable and entertained is important when hosting a backyard party. You also need to be sure that your backyard works for you as well. Incorporating an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area makes it easier to stay connected to your guests while you’re cooking. It eliminates the need for being forced to stay inside to prepare food, while your guests are outside.
Adequate Conversation Areas
Having the room and privacy for guests to have independent conversations with other guests is an important aspect to consider when planning your backyard. Create areas for guests to sit and socialize with other partygoers, including comfortable chairs and tables, so your guests can have a place to set their beverage while they chat.
Mood Lighting
There’s nothing better than socializing with friends and family amidst twinkling lights, feeling the salty air on your skin. What better way to create that feeling than with the beautiful glow of lanterns or café lights? The glow of these decorative, yet functional lights sets the mood and makes your guests feel comfortable and interested in their surroundings.
The Perfect Backyard
Remember, whether you’re building a new custom home or working with an existing home, if outdoor entertaining is important to you, keep these things in mind when you’re planning your next get-together. Don’t forget about aesthetics and guest comfort, and you’ll be on your way to becoming the perfect host. If you’re ready to build the perfect home with a backyard that’s perfect for entertaining, call the experts at Gulfstream Homes at (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.
