The previous article explored creating an inviting, flexible outdoor space for hosting gatherings.
Now we have to discuss the
second Important Item in our strategy to ensure that your patio can provide the
ideal space for entertaining.
we agreed that we need to
define the purpose of the patio, select suitable furniture, and incorporate
soft furnishings to enhance comfort and style.
Planting and other Accessories
Plants are an essential
way to add color, texture, and life to your patio. When selecting plants, opt
for low-maintenance varieties that can withstand being outdoors.
Potted
Plants
Choose potted plants in
bright glazes or with trellises and supports for visual interest. Go for pots
in a matching color scheme for a coordinated look. Some potted plant ideas
include:
- Succulents like agave,
aloe, and echeveria for low-water options. Use symmetrical, geometric pots to
complement their shapes.
- Fruit trees like Meyer
lemons, dwarf lime, or olive trees for an edible element. Use classic
terra-cotta pots or woven baskets.
- Flowering plants like
orchids, anthurium, bougainvillea, or Mandevilla for pops of color. Display
them in colorful glazed planters.
Suspended hanging baskets are an excellent way to utilize
vertical space and add charm. Select cascading plants like:
- Ivy geraniums, petunias, or fuchsia for gorgeous draping flowers.
- Strawberry begonia or creeping Jenny for trailing greenery.
Trees
& Shrubs
Add small trees in
containers like Japanese maple, citrus trees, or podocarpus for height and
greenery. Shrubs like hydrangeas, azaleas, gardenias, or camellias add volume
with their branches and flowers. Make sure any trees or shrubs get adequate
sunlight and water.
Wall
Decor
Wall decor is a great way
to add visual interest and personality to your patio. When decorating your
patio walls, focus on pieces that reflect your style and tie in with the
overall design aesthetic. Here are some wall décor ideas to consider:
Paintings
Paintings instantly lend
color, vibrancy, and character to any blank wall space. Opt for large-scale
outdoor paintings that make a statement, like an abstract floral or landscape
design. Watercolor and acrylic work well for resisting moisture and sun exposure.
Go for paintings with bright, saturated hues that pop against neutral walls.
Mirrors
Strategically hung mirrors
are useful for making a small patio feel larger and brighter. Opt for mirrored
wall plaques or full-length mirrors to reflect light and views of surrounding
nature. This creates depth and the illusion of a bigger space. Select durable
mirrors made of metal, acrylic or shatterproof glass.
Shelving
Wall shelving adds
function and personalized flair. Mount open-backed shelves to display flower
pots, books, and patio accessories. Or use corner shelves and floating ledges
to display artwork and collections. Select shelving made of moisture-resistant
materials like stained wood, galvanized metal or plastic resin.
Add your own flair with
DIY touches like handpainted signs or framed photos on the walls. The key is
choosing wall décor that enhances your patio ambiance for relaxation and
entertaining.
Candles
Outdoor candles create a
warm, inviting glow for evening entertaining. Place candles of varying heights
on tables, shelves, and the ground. Go for citronella candles to help repel
insects. Enclose pillar candles in glass vases for safety and add hurricane
lamps or strings of lights for additional ambiance.
Vases
Fresh flowers are an easy
way to dress up your patio. Cluster vases in different shapes, sizes and
materials like ceramic, glass and metal. Fill them with blooms in your color
scheme. For low maintenance, use artificial flowers.
Decorative
Pots
Repurpose large ceramic,
terracotta or metal pots as planters or purely for decoration. Paint or stencil
patterns on plain pots to personalize them. Arrange empty pots on the ground or
patio walls. Use short pots to display pillar candles or taller pots for bamboo
or decorative grasses.
Entertaining
Essentials
Outdoor entertaining areas
need the right essentials to create an inviting space for guests. Consider
including these entertaining must-haves in your backyard patio design:
A high-quality outdoor BBQ
grill is a backyard entertaining essential. Opt for a built-in grill or a
free-standing grill on wheels that can be moved around the patio. Look for a
grill with multiple burners and sufficient cooking space to handle cooking for
a crowd.
Outdoor
Bar
An outdoor bar adds a fun
focal point to your patio and provides a designated drink station. Build a
permanent bar or opt for a portable bar cart that can be wheeled in and out.
Stock up on cocktail supplies like shakers, mixes, garnishes, and glassware.
Fire
Pit
A fire pit or chiminea
brings warmth and ambiance to a backyard patio at night. Choose a style that
fits your design aesthetic, whether modern steel, natural stone, or classic
clay chiminea. Place it in a corner or make it a central focal point. Have plenty
of outdoor pillows and blankets on hand.
Sound
System
Music sets the mood for
entertaining. Install permanent outdoor speakers or utilize a portable
Bluetooth speaker system. Position speakers strategically to direct sound and
minimize noise for neighbors. Create playlists for different occasions to queue
up patio parties.
Conclusion
With some planning and effort, you can transform your backyard patio into an oasis for entertaining. The key is choosing pieces that allow guests to unwind amidst pleasant surroundings. Maintain your decor by cleaning and storing items properly when not in use.
A beautifully decorated patio enhances backyard gatherings and
provides lasting memories for years to come. By following these tips, you’ll be
ready to host family and friends in an idyllic outdoor setting.
