Planning a lavish event this summer? Whether it’s a wedding reception, birthday party or a summer soiree ‘just because’, it’s the perfect time of year to take advantage of the warmer weather and host it in the great outdoors – which also happens to be a great solution if you’re struggling to contain the guest list.
If you already have some garden space to work with then by redesigning your backyard or patio, it’s easier than you think to double the size of your entertaining space, providing you with the perfect setting in which to host the event of the summer and ensure that it’s just as memorable as you’ve been envisioning.
With some simple tweaks and changes, it couldn’t be simpler to transform these idle spaces into luxurious entertaining areas that complement and add value to your home. Here are a few ideas for redesigning your garden and taking it from a disorganised outdoor area to the dreamiest of event spaces.
Choose stylish furniture
Outdoor furnishings are the key to creating a warm and welcoming garden space, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose yours carefully. To ensure your guests have the best time, you’ll want to make sure there are several areas in which to sit and chat or to relax with a cocktail or two, so choose a well-located area and fill it with opulent outdoor sofas and statement chairs.
Choose quality furniture with stylish designs and plush cushions and make sure that they are as comfortable as they are aesthetically pleasing. When deciding on your furniture, you should also opt for durable materials that can withstand the prevailing weather elements in your area whilst maintaining its visual appeal. You can also add a homely touch with colourful outdoor rugs and artwork to create a relaxing atmosphere for you and your guests, and scattering some pretty Moroccan cushions to create some additional relaxed seating.
Build an outdoor bar
An outdoor bar is guaranteed to add a luxurious feel to your outdoor entertaining space, and building one is simpler than you might think – all you really need is some shelves for glassware and a countertop for this stylish and functional addition, and you’re good to go.
Opulent marble surfaces and gold or copper fixtures and fittings will inject an extra sense of elegance into the space, or if you want to add a personal touch, you might like to choose wood surfaces instead and creating a custom design on them – if you’re feeling particularly creative then why not mix it up a bit with some DIY decorations using reclaimed wood – which as well as looking good, are a sustainable way to spruce up the space?
Doing so doesn’t require much skill or any complex tools – all types of chisels and woodcarving knives will work, so if you have one to hand then you’re ready to roll. Alternatively, you can create some simple patterns on the surfaces with stencils and paint for a less time consuming way to add some extra flair.
Opt for ambient lighting
Getting your lighting right is the quickest way to create an atmospheric and all round magical feel, and it’s one of the simplest ways to uplevel your outdoor space with minimal effort. You can experiment with various different lighting options, such as lanterns, string lights, or LED bulbs, to provide soft flickering light – try a few different set-ups and see which you like best.
Besides creating a fancy and relaxing atmosphere, lighting is functional and will allow you to extend your party late into the night. Avoid very bright lights, as these tend to look clinical and can quickly ruin the appealing ambiance you’ve worked hard to create – ultimately, making your guests feel uncomfortable and in a hurry to leave.
Install an outdoor kitchen
No luxury outdoor space is complete without a grill or, better yet, a full outdoor kitchen. A built-in grill and storage cabinet eliminate the need to rush in and out of the house when serving your delicacies.
You should also consider adding a refrigerator, wine cooler, and ice maker, which will allow you to have plenty of champagne chilled and on ice, ready to pop open as and when you need it – and a cocktail shaker for when you’re in the mood for whipping up some fancy concoctions for your guests.
Add outdoor audio and TV
Don’t leave the entertainment in the house. Music is essential for setting the mood for events of all kinds, so high-quality speakers installed throughout the space to create a surround-sound experience are a must.
For extra fun, you could add a karaoke machine to keep things fun. And if your event is centered around an occasion that is being streamed on the TV – for example, a notable sports game or awards ceremony, then having a large screen positioned where everyone can see it will ensure that all your guests feel a part of the action.
Create an all-season outdoor space
Ensure your outdoor space is adapted to different types of weather using flexible seating, outdoor heating, fire pits, and all-weather flooring – after all, we all know how unpredictable the British summertime can be, and sunshine is sadly never guaranteed.
Add some verdant evergreen plants when creating your garden to maintain the lush aesthetics throughout the year, and have a canopy or pergola installed to provide shade on unexpectedly hot days which together, will make certain that your fun is not dependent on the weather.
Consult with a professional outdoor designer
Transforming an outdoor space into a luxurious entertaining area is an art that often benefits from professional expertise. EBD Studios, for example, specialises in landscape design and architecture, offering bespoke outdoor solutions. Their team is dedicated to converting visions into realities, whether it’s crafting serene garden retreats, functional and stylish outdoor kitchens, or elegant event-hosting spaces. With EBD Studios’ proficiency in both landscape design and architecture, they are well-equipped to elevate any outdoor area into an extraordinary and valuable extension of the home.
