Warm weather months are ideal for evenings spent outside under the stars. Whether you’re looking to create a romantic atmosphere for two or craft an evening filled with friends and family, your own backyard is an excellent place to start. With a few simple additions, any outdoor space can become the perfect venue for everything from evening entertaining to simple relaxation.
Ambiance
Set the mood with outdoor lighting. Overhead string lights are both festive and practical. Umbrella lights and LED lamps are great for adding a little light to small spaces like the dining table or a small seating area. More light equals a more festive atmosphere and less light, more intimate. Tiki torches with citronella oil do double duty, providing a gentle glow while also keeping mosquitos and other uninvited pests at bay.
Fire Pit
Nothing says summertime like roasting marshmallows or hot dogs over an open flame. A fire pit makes a great centerpiece for your seating area and friends tend to linger longer while chatting around the fire. More substantial fire pits or even fireplaces can be erected as permanent structures from stone or brick. Portable fire pits can burn wood or gas and are typically the size of a coffee table. With this option, you can choose the style that best fits your decor and move it easily when rearranging outdoor furniture.
Outdoor Kitchen
Running in and out of the house to check on dinner can separate you from your guests and leave you feeling stressed. Cooking outside can simplify your evening and free you to enjoy more time with your company. You can gradually build your outdoor kitchen as time and money allow. Start with a grill and add different pieces as you can. Lower cabinets, countertops, and a refrigerator put everything at your fingertips. Finishing it off with a patio covering will protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements.