The arrival of spring brings with it a sense of renewal that has us wanting not only to clean the house, but also the backyard as we get ready to welcome friends and family for Easter egg hunts, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, graduation parties, and neighborhood barbecues. We have some ideas on how to host a spring backyard gathering that will have your outdoor space in full bloom for any of your spring soirees!
Spring Hosting Tips for Outdoor Entertaining Spaces in New Homes
Clean It Up
Winter breezes have likely deposited leaves, dust and grass on the patio, behind furniture, and along windowsills. To give the patio a thorough cleaning, pull everything off and break out the pressure washer, which can be used on the floor, walls and windows. Don’t have one? Grab a broom and get to work. Use soap, water, and a stiff brush on stains or a vinegar solution of equal parts vinegar and water to kill algae.
Dust off tables and chairs and vacuum any upholstered furniture. Pull weeds and clear any limbs or other debris that might have stacked up during the past few months. Prune any overgrown plants in the yard.
Comfy Seating Is In
Nothing says welcome like a comfortable place to sit — especially in outdoor entertaining spaces in new homes. Arrange the furniture as you would inside your home — in conversation areas or, if your space is large enough, in zones for dining, cooking, and relaxing. Make sure your cushions and fabric are meant for outdoor use. It might be a little pricey in the beginning, but it will save you money in the long run.
And don’t stop there. Add weather-resistant rugs, throw blankets, and pillows to add color, texture and warmth to your outdoor setting.
Don't Forget the Lights
Your patio likely comes with an overhead light. That should be just the beginning. Consider workspace lighting for your grill — or grills. Use café lights to create a warm glow. Solar-powered lanterns or candles can be placed on tables. If you have enough exterior outlets, you can add a tall lamp for additional ambiance. Depending on your backyard landscaping, you could also add path lighting.
Plants- Lots of Plants
When decorating an outdoor space, enhancing it with greenery and flowers is a natural go-to. Use pots of low-light greenery in the areas that get only filtered sunlight. Place baskets of bright flowers in the areas receiving ample sun. Don’t forget about hanging baskets and containers of varying sizes to add interest.
Your yard is an extension of your patio, so consider having landscaped areas where you can change out flowers seasonally. Bird baths and feeders are interesting additions and can be conversation starters if a rare bird is sighted. If adding a bird bath, look for one with moving water — they are attractive to birds and the water movement keeps mosquitos from laying eggs.
The Small Touches Make All the Difference
Seating? Check! Lighting? Got it! Flowers? They’re beautiful. Now it’s time to add features that will make you the “hostess with the mostest.” A beverage cart stocked with your guests’ favorite drinks is a thoughtful and convenient addition that will save you from going in and out of the house to replenish mocktails and cocktails. Set the atmosphere with music played through a Bluetooth speaker. Set out or have handy cornhole boards, a ladder toss, or other outdoor games.
Beyond the Backyard
If you live in a community like Sorella, you have even more opportunities to spend time with your guests beyond outdoor entertaining spaces in new homes. Take a sunset stroll around the pond after dinner. Too many guests for the back patio? Head over to the open-air pavilion. Schedule playtime for the little ones at the playground and then let them take an afternoon nap while the adults relax. Sorella also offers direct access to Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, so you can pair a nature hike and birdwatching with celebratory beers and burgers later in the day. Visit Sorella today and talk with our builders about adding an outdoor kitchen, extended covered patio, or other features to create outdoor space you’ll enjoy during spring and throughout the year.
