Entertaining family and friends is a true pleasure when you have a beautiful North Houston home you’re
proud to call your own. This might mean hosting a relaxed dinner party, a wine-and-snacks
night, a barbecue with a few beers, or a Netflix binge.
But Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines have revolutionized the way we socialize,
even with the people we’re closest to. You can’t just invite them into your home as you did a
year ago: we need to keep face masks and stay two meters apart to reduce your (and their)
risk of infection.
And let’s be honest: that’s not ideal for a fun afternoon or evening with loved ones.
Fortunately, you can still entertain in an outdoor space, where it’s easier to keep your
distance and (best of all) no face masks are required.
So, what can you do to create the ideal outdoor entertaining space for your home? Follow
these seven expert tips from the DWR Construction team to get started. And don’t worry, our tips are geared towards your home in Spring, Conroe, Kingwood, Tomball, Cypress, and the entire North Houston area.
1. Install a fire pit
Few things will create a relaxing ambience in your outdoor entertaining space than a fire: just
imagine cozy evenings listening to the sound of those flames crackling, with that soft light
spilling across your garden.
But as beautiful as it is, lighting a fire can be dangerous without the right equipment.
Installing a
fire pit helps to keep flames and their embers contained, creating a clear divide
between the fire and the rest of your garden. You can even toast marshmallows or sausages
much more safely than you could with an open fire.
A huge range of fire pit designs are available, from streamlined contemporary styles to more
elaborate structures. Working with a team boasting years of experience installing fire pits will
ensure yours is the perfect addition to your outdoor entertaining space.
2. Prepare food in the open with an outdoor kitchen
When you’re in the kitchen preparing food for guests waiting in your garden, you may not get
to see as much of them as you like. But if you cook and eat outside, you’re less likely to miss
out on so many great stories or gossip.
Here in Texas, we know a thing or two about barbecues. But you can only do so much with a
grill. If you want to prepare more diverse dishes in your garden, an outdoor kitchen is the
ideal solution.
Installing an outdoor kitchen empowers you with all the space to prepare snacks and meals
in the open air, while still allowing you to keep your distance from guests.
It’s not all about food, either: a beautiful outdoor kitchen creates an area to set up a little
cocktail mixing station or bar. You can minimize the amount of time you and your guests
need to spend indoors while social distancing is still in effect, too.
3. Create decks
Transform your garden into a luxurious outdoor entertaining space with decks. Decking is
more comfortable and stylish than paving stones or grass. But fitting decks can be tough, so
leave it to the professionals for faster, safer, more effective decking installation.
You can choose from a huge variety of materials and styles, such as cedar, treated wood,
and more. Pick carefully to ensure your decking complements the rest of your garden.
4. Lay a patio
You might want to keep your decking restricted to a particular area of your outdoor
entertaining space. So, what else do you do with the rest of your garden?
Installing a patio will create a different look and feel, if you want to move guests from a
dining area to a lounge area as the cool Texas evening eases into night.
Again, though, focus on creating a harmonious aesthetic in all areas of your garden. If you
already have a patio area but it clashes with a decking style you love, maybe it’s time for an
update.
5. Install heating for cooler weather
Evenings can get downright cold during fall/winter outside of Houston, but that’s no reason to think you can’t
have guests over to relax outdoors anymore. Exterior heating solutions can take care of that.
Sure, we’ve already mentioned fire pits. They create a gentle warmth that’s ideal for huddling
around, but you can try different options instead — gas heaters and electric patio heaters
are easy to set up.
But make sure you seek expert advice before installing any heating in your outdoor
entertaining space, to avoid any unnecessary safety risks.
6. Buy fresh plants
Fresh plants are one of the simplest but effective ways to make your outdoor areas more
welcoming. They add natural color and scents to cultivate a warmer atmosphere.
You might want to try hydrangea, lavender, roses, and chrysanthemums if you’re not sure
where to start. Really, though, you can choose almost any fresh plants that catch your eye.
Just make sure they’re safe for your pets and think carefully about the amount of time you’re
willing to spend on their maintenance. Plants that are obviously neglected can make your
outdoor entertaining space look messy and unwelcoming.
7. Experiment with mood lighting
Last but not least, let’s talk about mood lighting.
Quality lighting is more affordable today than ever, so if you’re worried about it being an
expensive addition, you might be surprised.
Fairy lights are a quick and easy option, especially if you’re experimenting with colors. Just
hang these strategically around your outdoor kitchen, above your decking, or surrounding
your patio area for a gentle glow. Fairy lights are available in plenty of styles to suit your
design tastes and even the season (e.g. red and green for Christmas).
You can go a little more sophisticated by having a set of sconce lights installed or LEDs
embedded in your walls, while under-cabinet lighting works a treat in outdoor kitchens.
If you follow these seven tips, you’ll create an outdoor entertaining space that wows your
guests and adds real value to your home for years to come.
DWR Construction has decades of invaluable experience working on professional exterior
projects in the North Houston area at highly competitive prices. To
learn more, get in touch and speak to a
member of our expert team today!
