Blog Posts, Landscaping

Al Fresco Dining at Home: Tips to Prep Your Backyard

Considering that 60% of potential home buyers say a well-landscaped yard influences their property purchasing decisions, it should come as no surprise that we value our green spaces. As temperatures start to warm up over the next few months, you and your family will probably want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. And one of the best ways to really appreciate your backyard is to take your meals in this natural setting. There’s nothing quite like having your first cup of coffee out on the patio or savoring a delicious dinner while sitting on the deck with your loved ones. But to truly enjoy al fresco dining, you’ll need to prepare your yard first. These tips will get your property ready for cookouts, dinner parties, and casual meals in no time.

    • Inspect your deck or patio: Before you can create the ideal al fresco dining setup, you’ll need to ensure the area itself is in excellent condition. If you have a deck, inspect it for loose boards or railings, wood decay, and other concerns. You may even want to have it professionally cleaned and re-stained. For patios, homeowners should be on the lookout for loose or crumbling pavers and should give this area (as well as any walkways) a good cleaning. And if you’ve been waiting to install one of these options, this is the ideal time to bring those deck or paver patio designs to life with help from your landscapers. While you can dine al fresco on the lawn, your property will benefit from having a designated area for entertaining.

 

    • Focus on seating ‘n eating areas: Now that you’ve made certain your deck or patio is in good shape, you can turn your attention to tables, chairs, and other furniture. You’ll want to use pieces that are durable and weather-resistant, yet comfortable and refined. If you have the space for it, you can create a few different seating areas — one with a large round or rectangular table and chairs, one with a bench and lower patio accent table, and another with a fire pit and chairs or seating cubes. For those with smaller outdoor living spaces, one central table with chairs will absolutely suffice. Above all else, you’ll want this area to be functional and relaxing, inspiring your guests to sit a spell.

 

    • Add unique outdoor lighting: If you want to enjoy your meals outdoors during the spring and summer, you can’t do so in complete darkness. You’ll definitely need to invest in some good lighting to make your space both functional and appealing. In your outdoor eating area, the lights you choose can help in two different ways — they can set the mood and they can improve safety. Walkway outdoor lights can guide your guests from one area of your backyard to the other, while garden torches, twinkle lights, or sconces can set the scene for a magical evening.

 

  • Consider outdoor kitchens: While you can certainly dine al fresco even if you prepare the meal indoors, outdoor kitchens can offer a fantastic way to get your guests involved in the fun. By cooking in your outdoor setup, you’ll have easy access to everything you need and won’t miss out on all the fun. Plus, you’ll get your friends and family even more excited about the meal. You might even be able to convince them to help you. Homeowners who choose to install outdoor kitchens can keep the party going without interruption and can easily create delectable dishes everyone will devour.

By following these tips, al fresco dining at home becomes a snap. For more information on landscaping, unique lighting, or outdoor kitchens, please get in touch with us today.