Looking to entertain? Go all out
There’s still time to pull together a patio plan for summer socializing
Q: I just moved into the most charming house, which I had been admiring for years and finally had the opportunity to purchase. The living area, though filled with character, is rather small — smaller than the outdoor entertaining area, in fact. Having moved from a home with no outdoor space, I am excited to entertain my friends this summer. I know it’s getting late in the season, but do you have any ideas that can help me pull this together quickly so that I don’t feel as if this summer has passed me by?
A: Fear not. You can have your outdoor area pulled together in a jiffy if you hit the street with a plan. Even better, head out with your plan plus an open mind, taking advantage of the summer sales going on now. As you don’t have a lot of indoor entertaining area, it’s important to maximize your outdoor space by creating another room for you to enjoy.
I chose an inspiration photo from Atlanta designer Janice Dietz (consultinghouseinc.com) because, not only is this room inviting and conducive to entertaining, there are some decor ideas used here that will help pull a look together for your own patio.
Start with an outdoor rug. It will immediately help to define the space as a room. There are amazing ones on the market right now in all styles and patterns, and you won’t be able to discern them from an interior rug.
Maximize your seating outdoors, making up for what you don’t have indoors. The room pictured comprises a swing-style daybed, a sofa and two chairs. Though this may be more than you can accommodate, take a good look at your space to figure out what seating components you need.
Do you require a designated dining table and chairs? If you’re a gourmet at the barbecue and sit-down dinner parties are a priority, you may want to carve out space for an actual dining table and chairs. Otherwise, putting out appetizers and tapas on a large coffee table may work equally as well without having to accommodate a dining table that you might not use as much.
Notice how the tie-back sheer panels in the photograph soften the look of the space, giving it the appearance of an actual room. Think creatively when you look at your space; hanging outdoor sheer or drapery panels on an exterior wall may be the answer for you.
You want to maximize the amount of time you can use this outdoor room, so if there’s an area to hang an overhead fan then take advantage of it — and even if there isn’t, Dyson makes a well designed floor model that you’ll be happy to tuck into a corner. And with the addition of an outdoor heater, you’ll be able to extend the season to include those cool fall nights.
Every outdoor space needs greenery, and because this terrace is blessed with a bounty of it beyond the rails, it isn’t necessary for Dietz to allocate precious space to planters. If you aren’t as lucky, I recommend using a couple of large plants as a focal point. Sometimes oversized is the way to go even if the space is small. If floral is more to your liking, think how beautiful two hibiscus trees would look on your terrace (if growing conditions are favourable).
Just like inside your house, without accessories and decorative pillows, your outdoor space will never feel finished. Choose fabrics and finishes that are intended for outdoor use and create an environment that reflects your taste and personality.
It’s easy to buy a set of outdoor furniture, planters and a barbecue and call it a day, but remember this space should be a reflection and continuation of your overall decor style and not the creation of the marketing department of a bigbox retailer. Infuse your own personality into it and start entertaining your friends this summer.