How to create the best backyard entertainment areas
By Jo-Ann Capelaci on Jul 13, 2017
The long awaited summer has finally arrived in the GTA! If you are like me then you will agree that this is the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Do you have some backyard activities that top your list? Making separate backyard entertainment areas with different uses increases everyone’s enjoyment. I have put together five backyard entertainment ideas you can create yourself to increase your summer fun quotient.
1) Take a seat, stay a while
Via You can form multiple seating areas with almost any size yard. Separate seating areas help create movement and flow and provides options for both you and your guests. You will want to have one area to sit and have a meal and another for comfortable conversation. If your yard is large enough, consider including a fire-pit area, a separate seating area for little ones, a quiet corner to sit and reflect with a water feature or a corner tucked away for intimate conversation. Remember to have areas with both sun and shade to appeal to guests’ preferences.
2) Keep the kids entertained too
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When the kids are entertained, the adults are free to relax. Put together a fun, kid-friendly area at your next gathering! An inexpensive and easy idea is to layer soft blankets inside a blow-up kiddie pool. Throw in some plush vibrant pillows and a tray to set their food on. The best part is that it is lightweight and portable, so the kids lounge can move as needed. This is a great way to ensure that your little ones will have a blast in their own zone without worry.
3) Drink please!
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A cold drink on a hot summer day is essential to every backyard party. Try adding a portable bar to ensure you and your guests will be properly hydrated. This is convenient, adds pizazz to your yard and confines any mess. Adding pops of colour through glassware and stringing up some lights will give your beverage station a festive, carefree vibe!
4) Theme your next outdoor party
Via Spice up your next event with a fun theme! One idea is to set up wood easels atop your dining table and challenge your guests to replicate a picture. At the end of the night, lay out all of the creations and see who was able to come the closest. This adds an element of fun and encourages lively conversation and laughs throughout the day or evening. For extra interest, consider asking your guests to dress according to the theme. For this party, they can dress as their favourite painting; the Mona Lisa for example.
Some themed food inspired ideas are Hawaiian, Mexican, Caribbean, Arabian or Moroccan nights. A few other themes; 1980’s dance party, a Hollywood glam event or a movie theme.
5) Let the games begin!
Via brit.co
Keep your guests laughing and entertained all night long with games like ring toss! Paint old soda bottles or beer bottles in vibrant summery shades and use hair ties or plastic bracelets as the rings. Keep score on a chalkboard to track the competition and don’t forget a mini prize for the winner! This is a quick and easy way to create hours of fun at your next barbecue!
I hope these outdoor entertainment ideas have inspired you to get creative with your space and parties. And don't forget about the front of your home so your guests are impressed upon arrival! There are many more ideas for seating, themed events and games on our Pinterest board. Enjoy!
Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.
