Monday, August 22, 2011

For the Perfect Party, Bring Your Guests Outdoors

By Byron Jonas


For those with a small living space, or even those who just plain have a lot of friends and family, outdoor entertaining can be a great gathering alternative. A picnic table and a few chairs may be enough for some, while for others a more elaborate set-up may be required to incentivize the gang to come on over. Whatever the situation, here are some great solutions and suggestions to make outdoor entertaining a breeze this summer season.

When the days get hot and long, everybody wants to cool off, and what better way to cool down than with a residential swimming pool. Every family has a budget, and pools come in all shapes and sizes from in-ground to above-ground, and can have features like waterslides and diving boards for added fun. This great home addition makes for fun outdoor entertaining for guests of all ages.

For those living in cooler climates, a Jacuzzi can accomplish much the same goal. Even in the winter, a late-night Jacuzzi can be a great way to relax and entertain. This is an outdoor entertainment gem especially for homes that are not concerned with entertaining kids!

Everyone likes someone that is providing refreshments and what better way to keep everyone fed and happy than with a barbeque! Some families go big with a large, stationary grill, while others prefer something small and mobile. Consider how much you will be using the grill, and how much you and/or your family really likes to cook. There is nothing wrong with being the kind of people that order pizza, but for sunny Sunday afternoons, during football games, or for sunset outdoor dining, there is nothing better than some home-cooked barbeque action.

Speaking of cocktails, few home entertaining venues are quite as fun for the grown-up crowd than a personal outdoor bar. Stock up early, and make sure the bar is made of all-weather materials and presto! Instant tropical island-style entertainment. By running water and electricity, also entertain your guests with music, while keeping the beverages cool and the cocktails flowing.

Adding a deck or patio to a home can be another fun way of making entertaining a breeze. A deck or patio connected to the home means easy access to all the home's amenities, like the bathroom, without the mess of coming in and out from the lawn. Try adding tables and chairs, and equipping the deck or patio for both day and nighttime usage.

Today far more classier than what many may remember, the classic fire pit is a modern home entertaining gem, and a great place for guests of all ages to gather. Now available in sheik stone designs, fire pits are perfect for adults to chat, eat and drink, or for kids to hear scary stories and cook marshmallows and wieners.

No matter what your style when entertaining outdoors it is best to consider the comfort of your guests first. If you live in a cold area, outdoor heat lamps might be a good idea. If where you live is warm, an area with lots of cool breezes or a pool may be in order. If mosquitoes and other pests are an issue, plan ahead with tiki torches or bug spray. Above all else, when entertaining outdoors it is best to make sure guests are happy, comfortable, and above all having a good time.




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