When you prefer to entertain in a formal setting, you may need some significant changes to your Chatham Township and Harding Township, NJ, backyard if you anticipate more hosting opportunities this summer. The following landscaping features complement formal yet functional outdoor living spaces to let you invite as many guests as you choose.
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Begin With an Expansive Patio
An expansive patio can set the tone for the rest of the outdoor space, and your landscape professionals will understand how to help you choose the best materials to complement your home’s style and landscape aesthetic.
When you select neutral-colored stone and patio pavers, the tones can be a backdrop for your landscape features to stand out. Your landscape contractor can delineate the distinct spaces with a darker tone or different color patio paver to create a border that indicates a separate function.
Another way to make your patio the size you want but with intimate spaces can be when your landscaper changes the elevation of one or more areas. This can make each area feel like its own destination.
Add an Outdoor Kitchen
The right outdoor kitchen can allow you to cook your favorite meals while chatting with your guests. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer. If you enjoy cooking, consider including two grills, a cooktop, a deep sink, and a refrigerator.
If cooking is not your forte, an outdoor kitchen can make catering a lovely dinner easier and more efficient. You may want space to keep dishes warm and plenty of serving space.
Consider adding some extras to your outdoor kitchen to elevate the offerings. A pizza oven can be a fun way to involve everyone in the cooking as they make their own pizzas from an array of toppings. A pizza oven cooks pies that rival the best craft pizza restaurants but right in your backyard.
A wine cooler is another great choice for an outdoor kitchen since you can offer chilled beverages for a crowd and sodas for the kids, too.
Many homeowners love the idea of adding a coffee bar to the outdoor kitchen for custom coffee drinks and plain black coffee after a delicious meal.
Outdoor Dining Space
Incorporating an outdoor dining space can let you seat your guests comfortably. You can choose a table with leaves to expand for larger groups and keep it intimate for smaller groups.
A shade structure such as a pergola or full roof can offer shade on hot summer afternoons when you want to entertain outdoors but also have a shady spot. The pergola, with its beefy wood posts and custom beams on top, can give dappled shade below for an early dinner or a baby shower in the late afternoon. A full roof gives complete shade and protects your plans from the weather.
Outdoor Fireplace
Imagine the delight of your guests when they can relax by the outdoor fireplace after a meal. Not only can an outdoor fireplace add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor living space, it can become the place you most love to end your normal day—by the crackling fire.
Entertaining can be effortless when you have the proper outdoor spaces to host drinks and appetizers, a great meal, and finish by the fire.
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