Planning Your Outdoor Space for Spring

planning outdoor spaceOver the last year, we have become much more appreciative of spending time outdoors. Families made the best of staycations, whether they explored their own communities for things to do or simply stayed home. Now that warmer weather is on its way, we’re looking forward to spending more time outside. It’s the perfect time to set up your outdoor space for maximum enjoyment so that when spring arrives and the sun starts setting later in the day, you can head outside to relax, eat, entertain, play, and enjoy your surroundings.

Early spring nights will still be chilly. If you don’t already have one, a fire pit or chiminea is a great excuse to get out of the house for a change of scenery. Think about your seating area. There are plenty of options for comfortable weather-resistant sofas and chairs. Some benches offer storage for blankets and anything else you want to keep out of the way when it’s not being used. You can set up a deck or patio as an outdoor living room.

Or, create an outdoor dining room and kitchen! If you love eating al fresco, then make it beautiful and functional. Set up one large dining table or maybe a few bistro tables. Be sure to dedicate a space for cooking. In addition to the traditional grill, how about a camp oven, a smoker, and accessories to cook your outdoor meal to perfection? An outdoor bar cart and cooler is a must to eliminate trips in and out of the house for chilled beverages and cocktails. If you have easy access to electricity, consider an outdoor (weatherproof) mini fridge.

The right ambience brings all your outdoor elements together. The modern options for lighting are endless, and you can be as creative as you want. And don’t forget the music! Wireless bluetooth speakers can set the tone with your favorite playlists.

With a little creativity, your backyard can be the go-to spot for fun and games. The kids in your life — and even the grown-up kids at heart — will have a blast if you dedicate an area to various yard games that are growing in popularity. Play some mini-golf, bocce, set up a fun obstacle course, corn hole, giant connect-four or giant Jenga, or even giant lawn chess or checkers. Tournaments can last for hours!

What’s your favorite part of your own backyard? Let us know and share your ideas!