The Edinburgh Realty eNewsletter

Issue #115 | November 2022

Archive

Six top tips for your summer outdoor entertainment area

Summer is almost here! It’s time to get your home ready for the longer, warmer days spent outside with family and friends. Chill and re-energise at home this season with our six top tips for creating the ideal summer outdoor entertainment area.

  1. Heed your needs. Think about how you most enjoy entertaining outdoors. Are you big on BBQ parties or homemade pizza nights? Or a simple fire-pit marshmallow roast with the kids? Or drinks on the deck with the neighbours? Once you have a handle on how you prefer to entertain, it will be easier to figure out the furniture, layout, décor and equipment you’ll need to host family and guests outside.

 

  1. Sit comfortably. Look for furniture you will find comfortable that is also practical and will weather well. Depending on the available space, think about setting up additional seating areas so you’re well positioned to follow the sun, dawn to dusk.

 

  1. Throw some shade. While basking in radiance all summer long might sound divine, don’t neglect Sun’s sensible siblings, Shade and Shelter. Adjustable, retractable awnings and umbrellas allow you to cast shade when and where you want it, on those baking hot days.

 

  1. Light it right. Don’t leave your guests in the dark. Keep the fun going well into the night with lighting to enhance and express your style. Festoon lights, fairy lighting and lanterns are great for a cosy, relaxed vibe, while solar garden lights or LED strip lighting can create a sleeker, more sophisticated atmosphere.

 

  1. Freshen up the foliage. Weeding, pruning and mulching are a great start for giving your garden and borders a good tidy up. Replace any withered, sad old shrubs with something sun-loving, new and vibrant for your outdoor area.

 

  1. Match the summer mood. Add a touch of sunny colour and style with outdoor cushions or throws, and a statement pot or planters to bring some personality outdoors. For a simple brighten-up, give drab wooden fences a lift with a new coat of paint. Whether it’s a straight recolour or a bright new hue, you can’t go wrong with a freshly painted fence.