Take it Outside

Take it outside 

(Published in Suburban Life Magazine May 2011)

Warm spring weather can certainly put you in a mood to celebrate, but spring cleaning is such a chore. This year make entertaining simple by telling your guests to “Get Out” – outdoors that is! Though you don’t have to clean the house to host great outdoor parties there are still a few things you want to consider before you host your next event outdoors.

By Sharon A. Shaw

Just like a home, the landscape will look better after a little spring cleaning. Heavy winter snow, ice and wind, as we experienced this year, can damage trees and shrubs. Pruning removes these broken branches while improving the shape and controlling the size of the plant. Debris such as leaves twigs and the remains of last years’ flowers should be removed from the garden and a fresh layer of mulch applied. Mulch not only looks great, it also helps to discourage weed growth, retains moisture and may improve soil over time.

Growing plants need proper nutrition to produce lush foliage and colorful blooms. Plants will benefit from regular mulching and fertilization, but what many people don’t realize is that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Beds only require 2-3 inches of mulch total, not that amount re-applied each season. Mulch build-up can smother perennials, allow pest and disease to damage trees and deplete soil nutrients, while over fertilization can damage tender roots and buds.  Organic fertilizers are also a good option since they offer gentler feeding through natural ingredients. Either way, it is important to employ a knowledgable professional or read package directions carefully.

Patios and walkways may also need spring maintenance. A fresh application of sand will stabilize the joints between stones and discourage weed growth there. Cleaning and sealing is also available to brighten and protect pavers. It is important to inspect these hardscape areas for damaged and loose stones before outdoor entertaining begins. During this inspection, check landscape lighting systems for damaged fixtures and dead light bulbs. It is not just a matter of beauty and safety, each dead bulb actually increases the stress on the system and reduces the lifespan of the remaining bulbs. Inspect your patio furniture and accessories for damage while you clean them for use.

With the basic tasks complete, it is time to design and decorate. When designing a space for outdoor entertaining there are a few things to consider. A landscape designer can help you make these decisions when constructing a new patio. When working with an existing yard though, you may need to rely on other professionals to help make the most of what you have got.

How often you entertain may determine if accessories, such as the patio, grill and shade structures should be permanent fixtures in the landscape or if temporary means can be used for events. A homeowner that has frequent dinner parties will benefit from an outdoor kitchen with plumbing and electric, while a family who hosts a once-a-year reunion may prefer a large lawn area to accommodate a rented tent instead of an oversized patio. While formal parties require patio spaces that accommodate high-heeled shoes and keep elegant clothes clean, casual events, such as kids parties, can often suffice with plenty of lawn space for play. Don’t overlook adequate parking and appropriate access to the backyard.

Gardens play an important role in entertaining. Well designed plantings can create privacy, add décor and fill the table. A vegetable garden is like a farmers market in your backyard, where you can grow your favorite hard to find varieties. Herbs provide a flavorful ingredient or garnish while even a casual bouquet of flowers cut from the garden will bring color to the table. Annuals are easy to add to gardens and pots for last minute improvement. Berries, branches and evergreen foliage are useful for creating centerpieces year-round. Of course, area florists can always create stunning arrangements instead.

Even the smallest of plants, the lawn, can play an important role in outdoor entertaining. In addition to providing room for a tent, the lawn can be designed to accommodate a variety of outdoor activities including games, sports and play structures so it is important to keep it looking its best with proper maintenance and watering.

The number of guests you plan to host will determine the size of the space needed, as well as the furniture requirements. Before planning a new entertaining area, a homeowner should know the quantity, size and function of furniture they would like to include. A landscape designer can use this information to create an appropriately sized area for everyday living and occasional entertaining. Dining tables, chaise lounges and other seating groups require additional space for guests to be able to walk past. A landscape or interior designer can help arrange furniture to maximize the function of an existing area. Additional seats can be rented or improvised by making use of sitting walls and steps.

Furniture is a great way to set the tone for your entertaining style. Intimate seating groups and bar style seating are perfect for cocktail parties while a large dining table and buffet may be more appropriate for family events. Furniture styles which require cushions offer an additional opportunity to decorate for the event. Outdoor fabrics are available in an endless selection of colors, prints and textures. Select fabrics which compliment the season whether it is a floral pastel for a spring-time luncheon or red-hot stripes for a summer time pool party. Choosing complimentary colored outdoor candles, dishes and linens can really help to pull the decor together.

The potential for accessorizing outdoor rooms is limited only by the imagination. If you entertain year-round or during the cooler seasons consider including heaters or a fireplace that can create warmth and ambiance. Events held during summer days should provide relief from the sun. Umbrella can be moved to accommodate the suns changing direction. Permanent elements like a large shade tree or pergola add year-round beauty to the landscape, while a covered porch or gazebo will also offer limited protection from inclement weather. Evening parties require lighting for function, safety and beauty.

Delicious food and drink are essential to any celebration. Catering can simplify the preparation a host is required to do by providing prepared foods, table settings, servers and clean-up. If you prefer to do the cooking though, an outdoor kitchen permits the host to be with their guests while preparing it. Built-in grills can be connected to a supply line so that the fuel never runs out. Amenities such as an outdoor refrigerator and warming drawer allow items to be made in advance of the event and kept at the right temperature until being served. Adequate counter space, a sink, integrated storage and trash receptacles keep the tools for preparation and clean-up close at hand. Counter top space can also be utilized for buffet service or bar-style seating. Other helpful bar accessories include a built-in icemaker, cocktail station and electrical outlets, useful for operating blenders and musical devices.

As you plan to host events this year, consider creating a place for outdoor entertaining and tell your guests to “Take it Outside”! They will thank you for it.