Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Summer is a season notorious for outdoor celebrations. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day there are a number of national holidays that warrant outdoor activities such as fireworks, not to mention the longer days and children free from school responsibilities that just beckon a cook out. One way to put a sure halt to your summer time enjoyment is a backyard that simpy won't support a party.
Take Cover
One of the key ingredients in a successful summer party is cover from the heat. No guest wants to barbecue in the heat while waiting for the barbecue to grill, and neither do the most devoted of grill masters. So it's essential that you provide your guests with some manner of cover from the beating sun.
The options for this necessity range from the simple and inexpensive (an umbrella-covered table) to the more labor and cost intensive (large wooden gazebo). You might also consider a less expensive but more visually and practically pleasing cloth gazebo. These can typically be found at your local home improvement store for anywhere between $100-$300, depending on the size and amenities.
Ground Control
Second only to protection from the summer sun is ground covering. Adding a patio or deck to your home increases not only your home's entertaining capabilities but also it's value. Can't afford to have concrete poured or build a sprawling deck? Consider brick pavers or garden stones to form a patio sufficient to accomodate a table and chairs or patio set. This option is less expensive, easy to put together, and offers a solution to your problem that won't require a contractor or time set aside for a major project.
Aesthetics, Aesthetics
While functionality should always be a consideration for an entertaining space before aesthetic appeal it's much easier to enjoy your new space if it looks as good as it functions. Adding some color to your patio or deck in the form of printed patio furniture cushions or spray painted flower pots will only increase your guests' enjoyment of the space. While the grill needs a place to stand it's nice to have something pretty to look at while you're relaxing too
Increasing your backyard entertaining potential doesn't require bankruptcy-worthy debt or a huge project. By adding some of the basic elements described here you can add extra entertaining room to your home while, in some cases, adding value as you do so. For more information on increasing your backyard's functional potential visit DIYnetwork.com or MyHomeIdeas.com.
