Amazing Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining This Summer

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Posted By

Helene McQuaide

Amazing Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining This Summer

Picture of Posted By

Posted By

Helene McQuaide

Are tired of the same old backyard barbecues year after year? Reinventing your summer get-togethers can be as simple as trying a few new recipes and transforming your deck or patio in the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a home renovation. Here are five ways you can make your backyard events much more interesting.

Modify the Menu

Hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks may be classic barbeque fare, but that doesn’t mean every party you host has to include these staples. Depending on their preferences, your guests may prefer a tasty new recipe instead. Food & Wine offers several possibilities, including Grilled Scallops with Honeydew-Avocado Sauce, Tuscan-Style Veal Chops or Grilled Tofu Steaks with Piquillo Salsa Verde.

Thanks to the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer, it’s easy to create flavorful, simple side dishes and desserts that are light, yet filling. When the weather turns a little cooler, make the switch to heartier recipes, like chicken sliders or a steamy bowl of stew or chili.

Fire It Up

Have you noticed that the flow of conversation improves when your guests are gathered around a bonfire or fire pit? Whether the group is roasting hot dogs, making s’mores or sharing stories, there’s something relaxing about a fire that encourages even the most reserved guests to join in the fun. If you don’t already have a fire pit or designated spot for bonfires (if permitted by your municipality), consider adding one to enhance your backyard entertaining space.

Hold a Movie Night

Do you miss spending the evening at the drive-in theater? Although it’s hard to find the theaters these days, it’s easy to create your own outdoor viewing experience with an outdoor projector and screen. Open Air Cinema recommends starting movies at dusk and using a very bright projector to counteract the effects of moonlight, street light or headlights. The company notes that a 2,300 lumen projector is the minimum requirement for a 12 x 7’ screen, although a 3,000 lumen screen is preferred.

Moveable screens can be set up every time you plan to watch a movie or sporting event or can be incorporated in the design of your outdoor living space if you’re planning a backyard renovation.

Create the Perfect Environment

Folding lawn chairs may be perfectly fine if you’re attending the local fireworks display, but they’re not the most comfortable seating option for your backyard space. Your guests will appreciate soft, padded, water resistant chairs and couches. Other features that can turn your backyard into the perfect summer entertainment spot include:

  • An outdoor kitchen, complete with small refrigerator, luxury grill and ample prep space
  • Soft LED lighting to light pathways and illuminate your deck or patio
  • An outdoor sound system
  • Plenty of potted plants, trees and shrubs for privacy
  • An outdoor fireplace
  • A ceiling fan for your covered porch or deck
  • Outdoor rugs to define entertaining spaces

Ask a Pro for Help

Creating the ideal outdoor space can be just as challenging as renovating the rooms of your home. Why do it yourself when help is available? The Master Remodelers team of builders and designers not only helps Pittsburgh-area homeowners update and renovate family rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and basements, but also creates comfortable outdoor entertaining spaces.

In fact, we recently won Pittsburgh Magazine’s award for Best Outdoor Space 2018. Our award-winning project featured a full-width addition with a spacious porch, complete with French doors and a remote-controlled, smokeless gas fireplace. We can help you create your own award-worthy outdoor space. Contact us and let us know how we can help you improve your home, inside and out.

Sources:

Food & Wine: 28 Delectable Grilling Recipes

http://www.foodandwine.com/summer-grilling

Open Air Cinema: Open Air Tutorial

https://openaircinema.us/blog/2008/open-air-tutorial-choosing-and-operating-an-outdoor-projector

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