5 BACKYARD ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIALS

For a lot of us our backyard is like an extension of our home. When spring and summer come around we head outside to enjoy the fresh air. We often invite friends and family over to enjoy this space with us.  I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for simple ways to improve my entertainment area. Here are five essentials every backyard entertainment area needs.

1. Outdoor Kitchen / Dining area
   When it comes to backyard entertaining, it helps to have a place to prepare food and also a place for your guest to sit down and enjoy their meal. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill with a portable table to help you prepare or as elaborate as a full kitchen complete with all the amenities of your typical kitchen. As for a dining area some homeowners prefer more casual outdoor seating staged throughout the area over a more formal sit-down area depending on the atmosphere you want to create for you yard.
2. Shade/shelter
   When setting up your backyard entertainment area, it is important to think about the climate in which you live. In cooler climates, you may welcome more sunlight to help warm the area up, in which a pergola may be ideal for your space. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to block some of that summer heat with a pavilion or gazebo style shelter. The options really are endless when it comes to shelter/shade, and it all depends on the unique needs of your backyard.
3. Insect control
   Backyard entertaining can be ruined by unwanted pests. When the party rolls into the evening hours and the sun starts to set, many insects become active and can quickly ruin your gathering. Prevention is ideal in this situation by eliminating breading grounds for mosquitos, etc. The most popular options for insect repelling products such are torches, candles, sprays, and traps.
4. Fire pit/ water feature
   Depending on your climate and the time of year you plan to do most of your entertaining you may opt for a fire pit and/ or water feature. Both can help set the mood and give off a relaxing ambiance. Fire pits and patio heaters can help warm the area and keep the party going longer in cooler weather.  Water features are a great way to drown out surrounding noise and help set a relaxing atmosphere. There are countless options for both fire pits and water features that are sure to fit your particular needs and space.
5. Activities
   Another great idea for your backyard entertainment area are miscellaneous family friendly games and activities. Activities could simply be a projector screen, backyard games, a pool area for cooling down, playset for kids, or s’mores or hotdog roasting kits. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fun outdoor activities for the whole family.Final Thoughts
   We all enjoy spending time with our families and friends. The back yard is a great space to do this and help us escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These five areas should help you transform your backyard into an entertainment area for all to enjoy.