photo of gazebo with curtain and string lights

If you enjoy entertaining and want an outdoor living space that can accommodate guests for dinner, pizza parties, or other events, you’ll want to know your options.

It wasn’t that long ago that government mandates prohibited people from gathering in large groups or being in close proximity. People were forced to practice social distancing, limit their group sizes, and stay home for long stretches of time. But that period is now behind us. Some people want to make up for lost time by enjoying time with family and friends.

You can do just that by creating the right outdoor living space to accommodate entertaining. With that said, here are five ways to accomplish this objective and create a space you can use and enjoy. 

  1. Create a Comfortable Seating Area

If you want an outdoor living space suitable for entertaining family and friends, you should create a cozy seating area. Consider weather-resistant lounge chairs, sofas, stackable stools, and other seating options that can be arranged in various configurations in the outdoor living space.

  1. Install Outdoor Lighting

You don’t want a situation where you have to wrap up the fun and games because of low-light conditions outdoors. It’s easy to remedy this problem, however, with outdoor lighting. You may already have enough, but don’t hesitate to add to what you have or get some lighting solutions if you don’t have outdoor lighting suitable for entertaining outdoors when the sun sets. You can use pathway lights, string lights, solar-powered lanterns, and other artificial lighting sources. That’ll ensure the fun continues even after the sun sets and darkness descends.

  1. Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace

Another way to transform your outdoor living space and create an area for social gatherings on your property is to add an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. It can be a great option when the weather is a bit chilly or if you want to hang out at night to talk or roast marshmallows.

You can create an outdoor living space as cozy as your den or living room. The only difference is you won’t be cooped up behind four walls and a roof. An outdoor living space will afford enough space for people to unwind.

  1. Outdoor Kitchen

Another way to equip your outdoor living space for entertaining family and friends is to invest in an outdoor kitchen. It’s the perfect way to transform your patio deck into a central hub of your home. You can get a stove with an oven, a sink with running water, cupboards, and more.

Depending on how much space you have and how much you want to spend, you can create an outdoor kitchen that rivals your indoor kitchen. You’ll enjoy prepping food, cooking meals, and breaking bread with people you care about and enjoy spending time with.

If you’re interested in an outdoor kitchen, consider adding an outdoor pizza oven. Everybody loves pizza. In fact, those who insist they don’t simply haven’t found the right combination of ingredients.

An outdoor pizza oven will allow you to create pizzas rivaling anything you’ll get at a mom-and-pop pizzeria or a popular pizza chain.

  1. Create a Shaded Area

Yet another way to make the most of your outdoor living space is to create a shaded area. Fortunately, there are various ways to accomplish this. One way is to get a patio cover. Installing one can be a game-changer since it means you can spend time outdoors no matter the weather. 

You and your family and friends won’t have to run inside when it rains. If you don’t want a patio cover, you can get a canopy, retractable awning, umbrella, pergolas, and more.

If the goal is to create an outdoor living space for more entertaining, these five recommendations will help. It’s about setting up a space for you, your family, and your guests. Entertaining will be more enjoyable for everyone when you have a dedicated space.