The COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for most people, but potentially more so for those who loved nothing more than entertaining friends and family. Suddenly, everyone had to remain in their own bubbles, and people you used to spend much of your spare time with could only connect with you over digital platforms. 

While COVID-19 restrictions are now much looser, many people are still opting for outdoor entertaining rather than large group events in a confined space. If you’re exploring your options for turning your backyard into the perfect post-COVID hangout spot, you can find some helpful tips below.  

 

Provide Plenty of Seating 

Outdoor entertaining can be just as satisfying and comfortable as indoor entertaining, provided you have enough seating for everyone. Purchase outdoor furniture to suit your space, paying particular attention to your elements to determine the most appropriate options. 

For example, materials like plastic can often be much more robust and long-lasting in shady areas, while wood can require a great deal more care if it spends too much time in a damp, dark part of your property. 

If you’re purchasing anything with cushions and fabrics, ensure these elements are removable for storage once winter arrives.  

Position your seating around a focal point, such as a fire pit, a heater, or a table, and consider adequate spacing to ensure everyone can feel comfortable with the lingering threat of COVID in the air. 

 

Don’t Forget the Lighting 

After a full day of entertaining outdoors, many homeowners welcome their guests into their homes where there’s enough light for several more hours of fun. However, in the post-COVID world, many homeowners are still wary about entertaining large groups in a small space. 

Keep entertaining outdoors for as long as everyone’s eager to stay by lighting up your outdoor entertainment space. Purchase solar-powered fairy lights, professionally-installed outdoor lighting, and solar garden lights for as much light as you need for a patio, deck, or another area.  

 

Purchase a Heater 

While New Zealand experiences beautifully warm days from December to March, the night air can be cool. Fortunately, that won’t be an issue for you and your guests if you purchase an outdoor heater.  

You might opt for something rustic like a fire pit or brazier, a clean heating option like an electric heater, or a straightforward and affordable heater, such as a gas-powered patio heater. Even a chimenea can provide the heat you need to keep the party going. 

 

Choose Hardscapes 

Unless you like spending every waking moment pulling weeds out of your garden, hardscapes might be a crucial consideration when creating the perfect post-COVID hangout spot. Many benefits can be associated with hardscapes, such as low maintenance, expanding your living space, increasing your yard’s functionality, and potentially increasing curb appeal and property value.  

Many possible hardscape materials might grab your attention as a suitable option, such as gravel for pathways and walkways to limit weed growth and improve drainage and wood chips for ground cover and aesthetics. Bark is also a firm favourite with many Kiwis because it is inexpensive and doesn’t require any water. 

Bricks, rubber mats, concrete, tiles, and stepping stones might also be options you consider as you start bringing your entertainment area to life.  

 

Plant Low-Maintenance Plants 

If you want to spend more time entertaining and less time gardening, purchase low-maintenance plants that thrive without your constant care and attention. Most garden stores have an abundance of standout options, such as dwarf agapanthus ground cover plants, star jasmine, New Zealand cushion bush, and tussocks. 

Once established, these plants hold their own, add much-needed greenery to your outdoor space, and work in harmony with any hardscape elements you’ve introduced.  

 

Consider Comfort 

Our homes are typically more comfortable than our yards, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. If you’d prefer to entertain your guests outdoors, there are plenty of ways to ensure people want to stay outside for as long as possible. 

Alongside having adequate lighting and heating, you can also design your outdoor patio area or deck to have exceptional indoor-outdoor flow for shelter from the elements. Privacy walls might also help guests feel more comfortable, as well as soft furnishings and floor covers. 

If you have a covered outdoor entertaining area, an outdoor kitchen might also be a worthwhile addition, as it allows guests to enjoy food in an outdoor environment rather than having to enter your home to satisfy their hunger. 

 

Enjoy a New Form of Entertainment 

Whether your home isn’t large enough for how many people you want to entertain, or you’re interested in an outdoor oasis that enables people to practice social distancing, you’ll be surprised by easy it is to create the perfect outdoor space. Take note of these tips above, and it might not be long until you’re spending more time outdoors than indoors.