5 Ways to Prepare Your Backyard for Guests
There’s nothing like getting ready for guests during the summer months. Backyard preparation can be easy if you start early and have a plan for what you need to tackle. Decide what areas of your yard need attention, and what activities you want your guests to enjoy. Whether the activities will be lounging, grilling, or playing in the yard, here’s 5 ways to prepare your backyard for guests.
1) Clearing Debris: Walk around the exterior of your home and pick up debris. When guests come over, they will be in areas of your backyard, which you don’t usually think about. Pressure wash concrete, pool deck, and paver walkways to remove dirt and mildew. Walk through the lawn and pick up dead branches, and mow 1-2 days prior to your guests arriving. This gives times for fresh grass to settle and clippings won’t still linger.
2) Preparing the Patio & Pool: Clean patio furniture cushions with mild detergent. If covers are removable, machine wash and let them air dry. For umbrellas, awnings, and other outdoor fabrics wash with a garden hose and let air dry 1-2 days before entertaining. In pool and pond areas make sure they are clean and inviting. Consider hiring a professional if the task seems daunting. Often times, hiring a professional will be faster, and they will use products that will keep your pool and pond cleaner, longer.
3) Preparing the Grill Area: The grill is center stage when entertaining outdoors. To clean your grill use a wire brush and wipe clean the exterior with a mild detergent. If stubborn food debris still remains, warm the grill for a few minutes, turn off, and clean before the grill completely cools off. In the future, cleaning the grill a few hours after food preparation will allow for a cleaner grill and time saving preparation before grilling. Do you have an outdoor kitchen? Ensure that the sink, counter areas, and refrigerator are clean and stocked full of condiments and drinks.
4) Comfort for your guests: Depending on the climate and temperature, make sure your guests will feel comfortable and welcomed. If humidity and bugs can be a nuisance, citronella candles, and installing bug zappers can make for an enjoyable experience. In the summer direct sun can be harmful and uncomfortable. Ensure that shade is an option. Trees, umbrellas, awnings and screened covered porches provide relief from the sun. Let your guests remember your home for its great food, and not sunburn and bug bites!
5) Outdoor Lighting: Summer nights are the great for entertaining. Lighting choices can range from table top candles, outdoor light strings, to lanterns placed around the patio. If kids are going to be present, opt for using lighting that is safe from being accidently knocked over. A chiminea, fire pit or outdoor fireplace is a perfect touch to cool summer evenings. Have wood, chips, and other heating materials ready for nighttime enjoyment.
Your backyard is a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing. Enjoy the summer and your guests by preparing the backyard for endless fun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional. She has a design service, Stagetecture, which provides home staging, organization and interiors expertise to those who love their homes.
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