Outdoor entertaining has become very popular in recent years. Simple patio furniture used to be the only thing you saw on patios and decks. Times have changed and people have realized how great it is to have an outdoor oasis. It’s a place where you can relax and unwind from the stresses of the day, enjoy time with family and friends, and take in the best entertaining outdoors.

Now that people are spending more time outdoors, the trend is to make the outdoors just as comfortable as the indoors. Consider these ideas to create a backyard space you’ll never want to leave:

1. Make your outdoor oasis comfortable with deep seating, an inviting settee, and beautiful tables – go beyond basic patio furniture.
2. Bring the inside out with throws to ward off an evening chill, pillows for comfort and color, and vases and candles as accent pieces to add extra charm.
3. Design a mix of beautiful container plants and flora to blend your outdoor space into the landscape.
4. Include a gazebo, pergola, umbrellas, or a retractable awning to provide shade where needed so you can continue to enjoy your oasis on a sunny day.
5. Include chandeliers and specialty lighting for evening events, then let Symspire help take it up a notch with adjustable lighting. With lighting adjusted to fit your style, you can enjoy lower light at an intimate dinner with a few friends, or go big with more lighting for a larger group.
6. Privacy screens, fencing, lattices with vines, or garden walls can help define your space and bring privacy from neighboring houses.
7. Take movie night outside with a customized weatherproof audio video setup. Symspire can design and install the perfect solution for your outdoor living space including televisions, video projection, speakers, and more.
8. Save yourself from running in and out all evening during your dinner party by including a full outdoor kitchen, which these days can include everything – even the kitchen sink.
9. Today’s technology means your outdoor audio, video, and lighting features can be controlled right from your smartphone or tablet. Turn the music down and bring up the lights for the dinner toast, all without leaving your seat at the table.
10. Add a soothing touch to your oasis with a water feature and enjoy the sound of trickling water as you relax.

With a second living space outside, you can invite friends over to watch the football game, listen to music while you work in the yard, or enjoy a magically lit evening with friends – all in the great outdoors.

If you like to relax on your patio, or you enjoy entertaining family and friends in your backyard, now is a great time to consider creating a backyard oasis. Contact the electrical and audio visual experts at Symspire and let us help you design and install your dream outdoor entertaining space.

Sources: Good Housekeeping, DIY Network, Better Homes & Gardens, and HGTV