Warmer evenings and longer daylight hours spent in our outdoor areas, signal that Summer is almost upon us and it is time to turn our thoughts to preparing for Christmas. With the trend for indoor/outdoor living growing as we are all spending a lot more time at home, maximising the use of our outdoor spaces is so important. Here are some ideas for bringing festive cheer to your outdoor areas.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR LIVING
A comfortable, inviting outdoor living space provides another room for relaxing or entertaining in. For cohesion, you want to style your outdoor areas to complement your homes interior, using similar themes with complementary colours and accessories.
Seating should be arranged for functionality with side table for drinks and snacks and be appealing with comfy, plump cushions and textured throw rugs to entice people to stay a while, relax and chat. To add a Christmas feel, add a few Christmas themed cushions.
Dining spaces work well when located near the outdoor BBQ or close to the kitchen. Having a central table with comfortable seating as well as additional bench seating (bonus if this doubles as storage) gives guests options of spaces to gather when food is ready or if having drinks. A Christmas table centre piece, candles, tinsel and themed tableware will all add to the celebrations.
Resort Style Bar
Who doesn’t want to feel like they are on a holiday and what better way to experience this than at your very own resort bar? Set up a dedicated area for the bar when you are entertaining this festive season to add a great atmosphere to the gathering. Pick a theme that matches the style of your home or the gathering you are having and get a little creative.
Set up a drinks table or portable trolley in a secluded part of the garden or near the pool if you have space. Add in a few stools and a taller bar table for people to mingle and rest their drinks on. Use fairy lights for some night-time ambience or decorate tables with Christmas scented candles.
Kids Play Area
A dedicated play zone set up for the kids will keep them occupied while the adults relax and enjoy the festivities. Creating the “Kids Zone” in clear view from the entertainment area, allows parents to keep an eye on them. Shade is important to protect from the summer heat and shade sails are a cost-effective option that provide soft, flowing lines creating a focal point in the garden. A sandpit is always a big hit with the younger kids and swings, climbing bars or a cubby house will provide hours of fun for all ages.
A Christmas craft area where the kids can make some cards, decorate some tree ornaments or perhaps ice some Christmas themed cookies will provide hours of entertainment. Adding a few outdoor Christmas decorations and lights to the “Kid’s Zone” will excite the younger members of the family day or night.
Christmas Decorations for Outdoor Areas
This is your chance to add a festive feel to your street and to set the scene for when family and friends arrive – so why not go all out! Utilising existing landscaping structures such as fences, garden bed walls, veranda pillars or posts and adorning these with Christmas lights and decorations transforms your front yard into an appealing festive grotto.
Carrying your indoor Christmas decorating theme into your outdoor areas provides a nice flow between these spaces. This can be as simple as using theme coloured table runners, napkins and a few cushions or more traditional styling with Christmas decorations and festive lights placed around the main entertaining areas.
Shrubs or trees in the garden can be decorated as an outdoor Christmas tree with ornaments and lights.
Transforming your outdoor areas into a Christmas wonderland doesn’t need to take too much time and you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars. A few well selected ideas can safely transform your garden ready for when you are next entertaining.
Fresh Perspective Landscapes can help with all your landscaping needs, creating usable zones for any occasions. Contact Luke 0434 355 066 or on Facebook for a free quote to transform your outdoor spaces.