Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, we are spending more time outdoors. That means patio time! Both out on the town and in the back-yard. In addition to the cold drinks, the fancy patio lanterns and the newest in rattan furniture design, cultivating a space outdoors where you can create connection with nature and those you love all throughout the season, is just as important.
Whether we know it or not, there are certain spaces we visit, that just don’t feel good. And there are others, like our favourite restaurant or hotel, that offer us an experience we want to return to and have again and again.
When setting up your patio or hosting a BBQ this season, think about the type of experience you want to create for your guests. Get intentional about how you want them to feel in the space. Create spaces that promote and fuel (not from the BBQ!) conversation and connection and spark emotion within your guests.
In addition to the food, the human connection is the most essential part and then good lighting and seating certainly don’t hurt when preparing for a memorable evening!
My tips for setting up patios that fuel conversation and connection:
Scrub-a-dub-dub: the first thing that gets done when it’s time to set up the patio is a good, solid cleaning of the deck or patio surface. Ours gets covered in moss and muck from all the rain over the winter so it requires a good cleaning before the patio furniture comes out. I have the hubby use a power-washer to save me the sweat. A clean patio surface ensures my guests can move from outside to inside sandal free in optimal comfort. More comfortable with them on? No problem, there is no dirt on the patio to track inside the house!
Seating: in previous years, we made the mistake of placing a table that was much too large in the space. My initial thinking was that it would provide more seating in what is a very small space. This was counter-intuitive and worked exactly the opposite. Because the large square table and heavy cement benches took up too much space, guests felt crowded, the benches couldn’t be accessed, and we ended up not sitting out there at all. This year, we have replaced that table with a fire table that is round and much smaller (not to mention multi-purpose!) and the benches, with comfortable seating for guests that can easily be moved around. This has freed up so much space on the actual patio and allowed for a better conversation area.
Lighting: we all love a good patio lantern, right?! I’m currently loving the Einstein bulb strings from the Canvas collection at good ole’ Canadian Tire. In addition to some lanterns or tikka torches, add elements of lighting with hanging or floor placed lanterns and large multi-wick candles. If you have a fire table like ours, make sure your stocked with propane and light that baby up! TIP: Make sure you don’t have too much lighting that it’s bright and unflattering for guests, but enough that guests can still see each other and make eye contact during conversation. Intentional lighting can make or break a space, especially at night on the patio!
Refreshments: and a place for them! Having no where to place your drink is the worst! Especially as the cold drips of water from the frosty glasses fall onto your guests lap. Side tables or trays to place drinks on are essential for patio partying. We need our hands to greet and eat! Having coasters or cocktails napkins set out is also a nice way to indicate to guests where they can set their drinks without them having to think about it too much. This way, they stay connected and immersed in conversation because the space is intentionally created to support their natural behaviours.
Plants: this is an easy one. Growing plants at home has so many benefits. Having a patio that is lush with greens not only improves the quality of the space but also adds to the décor. I love our matching planters that hold tall grasses; when the grass grows, it provides privacy as well as a beautiful view.
Food: keep it simple sweetheart! Spend the time where it matters and that’s connecting with your loved ones or guests. Create menu items that are simple and social so that you aren’t isolated in the kitchen while the party is on the patio. BBQ, fondue, and potlucks are great ways to keep the meal interactive and the efforts to a minimum.
Rituals: the warmer months offer us an opportunity to create new rituals for ourselves. Rising with the sun, picnic lunches in the park, capturing the sunset at dinner; finding ways to connect with nature, our loved ones and ourselves, is essential to staying grounded. Now that the patio is ready, our favourite ritual is to have our morning coffee together while watching the sun rise. Finding ways to connect with our partners amongst the chaos of our day to day, is such a beautiful act of love.
How do you prepare your patio? Do you plan around events? Cater to conversation? Whatever your personal style, consciously creating your space to suite your seasonal needs, ensures a fulfilling and satisfying patio experience for everyone all summer long.
Cheers!
Live well,
Cher
