How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Space for Entertaining
Create a backyard that’s beautiful, functional, and ready for guests year-round
Whether you're hosting weekend barbecues, sipping cocktails on the patio, or enjoying peaceful mornings outdoors, a well-designed outdoor space makes all the difference. If you're dreaming of a landscape that’s as welcoming as it is stunning, here’s how to design the perfect entertaining area right in your own backyard.
Design for Year-Round Bloom
One of the most powerful ways to elevate your outdoor space is to plan your plantings with succession of bloom in mind. This means ensuring something is always flowering—from early spring bulbs to summer perennials to late-season shrubs. Not only does this create a colorful and ever-changing view, but it also supports pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing the ecosystem right in your yard.
Pro tip: Choose fragrant bloomers like lilac, rose, butterfly bush, or lavender. These plants bring a delightful aromatic experience to your garden, adding depth to the sensory atmosphere your guests will love.
Add Color with Foliage, Bark & Texture
Beyond blooms, color and visual interest can come from strategic foliage and bark choices. Consider evergreens like cypress or junipers that maintain year-round structure and provide a bold contrast to flowers.
Add texture with plants like:
- Brunnera - Large, heart-shaped leaves with silver tones
- Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Available in shades from deep purple to lime green
- Hakone Grass – A flowing ornamental grass with golden hues
- Red Twig Dogwood – Striking red bark in winter
Combining leaf shapes, colors, and textures adds visual richness that keeps your garden interesting even when nothing’s in bloom.
Create Privacy with Plantings
No one wants to feel on display while relaxing outdoors. Installing privacy screens ensures a sense of peace and intimacy. Go formal with a row of Arborvitae or create a softer look using a mixed border of evergreens, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses. You’ll enjoy both privacy and beauty.
Add Hardscape Areas
Every great entertaining space needs a central gathering spot—whether it’s a deck, patio, firepit, or outdoor kitchen. These spaces encourage connection and give your guests a place to sit, mingle, and relax. Pair your hardscapes with container plantings, string lights, or built-in seating for added charm and convenience.
Mix in Edible Plants for a Wow Factor
Want to really impress your guests? Grow your own edible landscape! Herbs like mint, lavender, rosemary, and even edible flowers like nasturtiums or roses can be used in cocktails, garnishes, and desserts.
Just a heads-up: if you plan to serve anything from your garden, make sure you're not using chemical herbicides or pesticides, as they can make edible plants unsafe to consume.
Prioritize Safety with Tick Control
If you have kids, pets, or frequent visitors, tick control is a must. Protect your family and guests with professional tick treatments that help reduce risk while keeping your yard safe and enjoyable all season long. No one wants to worry about pests while trying to relax or entertain.
Keep the Lawn Tidy & Inviting
Tall, unkempt grass not only feels uncomfortable underfoot, but it also invites unwanted insects and can make your yard feel less polished. Stay on top of maintenance with regular mowing services from Shannon Lawn & Landscaping, and keep your lawn short, healthy, and ready for action.
Let Shannon Lawn & Landscaping Help You Entertain in Style
Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your current space, Shannon Lawn & Landscaping has over 37 years of experience turning ordinary backyards into extraordinary outdoor living areas. From plant selection and hardscaping to lawn care and tick control, our team is here to help you design a space that becomes the gathering place everyone wants to enjoy.
Contact us today to get started on transforming your property into the envy of the neighborhood! 🌿
📍 Visit Us:1111 Honeyspot Rd, Stratford, CT
📞 203-375-8240
Take Your Lawn Back With Our Lawn Care & Landscaping Services Based In Stratford, CT and Serving Fairfield and New Haven Counties