Tag Archives: outdoor entertaining

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Color Talk

Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk

Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations

If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade. You remember that we install gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors, don’t you? There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It

If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent. But for a more permanent approach, consider a screened porch or seasonal room.

Light a Fire

Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Information and image from My Home Ideas

Gazebos, Pergolas and Shade Arbors… Oh My!

Some people just don’t realize the endless possibilities that are likely when you think outside the box. Adding a structure with plenty of visual interest is not only something that your guests can enjoy, but it’s also an investment that you can be proud of. Whether you choose a gazebo, pergola or shade arbor, there are many benefits to adding one of these to your outdoor space:

  • We all know that first impressions mean everything. And what do guests see before they even set foot inside your front door? They see whatever is (or isn’t) outside. Your garden, landscape and outdoor structures are your home’s front line. A magnificent structure will wow guests as soon as they arrive!
  • While going to a beautiful local park to relax, unwind and take in nature’s beauty is a great idea, you won’t have to go far if you have an outdoor structure in your own backyard. They provide a sense of calm and peace to the exterior of your home. All you have to do is step out of your back door!
  • If you have a house full of kids, pets and/or visitors, it can be difficult to find a quiet place to talk or even a spot to have a moment for yourself. An outdoor structure is a fine solution to both of these problems.
  • Are you planning on hosting any barbecues or outdoor entertaining this spring and summer? If so, an outdoor structure is the perfect outdoor accessory for guests to enjoy on the perfect sunny day. With ample seating and some pretty decorations, gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors can provide enough shade for hot summer days to still be enjoyable.

Don’t forget that we’re offering a great deal from now until April 29th. Take advantage and call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Pergola and shade arbor shown are by Outdoor Environments

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments

Want a Deck? Here’s A Few Thoughts to Ponder

If you have an eye on a new deck add-on for your home, now is the perfect time to start planning and brainstorming. Waiting too long can possibly delay your deck installation and before you know it, the cool fall weather will be here again. Don’t let time pass you by! Here are just a few general ideas to get you started with identifying your deck needs:

  • What will your deck be used for? The purpose of your deck, whether it be simple relaxation or lively entertainment, will weigh heavily on its placement and how it is designed.
  • Decide your style. There are many different ways to go here. You can choose to do something bold and unique, or design your deck much like an existing room inside your home.
  • Start thinking about deck features you might be interested in – furniture, tables, kitchen area, fire pit, etc.
  • What lies beneath? You may not be able to see wiring, drainage systems and gas lines, but they are there. So don’t be surprised if you deck can’t be placed in your desired location. Safety first!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started with planning your deck in the Overland Park or Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments’ Facebook Photo Gallery

Add Life and Color to Your Outdoor Space

We can’t stress enough how important it is to start planning your home’s outdoor space for spring. Whether you’ve have (or plan to have) a deck, patio, porch, sunroom or another structure, making it look good is a key factor in actually enjoying it. Take these tips from Sensational Color about adding life to your backyard:

  1. Take a look around your backyard and make a note of the colors surrounding your home. The flowers, landscape, and even the color of your deck and other outdoor structures set a mood.
  2. Treat your outdoor space just as you would treat a room inside your home by coordinating colors. Fences, sunrooms, gazebos and decks all look their best when their styles are connected.
  3. Color is great, but limit yourself to a three-color palette to avoid a confusing theme.
  4. Always keep in mind the mood you want to set. Will the space be used for entertaining family and friends? Or will it be a space for child’s play? Whatever you do, your outdoor décor should relate to its use.

Want more tips about creating the perfect outdoor space? Click here! And don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started building your outdoor oasis in the Kansas City area!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

3 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Patio

A backyard patio is a great addition to your home if you enjoy relaxing (when weather permits) and entertaining just outside your back door. But you may want your space to feel a bit more private than it actually is. There are plenty of ways to add a touch of privacy to your patio. Here are just a few:

Walls – If you want to separate your space from the view of your neighbors, a patio wall would be an excellent option. Permanent walls require more work to install and may make your patio feel cramped while removable walls are temporary barriers that can collapse for storage.

Fencing – For a less restricted place, fencing as a more charming feel to your patio area. Add more visual interest by allowing plants and vines to grow up the face of the fence. Bamboo fences are perfect for this.

Plants – For an incognito way to shield your patio from the view of others, use flowers! Large, colorful planters and tall planted trees will appear more like decoration than a wall of armor.

For more ideas on how to make your Kansas City area patio more exclusive, call Outdoor Environments 913-491-0900 today!

More Ideas to Beautify Your Backyard

Hopefully you read our post from earlier this week about the features you should be thinking about adding to your backyard this spring. Just in case you needed some more inspiration, we’ve rounded up five more ideas to take your outdoor living space from drab to fab!

Outdoor flooring is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Even with a deck or patio already installed, accenting it with concrete pavers, a brick walkway or other hardscapes products adds a nice touch to any backyard.

What backyard is complete without a grilling area? It may be a bit nippy outdoors, but a grill, open faced brick oven and a wet bar are all great ways to enhance outdoor entertaining once the weather warms up.

The right lighting can make or break your home’s outdoor living area. Be creative with walkway lighting, candles or customized landscape lanterns.

Finally, there are many ways to accessorize once you added all the right outdoor living elements and features. Have you thought about statues or sculptures? What about picket fencing or a booming sound system?

For assistance getting your outdoor living area up to par for spring, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments is featured in Kansas City Homes and Gardens

Outdoor Environments’ own Dick DeVuyst was recently interviewed for the November issue of Kansas City Homes and Gardens’ article titled All Aglow. In it Dick talks about extending the outdoor living season well into fall by creating a fire element. Whether you decide to use a chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or outdoor kitchen a fire can help keep you warm on those cold Kansas City nights.

Dick tells KCH&G that “Fire and human beings are attracted to each other. It automatically gets people out of the house.” Let Outdoor Environments help you spend more time outdoors this holiday season by “adding the warm glow of a fire.”

For more information please give us a call at 913-897-2706.

Outdoor Environments

A special thank you to Veronica Toney with Kansas City Homes and Gardens.

Great Outdoor Entertaining ideas from CasaSugar

Step up your outdoor entertaining this fall with these great ideas from CasaSugar! From making a recycled glass chandelier to making use out of your pool during the fall months, these end-of-season décor  ideas will have your guests talking about your party well into winter.

From CasaSugar

What better way to serve your drinks than with this great drink dispenser.

From Interior and food stylist Paul Lowe. Source: Photo by Frances Janisch

Interior and food stylist Paul Lowe advises, “When you work with flowers you will always have some flower heads that fall of the stems. Don’t throw them away. Fill eggcups with water and place the flower heads in them. ” Thanks for the tip Paul, we love the look!

From Alison Events

We love the floral arrangements displayed in this pool. Although most of you are closing your pools in anticipation for the winter months, this is a perfect way to highlight the area one last time before you close it.

From CasaSugar

Exercise your three R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle) this month with this outdoor chandelier. Visit casasugar.com for details on how to make this incredible outdoor light.

For more ways on how to entertain your guests this fall check out the article on Casasugar.com.

Decorating Outdoors: Making the Most of What you Have

Is it possible to transform your beautiful outdoor space without spending a dime? HGTV.com explores ways to get creative by making the most of what you already have.

First up: Play up the unexpected. Below, a chair makes a great alternative to a side table, and its imperfect patina makes it a charming vignette.

Painting a rug on your porch is a money-saving alternative that’s also waterproof and doesn’t need to be cleaned!

Build a living wall by making your cinderblocks moonlight as planters. Just stack and fill!

Other hints: create vignettes with potted plants in varying shapes and heights, and repurposing indoor furniture from the attic for use outside.