When it comes to getting together with close friends and family, there is nothing better than be-ing able to do so in your own backyard. However, most of us run into the common issue of not being equipped with what is needed to entertain our guests.
How can you establish your backyard as the ultimate backyard party hangout? In order to estab-lish your backyard as the ultimate backyard party hangout, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to design and execution. The main things that you will need in this aspect include a well-decorated outdoor living space and backyard party decorations.
You will also need to consider the costs for all of these renovations. Once you have put eve-rything together, you will need to learn how to throw the best BBQ’s in the neighborhood to bring everyone to your place and establish your backyard as the ultimate party hangout.
In every friend group, there is always that one person who has the best backyard that everyone else gravitates toward. While it is true that everyone wants to be that friend, it will require a lot of careful planning and effort to be able to transform your backyard into the ultimate hangout location.
With that being said, I did some in-depth research to come up with a guide on how to make your backyard an ultimate hangout spot. In this article, we will be going over everything you need to know when it comes to creating this kind of backyard, from backyard patio ideas to decorations and more.
Establishing Your Backyard As The Ultimate Backyard Party Hangout
As we all know, there is nothing better than being able to invite guests over to your home and host them right in your own backyard. Imagine being able to walk out the door and enjoy the nice weather during a BBQ party without even having to leave the house.
This is something that is desirable for everyone, whether you have a tight circle of friends or you would just like to frequently spend quality time with the family that lives in the house with you.
However, an outdoor BBQ party of any kind can turn into a disappointment without the proper setting. For these types of gatherings to be a hit, you will need to have a beautifully decorated backyard that people want to spend time in.
In addition, there should be places for them to sit and relax as well as activities for everyone to participate in.
While it is true that the backyard in every home will not usually come equipped with the full entertainment package that will be ideal for your weekly BBQ, there are things that can be done in order to achieve this.
Although it will require a lot of planning, work, and money to completely transform your previously mundane backyard into something extravagant, your efforts will certainly prove to be worth it when you are finally able to take advantage of the outdoor-living lifestyle that you will soon create.
Take a look at the list down below to find some of the main factors that you should consider when you begin planning for the ultimate backyard party hangout.
Things To Consider:
- Patio design and decoration
- Backyard decorations
- Outdoor living space
- Planned activities (ie BBQ parties)
- Cost for execution
The first thing that you will need to consider is how you will design and decorate your patio. The patio in your backyard will be the foundation of everything else around it. This will likely be where all of your guests will gather, sit, and eat, or participate in whatever activity you have planned for your event.
There are a few options when it comes to patio design and decoration, from drawing up and building your own patio from scratch, or simply adding decor to one that already exists.
In addition to decorating your patio area, you will also need to think about how you will spice up your entire yard. All in all, you will want to make sure that the rest of your backyard beyond the patio is not an eye sore. It should be fun to look at while also functional, so your company will remain entertained throughout their visit.
Along with the decorations in the yard and the patio, all of your efforts will be useless if people are not able to relax there. In other words, you must create some kind of comfortable seating and outdoor living space in order to be able to properly host your guests and allow them to be present in the space.
Having a beautifully decorated back yard and patio is great, but when it comes to having the ultimate party hangout spot, you will be required to take it one step further and make sure that the finished result is fully functional.
Among all of the things that must be considered when you plan out how you will execute your renewed backyard, it is important to have a clear goal of what you will be doing there.
For example, if you know that you will be having regular BBQ parties in your space with friends and family, you should plan according to that. Additionally, if you know that your guests enjoy a particular activity, you should also incorporate that in your design, such as a designated space for a certain sport, for instance.
The last thing to consider in the midst of all of this planning is, of course, how much all of it will cost. When it comes to adding unique features to your outdoor space and creating something where you can gather with the people who mean the most to you, the price tag on everything added up will not be cheap.
Depending on what kinds of features you will be incorporating into your design, you have the potential to rack up significant expenses. While there are ways to save on your renovations, the amount and caliber of the components that you choose will ultimately determine what you will pay on the final bill.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will be going over each of these deciding factors in more detail, in order to give you a fully in-depth guide on how you, too, can turn your very own backyard into the ultimate party hangout location.
Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to do to execute the design, decorations, and functions in your future outdoor living space.
How To Design And Decorate Your Own Patio
As mentioned previously, the patio in your backyard will be one of the most important features that you can build or decorate. Since the back door of the house is usually attached in this location, it is likely to be the very first place that your guests enter when they arrive.
Due to the fact that first impressions are everything, you will not want to neglect the design and decoration of this space, in particular. When it comes to creating your patio, you have two main options: adding decorations and small improvements to make it more aesthetically pleasing, or completely building your own.
In this section, we will be going over both options, with some detailed information about each process. Take a look at the list below to get an overview of these topics.
Tips For Decorating An Existing Patio:
- Use indoor decorations for outside
- Paint over old brick/wood or furniture for a pop of color
- Add a rug to the space
- Build a privacy shade around the area
- Place lighting around the patio
- Incorporate plants and flower pots
If you already have an existing patio in your backyard and you just need to decorate it, then the tips outlined above will give you some great ideas on how you can bring some life back into your backyard.
Depending on whether or not you already have some furniture or decorations on your patio, you can begin to use indoor decorations for this area as well, instead of just the designated outdoor pieces.
So, if you have a couch set but the center of the seating area seems empty, you can use an indoor side or coffee table to fill it up with something that looks a little better than the options you might have seen in the outdoor section of your local hardware store.
When it comes to renovating your entire patio, there are things you can do to an existing area in order to make it look brand new and much more visually pleasing. For example, if there is a brick wall behind the seating area on your patio, you can grab a can of paint and apply a few fresh coats to add a pop of color.
This can also work for the wood railings around the patio, if this applies to your backyard. If your patio is structured more in the way of a paver patio on the ground, you can use your can of paint to revamp other areas.
For instance, if you have a small dresser or side table that is present in your outdoor patio ensemble, you can paint over the existing color to make it pop or match it with the theme that you are going for.
A more simple solution for decorating your existing patio is to bring a new piece in that can be thrown into your mix of furniture, such as a rug. There are plenty of water resistant outdoor rugs that you can purchase to add to what is already there.
If you have lots of neighbors out in the open that have a clear view into your backyard, or you live in a very sunny or hot area during the summer, you can opt for some kind of privacy sun shade to go around the perimeter.
These types of shades come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, and can be custom fit to your outdoor patio area to keep you protected from anything that you do not want to enter your patio space.
On the topic of decorating a patio space and making it more interesting to look at, you will want to add some kind of interesting lighting. This can be anything from hanging light fixtures to stringing decorative lights around any railings or furniture.
If you already have light fixtures, you can consider replacing the light bulbs with something more bright to highlight the decor of the space, or even something that reflects a color at night.
Another simple decorative solution is to incorporate lots of green plans and pots of flowers around your space. This is a very simple and inexpensive process, and can really make a difference in your patio area when you place them correctly.
How To Design And Build Your Own Patio:
- Determine the size and dimensions of your patio
- Choose your materials and gather them (ie. stone, brick, etc.)
- Dig a hole in the desired area that is about 10 inches deep
- Fill the hole up to the 6 inches mark with gravel
- Cover the gravel with sand and use a tamper to create a smooth surface
- Carefully place the stone or brick on top of the area
- Place more sand on the top to fill the cracks and dust it off with a broom
If you do not already have a patio in your backyard, on the other hand, you can build one quite easily by yourself. There are a lot of different types of patios that you can choose to construct on your own, but the most simple and decorative solution will be a paver patio.
This type of patio is built into the ground on a flat surface, with some kind of brick or decorative stone smoothly applied over the top. With a paver patio, you can put any kind of furniture or decorations that you would like on its surface.
To begin this process, you will need to determine what the size and dimensions of your patio will be. Once you have decided where you will place it, the exact measurements must be calculated before you can do any further planning.
Whether you will be using regular bricks or stones for the surface of your new patio, you should start by making this choice and gathering all of your materials.
Depending on the measurements that were determined and marked into the ground, you will start by digging a hole into the desired area, reaching down about 10 inches deep.
This hole is going to be the area where your patio will sit, so you will need to create a smooth foundation for the stones or bricks by covering it with gravel up to approximately 6 inches.
Once the hole has been properly filled, you can proceed by covering the gravel with sand and using a tamper tool to create a smooth surface. This process in itself might take several tries before the area is perfectly prepared.
Finish up your patio by carefully placing the stones or bricks one by one on top of the sanded area. The last step will include dusting more sand over these pieces to fill the gaps, and using a broom or something similar to brush off the excess material.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Patio?
Now that you have gained a basic understanding of how you can build a patio in your backyard, you are probably wondering what a project like this will cost.
The total price tag on your DIY patio project will depend on how large of an area it will cover, due to the fact that the amount of materials used will directly correlate to the overall cost.
In addition, different types of materials will have varying costs, with some being more expensive to buy than many others.
To get a general idea of how much the materials for your patio project might cost you, take a look at the short list down below.
Average Cost For Patio Materials:
- Brick: $5-15 per square foot
- Stone: $10-30 per square foot
- Sand: $15-40 per square yard
On average, the price per square foot can be anywhere from 5 dollars to 15 when you choose to build your patio with brick, depending on where you purchase it from.
Stone, on the other hand, might cost you 10 dollars to 30 dollars per square foot. This is also dependent on where you purchase it as well as which type of stone that you purchase.
The sand that you will need to use in order to lay down the foundation for your DIY patio is usually acquired for 15 dollars per square yard at the lowest, with around 40 dollars being the highest average amount.
For the gravel that makes up the foundation of the patio, you can expect to spend less than 2 dollars per square foot. This is the area of the project materials where you can really save money on materials.
You will also need the necessary tools that were mentioned in the above section, including a shovel and a tamper. If you already have access to these tools, there will be no need to consider them in the total cost of the project.
However, if you do not have these tools you will obviously need to buy them, which will tack on a few extra expenses. If you are able to find deals on Amazon or at your local hardware store, you can get both items for around one hundred dollars total.
Backyard Party Decoration Ideas
While you are planning and executing your vision for the ultimate party hangout backyard living space, it is important not to neglect the larger area of your yard.
Now that you have gotten some great ideas for decorating your existing patio space and even building your own, there is more to consider when the overall area of your outdoor space is in question.
Instead of leaving the rest of your backyard as it is, you will want to create something beautiful that your guests will be able to view from the patio and enjoy. To get some helpful tips on how you can achieve something like this, take a look at the list below.
Backyard Party Decoration Ideas:
- Plants and lantern arrangements
- Greenery/jungle theme
- Tropical decorations and plants
- Warm summer vibes
- Country/chic decorative theme
When you are planning out the decorative design of your backyard, you will want to decide what kind of theme that you are going for in order to be able to accumulate the right pieces that will fit together in the space.
For a colorful and lush visual arrangement, you can put together clusters of flower pots and empty lanterns of various sizes. They will look best on the outskirts of your yard or near the patio, and will add vibrancy to make the space more interesting.
If you would rather go for a more green theme instead of brighter colors, you can simply add leafy plants around the same areas, even hanging them from wooden beams or the walls around the perimeter.
The jungle theme idea can be complimented by vintage hanging lights and classy colors to complete the vision.
Alternatively, you can add some tropical plants and flowers to your outdoor ensemble, with baskets of fruits on tabletops and arrangements placed in pretty glass bottles or vases.
If it is approaching the summer where you live, you can bring out the summery vibes during those warm nights with small succulent plant decorations. These can be placed around common areas and tabletops with some lit tea candles to complete the decorations.
On the other hand, if your style is more along the lines of a country chic decorative theme, you can create some of your own elegant lighting decorations. Try using mason jars full of water to float small candles, with a raffia tie around the rim.
The Importance Of An Outdoor Living Space And How To Build One
While it is true that it is important to make sure that both your patio and entire backyard area is properly decorated for aesthetic purposes, you will also want to make sure that the space that you create is actually functional.
In other words, you want your backyard to look good, but your guests should also be able to sit, stand, eat, and talk while you are hosting them. The whole idea of having the ultimate party hangout backyard includes the people you care about being able to gather within it, not look at it from afar.
In this section, we will be briefly covering the topic of why outdoor living spaces are important and how you can build one in your own yard.
How To Build An Outdoor Living Space:
- Assemble furniture
- Build a fire pit
- Incorporate a BBQ grill/kitchen area
- Add a canopy
- Create a water feature
When it comes to building an outdoor living space, functionality is key. You will need to consider what you and your guests will be doing when you have them over for parties and BBQs and plan out your choices accordingly.
First of all, you will want to choose and assemble furniture either on your patio or in another designated area of your yard. This furniture should be comfortable yet visually pleasing.
Additionally, you can add in a fire pit to the middle of the seating area to keep everyone warm during your gathering. If you will be frequently sharing meals outside, you can construct an outdoor kitchen area, inclusive of a BBQ grill for cooking.
For added shade and comfortability, you can set up some kind of canopy over the seating area so that you and your guests can hang out there for long periods of time.
While creating an outdoor living space, you can never go wrong with a water feature. This component is not only built for aesthetic purposes, but it can also be quite relaxing while you enjoy your ultimate party backyard.
How To Host The Ultimate BBQ In Your Backyard
To bring this discussion back to the overall subject of this article, we will be concluding with a short guide on how to host the ultimate BBQ in your brand new backyard. After all, this is what you built it for, right?
• Ultimate BBQ Tips:
Plan your menu
• Have ice cold drinks on hand
• Organize your sides and condiments
• Make sure seating arrangements are in order
While planning your perfect BBQ, you must decide on what you will be serving on the menu. From steaks to hamburgers and hot dogs, you should have a clear idea of what the main course is.
After making sure that all of your seating arrangements are comfortably in order, you will want to make sure that you have ice cold drinks on hand throughout the entire party and your condiments and sides are organized beautifully.
By following all of the tips that were outlined in this article, you will be on your way to using your ultimate backyard to host the best BBQ parties in the whole neighborhood in no time!
Check out our Recent Posts
Z Grills Review
If you’re looking for a grill that will last, Z Grills is the way to go. Z grills are made of the best quality materials...
Read More
Pit Boss Pellet Grill Review
Pit Boss is one of many when it comes to manufacturers of wood pellet grills and smokers. If you have spent any amount of time...
Read More
10 Fun Benefits of Taking an Online Cooking Class
There’s never been a better time to take an online cooking class. With the continued popularity of online learning, there are more and more exciting...
Read More