Southern California’s sunny weather is in full swing as summer turns into fall and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by hosting outdoor gatherings in your own backyard. With the warm ocean breeze, stunning sunsets, and homes built for outdoor living, creating lasting memories for friends and family can be a breeze. Here are some of the best ways to make to bring your outdoor space to life.
1. Create a Cozy Outdoor Living Space
Transform your outdoor space or rooftop deck into a comfortable and inviting space with stylish, comfortable seating like sectional sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks, like we did at The Jessup in Tustin.
Add ambience with string lights, lanterns, and candles, and ensure plenty of shade with umbrellas, pergolas, and shade sails.
2. Outdoor Dining Experiences
Elevate your outdoor dining by investing in a quality grill for barbecuing a variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits. Consider installing a pizza oven for interactive, customizable meals, and set up a dining table with durable, stylish tableware and a centerpiece of fresh flowers or candles.
3. Fun and Games
Keep guests entertained with classic lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, and croquet. If you have a pool, provide floats, pool noodles, and water games. For a cozy evening, set up an outdoor movie theater with a projector, screen, blankets, and pillows.
4. Refreshing Beverages
Keep your guests cool with signature cocktails made from fresh, local ingredients and a non-alcoholic version. Offer a dispenser of fruit and herb-infused water and set up a self-serve beverage station with a variety of drinks, ice, garnishes, and reusable cups.
5. Music and Ambience
Jam out! Create the perfect ambience with a well-curated playlist using a portable Bluetooth speaker or outdoor sound system. At MDL in Irvine, we included a fire pit in the shared outdoor space to provides warmth and a focal point for evening gatherings. Perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories and keeping toasty as the sun sets.
6. Themed Parties
Who doesn’t love a theme? Make your gathering memorable with a themed party everyone can participate in. Say farewell to the summer with a tropical luau with tiki torches, leis, tropical flowers, and Hawaiian-inspired dishes and drinks can bring the Hawaiian spirit to your backyard. For a beach party atmosphere, use sand, beach balls, and surfboards, and serve seafood and tropical drinks. For a more sophisticated evening, a garden party with elegant table settings, floral decorations, and a gourmet menu is delightful.
Outdoor entertaining is all about embracing the beauty and relaxed vibe of the coastal lifestyle. With a little creativity and planning, you can create unforgettable experiences for your friends and family. Learn more about our current and upcoming California communities where your next memories await!