Getting Your Dutchess County Backyard Ready for Summer Entertaining

If you love nothing more than the perfect get-together with friends and family, summer is the ideal season for it. For homeowners in Dutchess County, New York, it’s the time of year when you can showcase your gorgeous backyard while entertaining guests in style. With Under the Sun Improvements, you can even enhance your space with the perfect outdoor living upgrade, such as a custom deck or breathtaking pool.  

Here’s what to think about when it comes to summer outdoor entertaining in Dutchess County, NY.  

Seating for Every Occasion   

When guests are comfortable and at ease, they can truly sit back and have a great time. You’ll want to consider incorporating different types of seating for different purposes. For example, you may want sturdy chairs for dining outdoors, deck chairs for sprawling out with friends, and weather-proof sectionals for longer hangouts. Try out different heights and styles of seating to see what works best. Lower seating will help you create a more lounge-like environment, while tall stools add to a bar-style space.   

Different outdoor living features can help you define zones for specific activities. For example, if you have a wraparound deck, you can create an elegant space for dining in one area and a casual breezy spot for relaxing in another. A pergola can offer a resort-like feel, perfect for standalone placement in your backyard but also suitable as a patio cover. Paired with the right seating, these additions create the ideal atmosphere for wining and dining with guests.   

Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Areas 

Cooking outside is one of the great joys of entertaining in the summer. Whether you have a BBQ parked in the patio or you’ve upgraded to a lavish outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to create a dedicated, uncrowded area that’s distinct from your dining space. 

How do you accomplish that? Furniture and other pieces can create a tasteful partition between these two spaces. A standalone counter can be a great add-on to your outdoor kitchen, allowing you to store items and even prep food. Ultra-compact options are perfect for smaller spaces or if your cooking is done at the BBQ. You can even add a stool or two for guests or kids to hang out nearby.  

Similarly, consider tall planters to create forest-like appeal for your dining area, while keeping it separate from your outdoor kitchen. If your deck or patio is uncovered, you may want to add a pergola to your outdoor dining space, making it feel wonderfully private and cozy.  

Lighting and Accents  

Good lighting can completely transform the feel and look of any space. For outdoor dining, consider soft lighting rather than harsh overhead options. String lights can strike the perfect note, adding a magical touch. Candles, lanterns, and other warm-colored lights can also help to build a strong sense of mood. You may want to consider light fixtures with dimmable settings, so you can increase or decrease the lighting as you wish.   

Adding well-chosen accents, such as cushions, rugs, and table settings, can all build up the atmosphere of your outdoor dining space. Easy-to-maintain plants and vines will add natural charm. These choices, along with the right outdoor living upgrades, can truly elevate any home in Dutchess County, NY.  

Find Your Outdoor Living Upgrade Today  

From custom decks to pools, patio covers, pergolas, and sunrooms, Under the Sun Improvements can help you build the outdoor living space you’ve always wanted. Homeowners in Dutchess County, NY can contact us today to learn more.