When it comes to outdoor entertainment, backyard design can make all the difference. Whether you have a tiny or sprawling backyard, there are many clever ways to set up your outdoor space for year-round fun.
Here are some quick tips for making a great backyard entertainment space at home:
Take the prep work out of backyard games by dedicating a specific part of your space to playing them. This will also give you somewhere for children and pets to play where they won’t interrupt quieter seating areas or outdoor kitchens.
What better way to enjoy your backyard space than around a cozy fire? You can DIY a custom fire pit out of stone, bricks or other materials for perfect ambiance and campfire fun. Surround the fire pit with stylish and comfortable Adirondack chairs to encourage guests to stay awhile.
Skip the crowds and price tags of a public movie theater and create a personal viewing area in your own backyard. Using a folding screen, white sheet or a blank wall, you can project your favorite movies for you and your guests to enjoy. Make sure to include plenty of throw blankets and outdoor cushions in your movie seating area.
Twinkling lights are essential to every outdoor oasis, and are available in various styles, lengths and price points. If you don’t have anywhere to hang them, you can create twinkling lanterns with glass jars.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great place to cook a meal outdoors. Even if your patio is too small for a full outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy a nice outdoor meal with creativity.
Start with the best outdoor grill (ideally equipped with side burners) and find a table or cart for extra prep space. Save space and money by repurposing outdoor furniture like an unused potting bench for a chic buffet setup instantly.
The key to making the best use of an enormous backyard is to create sections. For example, there may be areas where you can grill, enjoy active play, or simply sit in the shade. Create a spot for quiet conversation or solo contemplation slightly removed from the larger, entertainment-focused areas.
These are just a few backyard entertainment ideas you can try year-round. No matter the size or shape of your backyard, the right planning and setup will ensure a memorable outdoor party.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.