Entertaining Alfresco
From the Coast of California to the Island of Hawaii (and soon to be the great escape of Denver, Colorado!) I have designed spaces for indoor/outdoor living for nearly thirty years. In that time I have learned a thing or two about the best ways to maximize your space for optimal enjoyment and entertaining.
Now, more than ever, my clients are requesting outdoor spaces that are both functional and fabulous. The challenge? Curating outdoor entertaining environments that are chic, easy to maintain, long-lasting and seamlessly integrated to their indoor environments. Today, I’m sharing my best practices for curating a cool landing spot for you, family, and friends in the great outdoors. So read on for the things you need to get inspired for your next outdoor fête, gatherings around the fire pit, or relaxing evening at home!
1. FUNCTIONAL FABRICS
Rain or shine, the fabrics of your outdoor furniture should provide comfort all year long. When selecting fabrics, choose a fun print and a material that is high on performance, water-resistant, and strong enough to hold up to daily wear and tear. One of the best companies I have worked with to make fabric selections is Sunbrella! See my blog post to explore how I weaved them into my own home here.
OPEN AND AIRY
Multi slide or bi-fold doors are your best friend! With a simultaneous slide and fold, they open up the entire doorway and bring two spaces into one great room. It is my favorite way to introduce an indoor space to the outdoors. When the door is fully opened, the flow from one room to the next is seamless!
ENTERTAINING ALFRESCO
If you ask me, eating outdoors at dusk is the best part of indoor-outdoor living. I’ve hosted a few garden parties in my day, and it is the ideal way to take advantage of your private outdoor area. I love to incorporate a large dining table or sunken seating with a fire pit to bring the indoors out and embrace nature with the comfort of dining and living room spaces. And of course, the main attraction of any alfresco set up, the outdoor kitchen! For the top of the line appliances to go with your family’s grill master, check out Lynx.
I hope these tips have helped you to fully embrace your open-air spaces.
xx,
Anne
Photography by Ryan Garvin