Understanding the basics: Outdoor entertaining spaces

by Susan Hu 03/17/2024

patio with wicker furniture

Outdoor entertaining spaces are perfect for hosting gatherings while enjoying fresh air and natural ambiance. Whether you have a deck, patio, porch or other type of outdoor space, you have an excellent opportunity for outdoor living. 

To help you learn more about the different types of outdoor spaces, here are some basics:

What are outdoor living spaces called?

There are many types of outdoor spaces included in residential homes. The main terms you’ll encounter include:

  • Patio.
  • Porch.
  • Balcony.
  • Veranda.
  • Patio.
  • Deck.

All these different spaces have advantages and disadvantages, including style and building material choices. 

Which outdoor entertaining space is right for me?

It might seem tricky to decide which type of outdoor area works best for you and your home. Some key things to consider when making your decision are:

  • Cost of labor & materials.
  • Ongoing maintenance needs.
  • Entertaining goals.

With the right decor, any outdoor space can serve as an excellent venue for entertaining guests. The choice depends on your budget and personal preferences.

How to build an entertaining space

No matter the amount of space you have in your backyard, you can set up an outdoor entertaining area by focusing on three basic elements: shade, seating and lighting.

Shade will help provide relief from harsh sun and hot temperatures, keeping you and your guests cool and comfortable. Seating is also crucial for entertaining outdoors, so make sure your guests have a comfy place to relax and enjoy. Lighting can come in several forms, including an outdoor fireplace or simple string lights.

How to create an outdoor space on a budget

You don’t need to break the bank to set up an outstanding outdoor environment at home. Some great budget-friendly outdoor upgrade tips include:

  • Build custom DIY outdoor furniture like lounge chairs from wooden pallets.
  • Set up an outdoor fire pit using regular concrete bricks.
  • Include soft decorative touches like throw pillows and an area rug to make the space extra inviting.
About the Author
Author

Susan Hu

Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.

Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.

With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.