Style: December 10, 2021

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
with Tim Goom
Party time -
How to create the perfect
outdoor space for a gathering!
The season of summer entertaining is almost upon us. Covid
has clipped our wings in terms of entertaining in recent timesbut
with the appropriate QR code and precautions, there’s
nothing to stop you from planning a sizeable safe celebration in
your outdoor space.
If you love hosting parties outdoors, what are the key components to
ensure your gathering goes smoothly and is memorable?
The right space
It only takes a few to make a party but generally the size of the guest list
will be dictated by the size of the space, although with clever design, even
a tight space can fit a crowd. Having an enclosed space will define the area
in which you would like your guests to gather and help to minimise the
impact of noise for your neighbours. Enclosing a space can be as simple
as screening and planting and an overhead awning or umbrella or the
gold plated (and more soundproof) version of a fully functioning outdoor
room. Ensuring the outdoor entertaining area has clear access to the
indoor kitchen and living area will enhance the functionality of the space
and flow between the two.
Having different areas for different activities within the gathering will allow
you to cater for the needs of all. Designating a seated chill out space with
comfortable seating for those wanting to relax will be greatly appreciated
if the rigours of socialising upright (or dancing…) become too much!
A dining space with a table or a built-in bar will be appreciated for the
grazers wanting to stay close to the nibbles. An outdoor bar will reduce
your legwork traipsing between the kitchen and outdoors to provide your
guests with chilled beverages.
Heating
The chilly Christchurch easterly has shut down many an outdoor party so
ensure you have heating in the space to keep your guests warm once the
sun goes down. Again, there is a heating option for every budget - from
a portable upright gas heater to an inbuilt bespoke outdoor fire. Braziers
and pizza ovens create a lovely welcoming ambience with their open
flames, but slim line overhead electric heating is a discreet and clean way
to keep your guest’s toasty.
Lighting
Good lighting design will ensure your guests are directed safely from the
street to your gathering once the sun goes down and off your property
when it is time to leave. Ensuring any hazards such as stairs, deck edgings
or changes in height at ground level are well lit will also be appreciated
by guests once the sun goes down. Sensor lighting is an efficient way
of ensuring these areas are only illuminated when needed. Dimmable
lighting in your outdoor entertaining space will enable you to create the
appropriate ambience for the stage of the evening.
Music
by Goom
For music aficionados, having a wired in sound system with weatherproof
speakers might be the most important feature of the ultimate outdoor
party entertainment area. Thoughtful sound design will ensure the
music is piped evenly throughout the outdoor space. However, with
the evolution of high quality portable blue tooth speakers, moving your
sounds from indoors to out does not have to come with a big price tag.
The team at Goom Landscapes are renowned for the design and
construction of fabulous entertaining spaces - inspired in part by our love
of outdoor parties. Many a convivial gathering has been hosted by Ant and
myself in our respective outdoor entertaining areas – so when it comes to
how best to host a gathering in your outdoors space, we are the experts!
The champions
of landscape
design and build.
10 AWARDS - 2021
DESIGN | MANAGE | CONSTRUCT
Create a Lifespace with us. | goom.nz
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