Spring is just around the corner. When you look out the window, sunshine, fresh breezes, and warmer days beckon. It’s the perfect time to start planning your first backyard get-together of the year. Spring makes us at Tamate Landscaping think of the many ways you can design a landscape for entertaining. If you’re looking for backyard entertaining ideas, we have the goods!
Dream big!
Start with privacy.
San Francisco has over 18,000 people per square mile. We have dense neighborhoods, hills, and multi-story homes; privacy is limited. Privacy fencing can help create that sense of privacy, giving your backyard a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
In this landscape project in Parkside, one of the requirements was to reduce the street noise and give them privacy. Regular fencing with spaces between the slates wouldn’t do that. We built a private redwood fence around the perimeter that gave them full coverage and acted as a noise damper.
This Noe Valley landscape project (pictured below) had existing retaining walls and old fencing. Rather than pull down the old retaining walls, we covered them with Blue Creek veneer stone panels. We replaced the old fencing with new tongue and groove Western Cedar. Tongue and groove make a tight fit and a clean look.
Once your privacy is taken care of, what’s next?
Add a deck or patio.
Thanks to our microclimates and unpredictable weather, you could be basking in bright sunshine in Berkeley or Oakland, only to find yourself engulfed in a sudden fog bank and a 20-degree temperature drop the moment you cross the Bay Bridge. Many a San Francisco native has played “How many layers should I wear today” and gotten it wrong. That’s why it’s wise to plan your outdoor space so you and your guests are comfortable, whether it’s warm and sunny or cool and breezy.
Decks and patios are natural gathering spots. They provide comfortable footing (no odd rock to roll your ankle), and places to sit that won’t sink into the dirt. Grilling hot dogs in flip-flops at noon? Check. Sipping crafted cocktails under the stars? Check, check.
What’s the difference between a patio and a deck?
Decks and patios give you a level surface. You can add built-in seating as we did with this West Portal landscape. But what’s the difference between the two?
A deck is typically raised and attached to your home. If your home sits on a slope like our Ashbury Heights project (below), a deck can help level out that terrain and give you a smooth transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
We demolished the entire backyard in Ashbury Heights and started over: Privacy fencing, stairs, terraces, retaining walls, two decks, night lighting, and even a pet relief area.
Patios, on the other hand, anchor everything at ground level. They’re great for flexible seating arrangements and can easily connect to firepits, outdoor kitchens, or built-in bars. With a big enough yard, you can create patio “spaces” connected with stone pathways. Adding plants around each space can give you further room for privacy.
While wood is great for decks, concrete, brick, and stone are usually better for patios. In the Noe Valley project, we added a bluestone patio using Connecticut Full Range tiles. It’s a classic stone with natural hues and a beautiful color mix. There’s an endless number of possibilities, including creating custom patterns. We’ve used these tiles numerous times and never been disappointed.
Add a firepit or fireplace.
Spring doesn’t mean “too warm for extra heat,” and our spring weather is perfect for a custom firepit. They’re a conversation piece and keep guests cozy when the temperatures drop. No need to go inside because of a cold snap; just snuggle up to the fire.
The bonus is that something about an open flame sparks conversation. When you add seating around the fireplace, it’s even easier.
In a Duboce Triangle landscape project, we had the challenge of designing and installing a stone garden landscape and waterfall around two maple trees. We added a custom fireplace for warmth.
It was an interesting project. The backing of the open fireplace is a large steel plate. We sent it out to have a huge hydraulic press bend it into a concave shape that cups the heat and redirects it forward. The base of the fireplace is a ring of stones similar to the retaining wall behind it. The client was pleased with the finished results, and so were we!
Upgrade to an outdoor kitchen.
Not everybody has a huge backyard, but you’d be amazed at what you can do with an outdoor grill and counter space. If you entertain a lot, an outdoor kitchen is an undeniable upgrade to your backyard entertaining experience. This upgrade opens up more possibilities for your next round of ideas.
One of our favorite examples is the outdoor kitchen project pictured below. The client already had a BBQ grill but wanted to build an outdoor kitchen around it. We used composite decking that doesn’t rot or get termites and wood for the benches. The grill has extra storage next to it, enclosed with stainless steel doors.
When planning this space, think about the elements you’d enjoy the most. For example:
- Built-in grill with ample counter space for meal prep
- Sink and mini-fridge for easy access to drinks and ingredients
- Outdoor cabinetry to store utensils and tableware
- A pizza oven or smoker for those adventurous cooking sessions
Whether you’re in the East Bay, the Peninsula, or north of the Golden Gate, an outdoor kitchen lets you prepare meals alongside your guests without being stuck inside. Here’s a wider view of our outdoor kitchen, including custom cushions and seating.
Wrap it up with an outdoor bar.
An outdoor bar is a fun addition to an outdoor hangout and encourages mingling and conversation. Stools and a sleek countertop can turn your backyard into a social hub, especially during weekend brunches or evening get-togethers.
Built-in benches or seating walls around the perimeter of your deck or patio make it easier to keep the footpaths clear while giving guests comfortable seating choices. It also keeps your new patio or deck free of bulky furniture. And when outdoor space is a luxury like it is here, less furniture is often better.
Put a bow on it with outdoor lighting.
Outdoor lighting is the finishing touch that brings a backyard to life after sundown. In the same way that good interior lighting sets the mood indoors, a well-placed network of outdoor fixtures can create a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Think of soft lights lining the patio and paths or subtle lights built into steps and seating walls to reduce tripping hazards. String lights overhead can add a playful glow to the entire scene. You can even highlight special features like a statement tree, a water fountain, or the texture of a stone wall with spotlights or uplights. Outdoor lighting makes sure your backyard entertaining doesn’t have to stop because the sun sets.
Artfully placed lighting makes all the difference to safety and comfort, especially in places like Ashbury Heights with slopped yards.
As you can see in this night image, we added safety lights to the handrails and the stair risers. We also added focal lights to the plants, deck, and under-deck seating.
What’s your dream backyard entertaining space look like?
No two Bay Area yards are the same. One has a slope that would love terraces and retaining walls. Another has mature trees that provide natural shade. Some are square, or rectangular, or oddly shaped. No matter the space, creating a functional and beautiful outdoor entertainment space is possible.
Think about what you’d like to have while entertaining. Maybe the built-in seating incorporates a small retaining wall, or perhaps a raised deck offers sweeping views of the city lights.
Ultimately, you want a space that reflects your style. For entertainment spaces, we’re blending function and flair: a place where you can cook, laugh, lounge, and enjoy the pleasure of being outdoors.
We hope you enjoyed this list of backyard entertaining ideas to spruce up your landscape. As springtime gets closer, picture your ideal al fresco evenings. Are you gathered around a firepit with close friends? How about hosting a cookout with neighbors? With a lot of dreaming, a little planning, and Tamate Landscaping, you can transform your yard into a place to relax, entertain, and build a lifetime of happy memories.
