Football season is here along with beautiful fall weather. It’s great to have friends over to enjoy watching a game together, but imagine what that could be like if you moved the party outside? Crisp clear evenings, a fire in the firepit, snacks available on the bar, and plenty of seating from which to enjoy the game on an outdoor TV. Let’s look at each of these elements in turn.
A generous patio with comfortable seating
Gone are the days of hard metal outdoor seating! You can choose from a broad selection of comfortable couches and arm chairs in many different styles, including modular systems that can be arranged in a way that suits your gathering best. Complete your space with side and coffee tables to set drinks and food. Size your patio to accommodate the groups you expect to host, making sure to add plenty of room for guests to move around the different areas of the patio and to pass one another comfortably.
A warm glow on chilly nights
As the nights grow cooler, a firepit extends the season for outdoor gatherings. You can choose a movable firepit or built-in, gas or wood burning. Some coffee tables come with a built in gas firepit, allowing you to stay warm and roast a few marshmallows while enjoying the game in your outdoor living room.
Outdoor TVs
Did your parents ever tell you to stop watching TV and get out for some fresh air? Now you can have both! There are many makes and models of outdoor TVs designed to withstand the elements. Some still need to be in a covered space, while others can be more exposed. Models are also designed to produce a clear image in shady to full sun locations. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see where each model can be used. ou will also need to consider what mounting system best supports the weight of the TV and if you will want a separate outdoor sound system. Sizes can commonly range from 43-75″, but specialty manufacturers can produce TVs that are 20′ or wider.
Halftime Hors d’oeveurs
Game day snacks are an important part of any tailgate. A simple outdoor kitchen consisting of a grill and some bar space to prep and lay out the food makes it easier to serve up food hot and keep it available for your guests. You can also add elements like a refrigerator for drinks and a sink to make clean up easier.
Friday night lights
For evening games, lighting can help make your outdoor space more enjoyable, and safer to navigate. Path and step lights can be unobtrusive, but help prevent tripping. Wall lights, patio string lights and artistic accent lights can add ambiance and interest to your space.
Putting it all together
We hope this list of game day improvements has given you some ideas of one or more improvements for your outdoor space to make tailgating at home more fun for you and your family. However, blending all of these elements together is best done with some skilled planning to make sure you have a space where everyone can watch the game, but which still feels spacious, comfortable, and easy to move around in. If you would like to transform your existing space or build a completely new outdoor living space, we would be happy to help you think through what elements would best serve your vision and how to combine them well for the perfect place to cheer on your team.
