During COVID, we all got used to entertaining a lot more at home, but it may well be a habit that continues into the future. Why go to overpriced bars and join the crowds, when you can stay at home with a nice cold drink and your best mates? The only issue of entertaining at home can be space, which is why many people are now building outdoor entertaining spaces, with a bunch of features that make them great for spending time with friends.

An outdoor living space

Outdoor living spaces come in all shapes and sizes, and have features such as:

• * Outdoor sofas and furniture

• * Outdoor rugs

• * Shelter from the elements

• * Heaters for cooler nights

• * Lighting

Sunken spaces can be great to create outdoor living rooms, or a patio or decking area can be converted. You may even have a space that’s perfect and simply needs minimal changes to be made.

An outdoor kitchen

Another trend that’s very popular right now is outdoor kitchens. These provide space to cook, prepare food, or whip up a batch of cocktails with ease. When you’re building an outdoor kitchen, it’s worth looking at outdoor rangehoods to keep smells and smoke away, and ensure the space is pleasant to be in. It’s worth looking at a professional installation for this kind of set-up, as you want it to be sturdy and weatherproof, so you can enjoy the space as much as possible.

You may also want to add an outdoor dining space, perhaps with an open plan layout, so entertaining at dinner parties is easier. It’s nice to have a sheltered area to eat if you enjoy al fresco dining, as this means you aren’t at the mercy of insects, rain, and other things that can ruin your dinner.

Outdoor bars

Outdoor bars don’t have to be fancy. They simply need to be a place where you can store your drinks and things like glasses. Some people also add a refrigeration unit and ice bucket to keep drinks cool. Set up your bar and let guests help themselves. That way you can mingle, without having to worry about topping up drinks.

Your outdoor space can be used for much more than just pets and children! It can be an entirely new space that is great for entertaining. That way, even if there are more COVID restrictions, you can feel like you’re having a night out while you’re at home.