Outdoor Entertaining Done Right

We’ll help you get organised with tips that cover everything from planning and decorating your outdoor area, to making sure you and your guests are comfortable and entertained.

1. Purpose and Layout

First things, first: Think about how your outdoor space will be used and plan appropriately.

When designing an outdoor space, we suggest using the same thoughtfulness as if you were designing the floor plan of a new house. Each outdoor area should have a logical and functional connection to the inside of the house. A well-designed entertainment area should seamlessly flow from the outdoors in. This ensures consistency and visual appeal, especially when you make use of interesting colours, patterns, and textures.

A good way to achieve this is with pavers that allow for this type of inspiration. Our Cotswold Flagstone Range has a riven surface texture and a look like natural sandstone. It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and works particularly well with classic and country architectural styles.

2. Lighting

Make your outdoor space a true extension of your home by incorporating lighting. Create visual interest and expand the feel of the space by up-lighting trees or fencing farther out in the yard. For safety, add decorative lighting to brighten steps and pathways.

Besides adding visual appeal and creating the perfect ambience, lighting helps to highlight areas and/or features worthy of attention. Brighter lights can be used around meal prep areas but opt for warmer hues to subtly illuminate detailed flower beds and trees. Outdoor lanterns are great for seating areas as they provide enough light for guests to see what they’re doing, but without feeling like there

’s a spotlight on them.

3. Accessories

Decorating your patio or entertainment area will set it apart from others like it and will have guests feeling right at home. Outdoor cushions, for example, provide added pops of colour and comfort, whether used as backrests or seat cushions. Outdoor rugs create warmth and visual appeal, plus you won’t have to worry about them being damaged. Planters of varying shapes and sizes are also a good idea as they can create beautiful focal points throughout.

4. Fire Pits

When evenings are cool, don’t move the party inside. Extend your outdoor entertaining season by creating a fire pit or fireplace area with comfortable seating and incorporate storage areas for blankets and marshmallow-roasting supplies. Our Flamed Granite Flagstones with matching Bullnoses are ideal for those looking to create a contemporary pit for guests to admire. Both are defined by their unique surface texture, squared finish, and complete durability.

5. Water Features

For a refreshing and relaxing addition to your space, consider adding a garden fountain, fishpond, or pool. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate, just the suggestion of water, even a trickle, can have an impact. The sight and sound of flowing water have been shown to enhance relaxation and even lower blood pressure.

Swimming pools are a popular choice for South African families and with the advent of more economical ways of heating them, they can now be used year-round. With our wide range of flagstones and bullnoses you are sure to find the perfect product to suit your pool area

Our final tip is to have fun with your entertainment area and make it a reflection of your style and personality. When it comes to paving, however, turn to the experts like Creative Stone to ensure it’s done properly. They’ll be able to advise what will work best for your space and will no doubt help you to create the outdoor space of your dreams.