From the food to the fireworks, the Fourth of July is the patriotic pinnacle of backyard entertaining, but how you set up your space is just as important as what’s on the grill. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting 10 people or 20, the key to a successful celebration is to create a combination of mingling, standing and flexible lounge spaces that allow for the natural flow of guests.
Need help getting your backyard holiday ready? Follow these top tips from the design experts at Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home.
4 Tips for Fourth of July Entertaining
Turn your backyard into the ultimate Fourth of July retreat with these expert outdoor entertaining and design tips.
- Create Comfy Conversation Areas – Arrange separate conversation areas with small groupings of deep-seated patio sofas and chairs, bistro sets, Adirondack chairs and accent tables. This decentralized arrangement encourages guests to move around and mingle, rather than staying stuck in one spot.
- Provide Sit-Down Dining – For a casual barbecue, you don’t need table seating for everyone, but you should have enough to accommodate 30-50% of your guests (or 4-6 people for a party of 10). This ensures older guests, those with kids, or anyone who prefers to eat at a table has a spot to sit.
- Offer Standing-Friendly Options – Bar-height tables and chairs are a highly functional, space-saving option for backyard barbecues. They allow guests to stand and converse, while providing a surface for drinks and plates out of reach of children and pets. High tops also ensure an obstructed line of sight for keeping an eye on the pool or watching yard games.
- Manage the Flow of Traffic – Create clear pathways for guests to naturally flow through the space by leaving at least 24 to 30 inches of clearance around patio furniture. Keep the area in front of the patio doors clear to prevent bottlenecking, and leave yourself at least 36 inches of workspace around the grill.
Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer Entertaining in Hampton Roads, VA
Upgrade your outdoor space before the Fourth of July with the widest selection of in-stock patio furniture in the Hamptons Roads Region. Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home has wicker, teak, sling, aluminum and poly patio furniture in-stock, on-sale and ready for summer delivery. We also have expert designers on staff to help you select the right pieces for your space and show you how to arrange them for optimum flow. Simply bring in photos and measurements of your space, and we’ll provide you with a free design consultation.
Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home is conveniently located in Williamsburg, VA and serves customers from all across Hampton Roads, Richmond and Greater Virginia, as well as coastal North Carolina and Washington DC. View our store hours and get directions, or contact us for more information.
