Expanding Your Living Space for Holiday Parties and Outdoor Entertaining

Published Date: Nov 13, 2024

As the holiday season rolls in, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends. But with packed homes and ever-growing guest lists, how do you make space to entertain comfortably? The answer: take the party outdoors!

Expanding your living space into your backyard or patio can not only relieve holiday crowding but also creates a unique, memorable setting for your celebrations. Here at System Pavers, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed outdoor area can transform holiday gatherings—and we're here to help you create the perfect environment for hosting.

Whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, a festive holiday bash, or a New Year’s Eve gathering under the stars, here are our top tips for expanding your outdoor living space and turning your yard into an entertainment hotspot you can enjoy all year round.

Create a Cozy, Covered Patio or Outdoor Living Room

A covered patio can function as a seamless extension of your indoor space, allowing you to host guests outdoors in any weather. Using high-quality pavers or composite decking offers a sturdy, stylish foundation, while features like pergolas, a covered roof, or even a patio umbrella add shelter and charm. Consider incorporating built-in seating, patio heaters, or an outdoor TV to transform your patio into an inviting outdoor living room that’s ideal for watching the game, opening gifts, or catching up with loved ones.

Pro Tip: Use weather-resistant outdoor furniture and add some plush outdoor cushions and blankets to keep your guests comfortable and warm in cooler temperatures. Retaining walls can also create a cozy, enclosed feel that enhances privacy and warmth.

Build an Outdoor Kitchen for Ultimate Convenience

Imagine being able to cook, serve, and enjoy meals without ever leaving the party! An outdoor kitchen can make this possible by equipping your space with everything you need for effortless holiday entertaining with a more casual feel.

Consider essentials like a built-in grill, countertop space, a sink, and a refrigerator for easy food prep and storage. For a truly unique experience, add features like a pizza oven or a smoker—perfect for holiday gatherings where you want to impress with a meal that’s as memorable as the surroundings.

Pro Tip: Adding a warming drawer can keep side dishes at the perfect temperature, ensuring that everything is ready to serve when you are. This is especially useful when hosting a large group with staggered dining times.

Design a Dedicated Dining Space with Built-In Seating

Dining outdoors during the holidays brings an extra dose of festivity, and a well-designed outdoor dining area will give you the space to make it happen. Our design consultants often recommend adding built-in seating, such as stone benches or sitting walls, to create a flexible, durable seating solutions that require very little maintenance or upkeep. This setup not only adds character to your space but also provides ample room for guests to enjoy holiday feasts or casual hors d'oeuvres.

Pro Tip: Dress up your outdoor dining table with holiday-themed table settings, cozy throw blankets, and seasonal centerpieces for a festive touch. Built-in seating can also be decorated with holiday pillows to make the setting feel extra special.

Add a Fire Feature for Warmth and Ambiance

Nothing says “holiday cheer” like gathering around a crackling fire. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces not only add warmth to your outdoor space but also create a natural gathering spot for guests. From roasting marshmallows to sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine, a fire feature brings cozy, wintry vibes that encourage people to linger and relax. And, if you’re aiming for a year-round outdoor entertaining space, a fire feature is a valuable investment that provides both functional warmth and maximum aesthetic appeal.

Pro Tip: Position your fire pit or fireplace in a spot with a great view of the rest of your yard. That way, guests can enjoy the warmth and the festive sights all around them.

Illuminate Your Space with Cheerful Lighting

The right lighting can set the mood for an enchanting outdoor party. Installing professional landscape lightingwill illuminate pathways, highlight focal points like your fire pit or dining area, and enhance overall safety. String lights, lanterns, and uplighting on trees or architectural features add an inviting, magical glow that will keep your space warm and welcoming long after the sun goes down.

Pro Tip: For a holiday twist, decorate your landscape lighting setup with seasonal additions like twinkling string lights, holiday lanterns, or wreaths. These touches add a dose of cheer while keeping the lighting functional and festive.

Make Your Outdoor Space Ready for the Holidays and Beyond

By incorporating these upgrades, you can create an outdoor living space that’s ready to handle the excitement and joy of the holidays while remaining a valuable part of your home all year. With System Pavers, you’ll get a space that’s designed for effortless entertaining, built with top-quality materials, and crafted to withstand the elements. Whether you’re celebrating a winter holiday or hosting a summer cookout, these features will make your outdoor area the go-to spot for making memories.

Ready to Create Your Holiday Hosting Haven? If you’re ready to turn your outdoor space into an extension of your home’s living area, our team at System Pavers is here to help. You can check out more ideas for expanding your entertaining space in our Outdoor Inspiration Gallery. Or, get the ball rolling right away by booking a complimentary design consultation today. We’d love to discuss your vision, and let’s design a backyard where you can entertain, relax, and enjoy for years to come!