Outdoor Living
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Alfresco DELIGHTS
Experts offer outdoor dining and entertainment design tips to set the stage for unforgettable memories with family and friends .
BY TANYA A . YACINA
Summer months and the weather that comes with them tend to encompass outdoor dining and entertaining — groups of friends and family gathering around an outdoor grill or well-placed fire pit to enjoy the daytime breezes and nighttime skies .
Molly Wood , principal designer and owner of Molly Wood Garden Design , says the trends she ’ s seeing come into play for this season ’ s at-home outdoor setups include the addition of pizza ovens , lots of heaters and completely covered outdoor areas . However , she also notes a trend in the other , simpler direction , including smokers and standalone barbecues , and explains that some of her clients are pairing it down and going back to basics .
“ When designing an outdoor entertainment and kitchen space , I think warmth is very important . There are some great outdoor heaters available right now . Also , I am a huge fan of the fire pit — it ’ s a great way to sit , relax and visit with your friends or loved ones ,” Wood explains . “ A lot of times , I include a television . I was very resistant to this trend when it started , but at the end of the day , if it gets people outside in the fresh air and loving nature , I ’ ll do whatever it takes .”
SOCIAL CENTERS Jodi Fleming , founder and lead designer at Jodi Fleming Design , says that since each home and space has a unique layout , she and her team concentrate on outdoor areas that can create special moments , and where people would want to sit and enjoy the view . Generally
Above : A grill located near a sitting space ensures the cook can still mingle with guests . Right : If you have the space , create various seating areas for entertaining outdoors , from a full dining table to a counter near the grill and the television ( as shown in these spaces by Molly Wood Garden Design ).
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