It’s the holy trinity of social activities – dinning, drinking and conversation. More than swimming, playing volleyball, hitting the golf course, learning Mahjong, or mastering Cornhole, when people assemble, they are most likely chewing, libating and conversating. It’s the way we are built as pack animals. Being together means celebrating by way of our mouths and stomachs.
This is why the kitchen is always the primary gathering place at a party. Everyone gravitates toward the kitchen because that’s where the food and drinks are. And since everyone is there looking to be fed and quenched, that in turn is where most of the talking happens. We just can’t help ourselves.
Fact is, for all of the complexity and multifaceted nature of our outdoor designs, most of our work at The Green Scene is in service of this oral trinity. Yes, we build swimming pools, some of the most beautiful found anywhere and sometimes people do actually choose to get wet in them, but the activities we serve the most are those where people gather and socialize over food and drink.
YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN
One cannot say enough about the popularity and diversity of the outdoor kitchen. Nearly all of our clients want them. The choices involved are vast. Where it’s located, the size and shape, the number of people its designed to accommodate, the design and finish materials and, of course, the choice of appliances. Gas grilles, rotisseries, ovens, warming trays, refrigerators, smokers, Green Eggs and pizza ovens, and many more, they are all popular options.
Naturally on the beverage side of the equation, you might want a keg dispenser with taps, an ice chest or ice maker, and cabinetry for stem wear, cocktail glasses and mixing accoutrements. Basically, anything you can have in an indoor kitchen can be moved outdoors.
We find it’s always best to tailor the design choices to the style of entertaining and cooking you like the most and plan on doing outside. When entertaining, I personally love to use my rotisserie because I can do all of my prep ahead of time. This frees me up to spend time with my guests. I love the way it’s there tantalizing your senses before dinner, requiring almost no time and attention. Plus, everything always turns out great. (My favorite rotisserie fare includes turkey breasts, double-thick pork chops and filet mignon.) I’m also surprisingly fond of the paper-towel dispenser.
With outdoor kitchens also come a number of other design choices including the style of overhead shade structure, lighting and even outdoor sound and video. And, one of the most exciting decisions of all, the countertops. Our cast-concrete countertops can be made to look like almost anything and contain materials such as iridescent aggregates or Mother of Pearl shells. They’re resilient outdoors and available in 40 different colors. We can include lighting options such as downlighting and sparkly countertop lights. The possibilities are truly almost limitless.
DINING & LOUNGING
Areas built for outdoor dining and lounging are usually all about ambiance. These spaces are where our three favorite activities take place.
Those spaces begin at the bar that is usually associated with your outdoor kitchen. Just like in a pub, the surface where drinks and eats are served, and over which conversation transpires are iconic. You’re in close proximity to the food and drink, and as mentioned above, that always makes for a natural place to gather.
Away from the kitchen, a complete outdoor design includes spaces for tables and chairs, much like an indoor dining room. Almost always located under and umbrella some type of shade structure with lighting and surrounded by plantings and possibly fire features, these spaces can be nothing short of pure magic. Like the set for a romantic movie, the outdoor dining room is not only a venue for eating, drinking and talking, but also an opportunity to transport you and your guests to a decidedly vacation-like frame of mind.
We also create lounging areas where socializing continues, perhaps with an after-dinner drink, coffee, or even a cigar. Outdoor fireplaces and fire troughs are popular in these settings, as are other types of fire elements and small water features. Lounging areas might overlook the pool or maybe a distant view.
INTO THE WATER
Hot water may not be typically associated with eating, but spas/hot tubs (depending on your preferred nomenclature) are certainly associated with beverage consumption and conversation. In fact, taking a warm soak with friends and family, an activity that dates back to ancient times, is a great way to spend quality time together.
As for pools themselves, shallow tanning shelves, which have become extremely popular in recent years, are often furnished with loungers and umbrellas, creating a perfect place for beverage consumption and discussions. And, of course, some pools are built with swim-up bars and in-pool tables and chairs.
They key to all of these options is to identify the way you’ll use your backyard resort and to make choices accordingly with your designer/builder. If those intended uses involve groups of people, large or small, frequent or only on occasion, you can be certain that eating, drinking and talking will be on the menu.
So, don’t act surprised during our consultation, when I ask you what you like to drink.