Tag Archives: outdoor lighting

Close up of a table with a veggie kebab and wine glass and bottle.

How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party on Your Deck

Fall is almost here and the best way to welcome the new season is to host a magical dinner on your custom deck. The onset of autumn in Northern Virginia is stunning with colorful leaves just starting to fall and a subtle chill in the air. Why not enjoy the nice weather and beautiful scenery with friends and family around a beautifully set table? We’ve compiled a list of preparation tips, fall-inspired décor, and food recommendations to help you throw the best party possible.

Cleaning

The first step in party prep is cleaning the area you’re going to be hosting in. Hose off your deck to blast away any debris. Once your deck is sparkling, make sure your table and chairs are dusted and polished as well.

Food Prep

A fall menu calls for grilled veggie kababs, fragrant steaks, a bottle of rich, red wine, and a pumpkin pie. Print out a menu for your guests for a charismatic addition. If you have an outdoor kitchen, prepare the food outside so you can be an involved host. Let the aroma of the delicious food you’re whipping up float to your guests while they’re enjoying a glass of wine.

Décor

Get creative with your table setting. Lay down a patterned tablecloth and break out your nice cutlery and plates. Make rustic nameplates for a charming touch. Gather some patterned throw pillows and perhaps bring indoor plants outside for added greenery.

Seating

Having enough seating for your guests is a must. To skip the stress, make sure there are more than enough options. Feel free to bring your interior furniture outdoors if the weather is permitting and move a small couch to your deck to create a relaxed environment. Use removable cushions for lawn or fold-up chairs without padding to make sure your guests are comfortable all night long.

Lighting

To create a beautiful ambiance, hang a strand of twinkly lights over the dining area. If you’re looking for more permanent, mood lighting, we offer many options like pathway, patio and deck lights. Outdoor lighting will create a sense of warmth and romance. Not to mention, lighting will allow your guests to enjoy your deck far past sunset.

Host an elegant dinner party to welcome the season on your custom Fairfax deck. Contact us today to receive a free consultation!

Twinkly string lights hung across a tree

How to Incorporate Lighting into Your Outdoor Space

The sun is setting, and your patio lights have gone on. Your yard is twinkling against the oranges and reds in the sky. We can’t think of a more beautiful setting than this. Surround your Fairfax home with outdoor lighting to enhance the ambiance of your deck and take your yard to the next level. We offer a wide variety of lighting options to not only make your space more inviting but also to improve safety and add irreplaceable value to your home.

There are endless opportunities when it comes to lighting elements. Outdoor lighting can brighten your yard, illuminate walkways, and even create the illusion of a roof by stringing up a canopy of lights.  Here is a list of creative and chic ways to incorporate lighting into your custom deck design. 

Illuminate Steps and Walkways

Our custom stone and paver walkways are a wonderful way to navigate your yard and enhance your Northern Virginia home. Consider illuminating your walkways to outline pathways and to provide safety at night. Adding lighting underneath or in the middle of your deck stairs is a great way for your guests to enjoy your space and avoid injuries at night. We also offer border and patio lighting to integrate into your outdoor areas. Not to mention the unbeatable ambiance these lights will add to the overall look of your yard.

Water Reflection

If you have a water feature or pool, take advantage of these reflective surfaces in your yard. String lights just above the water to double the amount of light being given off at nighttime. The water will act as a mirror-like surface and create a magical effect. Consider lining the perimeter of your pool or other water features with lanterns for a nice touch when hosting get-togethers.

Fireplace Design

Perhaps the most captivating source of outdoor lighting is a fireplace. Our team will work with you to design a custom fire element that fits seamlessly into the layout of your existing patio design. Choose from a variety of materials including masonry and natural stone, Or Techo Bloc paver stone for your wood-burning firepit. A flickering fire creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Your friends and family deserve a gathering place with an inviting glow. 

Roof of Light

Overhead lighting strung up at regular intervals across your deck creates the illusion of a “roof” of light. This is a popular way to add dramatic lighting that covers large patios or decks. Your yard will be well-lit without competing with Virginia’s starry night sky.

Chandelier

There’s nothing like a hanging chandelier to create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Hang one above your dining or seating area for an enchanting effect. However, wiring an outdoor fixture can be complicated. A perfect solution to this problem is to hang a chandelier from the beams of your covered patio from Distinctive Deck Designs. Our expert contractors will build a sturdy and quality covered patio for your yard.

Get creative this Summer with custom lighting design at your Fairfax home. Contact us today to learn more about our outdoor lighting options!