Conversation Starters: Ideas for Gathering Spots in Dublin, OH, Outdoor Living Spaces

What’s one of the most wonderful parts of backyard living? Sharing time with family and friends! If your patio doesn’t seem to draw people outside, here are a couple of conversation starters: ideas for gathering spots in Dublin, OH, outdoor living spaces.

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1. Around the Fire

Fire is one of the key elements of backyard fun, whether it’s warming up after a swim, gathering for campfire stories late into the night, providing warm ambience to your gatherings, or a quiet evening home alone.

Two kinds of fire features naturally draw people together: fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. Both can be conversation starters, too, with a stunning display of masonry design. Many people choose to integrate a fire feature into their patio design theme by using the same or complementary materials. Others prefer to create knock-out focal points by choosing completely different materials.

Placement of your fire feature is important. Whether you want it to be a centrally located gathering spot or one that’s more intimate and secluded, there are two things to remember: keep the traffic flowing to the fire feature, but not past it; and make sure there’s plenty of room for seating around the fire. This could mean designating a larger patio space, or utilizing built-in masonry seating. This is a particularly wonderful option if your fire pit is situated close to a retaining wall, since the seating can be built into the wall itself.

2. Around the Table

Meals cooked and shared outdoors always seem to taste extra special. Aside from fire, the other key gathering spot will center around food. If your patio is large, consider a dedicated outdoor dining space. If the space is more compact, well-designed bar seating at the outdoor kitchen can be a great option.

A third option for outdoor dining is more casual and geared toward entertaining than everyday meals: the fire table. This feature - which is typically fire pit height although it can also be dining table height or taller - marries the joys of a natural gas fire with eating. The cap stone is generously sized to allow for plenty of space for plates and glasses. A combination of bar seating and a fire table is a popular choice for backyards with limited space, since the fire table does double duty for dining and fireside socializing.

3. By the Water

Most backyards don’t have a waterfront view - and that’s okay. Any backyard setting can be enhanced by the addition of water, especially moving water. From a tiny bubbling fountain to a large artificial waterfall, the sights and sounds of water make for a soothing atmosphere. No matter the style of water feature you want, there are so many styles to choose from. Be sure to place some comfortable lounge seating beside the water feature. It’s the perfect setting for conversations, and the water feature itself is a great opportunity for creative expression.

4. By the Garden

Getting closer to the earth is a known stress reliever. The size of the garden doesn’t matter. A raised masonry planter or two on the edge of the patio can play host to gorgeous annuals and perennials, or an edible garden filled with vegetables and culinary herbs. Raised masonry planters with a generous cap stone offer a perfect spot for a rest with your favorite person and a refreshing beverage.

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