The worst is yet to come. But it gets better after that, a lot better. We just have to hang on and stay the course a little while longer. This dreaded coronavirus has met its match. We have vaccines that are over 90% effective. It is just a matter of fast-track approval and even faster-track distribution. We will beat this thing. And you will entertain again.
The real question is not whether you will have people at your house again to celebrate good times, but when. We have at least a few more months. But for now, the question is whether your home is even ready for guests. You are probably not thinking about throwing a party right now. But take a look around your house as if you were about to throw a big party next week. What all would have to do to make that feasible?
Take a good look at the yard, front and back. How has the paint weathered, inside and out? Do you even have space? You have probably turned the entertainment room into a classroom, an office, or both. Just a brief assessment reveals that you have a lot of work to do before the weather turns warm and the invitations are sent out. Here’s what you need to do first:
Prepare the Porch and Patio
You might find that the concrete entertainment areas are looking a bit rough. You can’t do this job yourself. Start with the search term, “concrete contractors near me.” Check out the ratings and reviews and do your due diligence. Once you have found the right fit for your budget and needs, go for it.
The cracks and holes need to be filled. The front porch is where guests often go to retire after a big meal. A porch swing is a nice touch. Because your inside space is occupied by your office needs, you will be doing a lot of your entertaining in the backyard. You need a patio if you don’t already have one. Think about getting one of those retractable awnings to block out the sun. If you have older relatives, make sure you have the contractor install a ramp for wheelchair and walker accessibility.
Make Your Entertainment Room Epic
If you do have an entertainment space, check out some entertainment room design ideas that will set your space apart. Be the place where your kids want to hang out with their friends. You can furnish it with your game equipment. There are several indoor gaming simulators available. Companies like Uneekor (https://uneekor.com/pages/launch-monitors) provide some of the best indoor golfing devices.
Stimulators are not the end. You could also install a pool table or ping-pong table. You will also want a 50″ TV for movie night or game night with one of the new generation of gaming consoles. The Jones only have the old Xbox. This is your chance to make the Jones keep up with you.
Upgrade Your Grill
There is a very good chance that you can do better than whatever grill you are using right now. You might even want to add a smoker to the mix. Have you ever heard of the Big, Green Egg? These are some of the most popular grills of the previous decade. If you don’t like the price tag, just know there are plenty of more affordable knock-offs that will make your steak taste just as good.
If you do a lot of entertaining and don’t want to go through the hassle of building the perfect fire every time you want a hotdog, consider a gas grill. It does not cost that much to run a line to the outside of the house and have a persistent source of cooking gas.
You will entertain again. Keep doing the right thing and just hang on a little while longer. In the meantime, get a concrete contractor to get those outside spaces ready. Make the entertainment room a place where your kids want to be. And get ready to cook like a master chef because you are about to have company.
