(BPT) - Few people have shaped the art of American entertaining quite like Martha Stewart. Known for her impeccable eye for detail and thoughtful approach to hosting, Martha believes the best gatherings are all about creating a space where guests feel comfortable, connected and welcome.
That philosophy extends to her outdoor spaces, too. For her Bedford, New York, backyard, Martha chose Trex® composite decking and railing to create a beautiful, durable foundation for outdoor entertaining.
Ready to give your own deck a little Martha-inspired polish? Take your backyard gatherings to the next level with these five ideas.
1. Create Zones That Keep Guests Comfortable
The best outdoor gatherings have an easy flow, with dedicated spaces for drinks, dining and relaxing. Set up a self-serve beverage station near the entrance so guests can help themselves, then place appetizers somewhere accessible without blocking the main walkway.
After dinner, transition to a comfortable lounge area where guests can linger. Define each zone with an outdoor rug, arrange furniture to encourage conversation and use planters as subtle dividers. As Martha puts it, "If guests are comfortable, they'll stay longer."
2. Make Shade Part of the Plan
Even the most carefully prepared meal can suffer under a hot afternoon sun. Overhead shade keeps guests comfortable while helping food and drinks stay more enjoyable throughout the gathering.
For a polished, permanent solution, consider a Trex® Pergola over your dining or seating area. Retractable canopies offer flexibility as the sun moves, while umbrellas provide movable shade where you need it most. Tall planters can also add greenery and soften the light.
3. Make the Most of the Space Below
If your deck is elevated, don't overlook the entertaining potential underneath it. The Trex RainEscape® Under-Deck Drainage System uses a network of troughs and downspouts to divert rainwater away from the deck, creating a dry area below. That means the space underneath can become more than just storage - it can be an extension of your outdoor living area, with room for seating, lighting, a ceiling fan or even an entertainment setup.
Think of it as getting more out of the deck you already have: a sheltered lounge for rainy-day gatherings, a place to relax away from the midday sun or a second entertaining zone when you have a crowd.
4. Set the Mood From Day to Night
Don't let sunset signal the end of the party. Layered lighting can transform your deck as the evening unfolds while helping guests safely navigate steps and walkways.
Trex® Lighting can add a warm glow at multiple levels, from post cap lights and riser lights to under-rail illumination. Add lanterns or candles to the table for atmosphere, then bring the entertainment outdoors with speakers, a TV or a projector for movie nights and big-game gatherings.
5. Add Personal Touches
The right accessories can make a deck feel like a true extension of your home. Take a cue from Martha with fresh flowers, outdoor-friendly glassware, colorful linens and cozy cushions. A basket of lightweight throws is another simple touch that helps guests feel cared for when temperatures dip.
Host Like Martha in Your Own Backyard
A beautifully decorated deck isn't just for entertaining. It's where you'll enjoy quiet mornings, late-summer dinners and crisp fall afternoons long after the guests have gone home. Create a space that's comfortable, welcoming and unmistakably yours. Then invite people over and enjoy the kind of gathering that might even convince Martha to stay past dessert.
For more outdoor living inspiration, visit Trex.com.