Few things typify the American experience more than holding a party on a beautiful summer evening on your deck. It’s not difficult to imagine the scene; the people, the food, the sights, the sounds. This event will likely be the ultimate test of your talents as a deck designer. Your design will act as the stage set in providing the atmosphere for the party. It will determine how people will interact with one another and how comfortable everyone will feel.

In preparing your design you should consider your anticipated guest list. Will you be holding primarily laid back family functions on Sunday afternoons? Will you be entertaining neighbors and friends at night? What will these people expect? Consider the logistics of a party. How many guests will be using the deck? What kind of furniture will be present? Where will you cook and serve food and beverages? Your guests will need spaces to socialize and a path for movement. How can you prevent "traffic jams" at your parties? Will parents need to watch children playing in the yard? How easily will people be able to move between the yard, deck, and house? Parties are dynamic events; a good deck design should concentrate on enhancing the experience with a variety of spaces and features.