In Ibis, your backyard is where you live, entertain, and unwind. With a private pool, shaded lanai, and wide-open views of the golf course or lake, your home is already set up for a standout summer barbecue.
Here, we’ll walk you through how to plan it, utilize your space effectively, and host the kind of gathering that people talk about for weeks. And if you’re thinking about buying, it’s a look at how this kind of backyard living stacks up against other things to do in West Palm Beach, FL.
WHY IBIS BACKYARDS ARE BUILT FOR HOSTING
Backyards in Ibis are functional, private, and built for gatherings. Here’s what makes them ideal for summer entertaining:
- Outdoor living is built into the architecture
Most homes feature covered lanais, screened patios, and built-in summer kitchens. Floor plans are designed to extend the living space outdoors, making it easy to host without extra setup.
- Privacy, views, and lot design work in your favor
Many homes back up to golf courses, lakes, or preserves, offering a natural backdrop and added privacy. Corner lots and cul-de-sacs are common, helping reduce noise from neighbors.
- Club amenities take the pressure off the host
From on-site dining to recommended vendors, the Ibis Country Club adds options beyond your backyard. You can start with brunch at the clubhouse or bring in catering support for a low-stress event.
- It adds long-term value for buyers
Outdoor space is a top priority for many buyers shopping for homes for sale in West Palm Beach, FL. Ibis delivers with layouts and amenities that support everyday hosting and add lasting appeal.
PLAN YOUR IBIS BARBECUE THE RIGHT WAY
A great backyard barbecue is one of the most rewarding things to do in West Palm Beach, FL, and it doesn’t happen by accident. When you live in Ibis, most of the hard work is already done for you. With the right plan and a few smart touches, you can host a laid-back, well-run event that feels effortless.
- Choose the kind of party you want to host
Start with the basics: What kind of barbecue are you throwing? A pool-focused afternoon with kids looks different from a sunset dinner with neighbors or a casual weekend drop-in with drinks and snacks. Define the tone early so you can plan around it.
Pick a start time based on how you want the day to flow. Late afternoon is ideal in the summer. It avoids peak heat and rolls naturally into the evening. Check the weather a few days out, and have a backup plan for rain just in case.
If your guest list includes people from outside the community, it’s courteous to give your nearby neighbors a heads-up. Ibis is social, but it’s also quiet. A little notice goes a long way.
- Know your HOA guidelines
Every neighborhood in Ibis has its own version of HOA rules for outdoor gatherings. These aren’t usually hard to follow, but they do vary by subdivision. Below are a few examples of what you might encounter:
- Noise and music. Some areas limit outdoor speaker use after a certain time. It’s smart to keep the volume low in the evening, especially near the golf course.
- Outdoor lighting and decor. You may need approval for string lights, tents, or other temporary setups. Rules tend to differ depending on location and visibility.
- Guests and parking. Street parking might be limited. Be sure your guests aren’t blocking driveways, mailboxes, or fire lanes.
- Clean up. Leaving trash or food out overnight can lead to complaints. Store bins properly and keep them off shared pathways.
- Neighbor notice. For larger gatherings or anything that might run late, a quick message to your immediate neighbors is always a good move.
Use these as a starting point, but double-check your own HOA or POA (property owners association) guidelines before you host. Rules can vary across neighborhoods, especially in planned communities like those found throughout West Palm Beach, FL, real estate.
- Break your yard into zones
Even the most spacious backyards work better when each area has a clear purpose. Defining your zones helps guests move easily from one part of the party to another without everyone crowding in the same spot. Here’s how to break it up:
- Grilling station. Keep it central but out of guest traffic. You want easy access, not a bottleneck.
- Dining area. Use a covered lanai, shaded patio, or poolside table for sit-down meals or buffet setups.
- Lounging zone. Set up an outdoor sectional, Adirondack chairs, or even beach loungers for guests who just want to kick back.
- Bonus. If your lot backs up to the golf course or a lake, orient your seating toward the view. Features like this are a big draw for buyers looking for homes for sale in West Palm Beach, FL.
- Get the pool ready to be the star
If you have a pool, it’s likely the centerpiece of your backyard, so make sure you treat it that way. Start with the basics: skim the water, check the chlorine, and brush the sides the day before your guests arrive. If you have a service, confirm that the schedule lines up with your party date.
Once it’s clean, dress it up. Floating drink holders, LED lights, and oversized inflatables add color and functionality with minimal effort. Set up a towel station in a visible spot, and have extra sunscreen nearby. If kids will be swimming, consider adding non-slip mats near steps or shallow zones. If your pool has a tanning ledge or wide entry shelf, use it as a built-in lounge area with small floats or drink trays.
- Keep the menu simple and crowd-friendly
Good barbecue food doesn’t need to be complicated. Grill staples like marinated chicken, ribs, veggie skewers, and fresh fish are easy to prep and always crowd-pleasers. Pair them with low-effort sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or chips and guac.
For a more upscale feel, you can bring in a private chef or order pre-prepped trays from a trusted Ibis-area vendor. It’s a solid option if you’re hosting a bigger group or don’t want to spend the whole afternoon manning the grill.
It’s also smart to offer a few options for guests with dietary restrictions. One plant-based main or a gluten-free side is usually enough to keep things inclusive without overcomplicating your menu.
- Set up a drink station that runs itself
A solid drink setup makes life easier for you and better for your guests, especially when you’re making the most of warm evenings and seasonal things to do in West Palm Beach, FL. Set up a self-serve station in a shaded area where people can help themselves without crowding the kitchen.
Offer a mix of options, including pitcher cocktails, canned spritzers, flavored sparkling water, and non-alcoholic choices for kids or those who are skipping alcohol. A large cooler filled with ice works fine, but an outdoor bar cart or built-in counter makes things even smoother.
Also, don’t forget a hydration station. A simple water dispenser with citrus, cucumber, or mint keeps everyone refreshed, especially after a swim.
- Let the music and lighting do the heavy lifting
The right mix of sound and lighting can shift the entire feel of your backyard without overcomplicating the setup. Use Bluetooth speakers and queue up a playlist that moves from easy daytime tracks to something more upbeat after sunset. For lighting, stick to warm, soft lighting like string lights, hurricane lanterns, or pathway LEDs. You don’t need a lot, you just need enough to keep the space inviting.
- Prep for comfort and cleanup
Comfort and cleanup aren’t the fun parts, but they’re what keep the party running smoothly. A few smart setups ahead of time will help your guests stay comfortable and make your wrap-up easier later:
- Shade. Set up umbrellas, a pop-up canopy, or seat cushions under your lanai to give people a break from the sun.
- Cooling. Have a few cooling towels or portable fans on hand, especially if you’re hosting during peak afternoon heat.
- Towels. Use baskets for clean pool towels and another for used ones. Place them near the pool or in a visible, easy-to-reach spot.
- Trash. Set out bins for trash and recycling so guests know exactly where to toss things without asking.
- Bug protection. Prep citronella torches or scented candles in advance and place them near food and lounge areas. They add a nice glow while helping keep bugs away.
- Wrap-up reminders. Don’t leave food waste or trash bags near the golf course or water overnight. Quick cleanup keeps your yard (and your HOA standing) in good shape.
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Make it easy for guests to contribute
You don’t have to make it a potluck, but if guests offer to bring something, take them up on it. It lightens up your prep and gives people a way to contribute.
Desserts are the easiest hand-off. Whether they’re store-bought or homemade, they’re low-pressure and travel well. Drinks work too, especially if someone has a favorite cocktail or wine they want to share. For families, floaties or games for the pool are simple ways to add to the setup without creating more work for you.
Just keep the tone casual. You aren’t assigning tasks, you’re giving people an easy yes when they ask.
BARBECUE-READY IBIS HOMES WORTH A LOOK
Entertaining shouldn’t feel like a chore. When it comes to things to do in West Palm Beach, FL, that combine comfort and community, these homes make it easy. Each one comes with the kind of outdoor setup that makes hosting easy. From summer kitchens to wide lanais and open views, these backyards are designed for both casual get-togethers and full-scale barbecues.
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10520 Hawks Landing Terrace Hawk’s Landing at Ibis | 3 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,615 SQFT |
This lakefront estate sits on over half an acre at the end of a cul-de-sac, offering 250 feet of waterfrontage with wide golf course views. The backyard is built for entertaining, with a custom freeform heated pool, rock waterfall, and a mix of covered and open-air patios.
The screened lanai features a summer kitchen, outdoor dining, and lounge seating. Custom lighting extends the atmosphere into the evening, while lush landscaping adds privacy.
Inside, you’ll find a formal dining room, walk-in pantry, home office, and large entertaining spaces. The roof was replaced in 2022, and there’s a full 3-car garage.
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6099 Wildcat Run The Preserve at Ibis | 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,251 SQFT |
This oversized lot in The Preserve comes fully loaded for entertaining. Out back, you’ll find a spacious screened lanai, a heated pool with spa, and a built-in grill station.
Inside, the open layout includes a den, sitting room, and billiard room, plus standout upgrades like Jerusalem stone floors, Brazilian rosewood in the primary suite, and coffered ceilings throughout. A new 2024 roof, full-impact glass, and a 3-car garage add long-term peace of mind.
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7282 Horizon Drive Bay Pointe at Ibis | 3 BD | 4 BA | 3,756 SQFT |
This renovated golf course estate sits on a 0.41-acre east-facing lot in Bay Pointe. It offers panoramic views of the 4th and 5th holes of the Nicklaus-designed Tradition Course.
The outdoor area features a pool and spa, manicured landscaping, and outdoor lighting. A side-entry 4-car garage adds convenience, while a new roof and impact glass provide long-lasting protection.
Inside, the home includes 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a series of elegant living spaces, including a formal living room and designer-finished interiors. Every aspect has been thoughtfully updated for luxury and comfort.
IBIS BEYOND THE BACKYARD
Outside of backyard luxury, members of The Club at Ibis enjoy three Nicklaus-designed golf courses, tennis and pickleball, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and on-site dining options.
And when you’re ready to explore beyond the gates, you’re still close to some of the best things to do in West Palm Beach, FL:
- CityPlace. Formerly known as The Square, this lively downtown hub features restaurants, retail shops, and weekly events, making it a go-to spot for shopping, dining, and socializing.
- Norton Museum of Art. One of Florida’s top cultural institutions, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, along with permanent collections and public programs.
- Peanut Island. Located just off the Intracoastal, this 80-acre island park offers snorkeling, paddleboarding, picnicking, and a scenic walking trail with views of the inlet.
- Manatee Lagoon. Operated by Florida Power & Light, this environmental education center features interactive exhibits and is a great place to spot manatees during the cooler months.
- Palm Beach beaches. Within a short drive, you can reach some of South Florida’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or spending the day in the sun.
All these add to the appeal of West Palm Beach, FL, real estate for buyers who want both a home and a lifestyle.
MAKE YOUR NEXT BACKYARD BARBECUE AN IBIS ONE
From sunset dinners by the pool to lazy weekends with friends and family, Ibis makes outdoor living feel easy and elevated. With move-in-ready homes for sale in West Palm Beach, FL, built for entertaining and a country club lifestyle that keeps the calendar full, this is a place that delivers more than just curb appeal.
If you’re serious about finding the right fit, reach out to the Telchin Group. It’s made up of some of the top real estate agents in West Palm Beach, FL, who know the Ibis market inside and out.
Call 561.301.0249 or send an email to get started.