How to create the perfect outdoor entertaining area

 

Winter is finally over which means it’s time to dust those cobwebs off the BBQ and enjoy some fabulous sunshine. But what happens if your outdoor retreat looks more like an overgrown disaster?

It’s time to transform your garden into a summer oasis.

 

Where do I start?

 

Consider introducing a style or theme to your garden when you start planning your outdoor entertaining area.  This theme should suit your existing home as you don’t want it to look out of place - your indoor rooms should flow to your outdoor entertaining area.

 

Work with what you’ve got

 

You don’t have to be extravagant with your garden makeover. Look at what’s already in your yard first. Maybe you already have a deck or pergola, perhaps a landscaped area, pool or spa. Take these existing factors into consideration first and try to work around them.

 

Start from the ground up

 

Got grass and not much else? Try introducing some simple flooring, like synthetic grass or pebbles. Or if you really want to jazz up your outdoor area, why not opt for decking, pavers, tiles or concrete.

 

Useful tip: If you don’t have a pergola or gazebo and aren’t keen on installing one, why not buy a shade sail or umbrella to cover the area from those sizzling hot summer afternoons.

 

It’s all about comfort

 

Once you have your area all decked out, you’re ready to add some furniture. Ideally this will be weather resistant and easy to clean, so opt for plastic, metal or timber furniture.

 

It’s also worth considering comfort – those wrought iron chairs may look good now but how will they feel after a long lazy lunch! Add some comfy seats with cushions and a big table for extra comfort.

 

If you’re planning on holding a lot of outdoor gatherings it might also be worth investing in a couple of small side tables for guests to put their drinks on too.

 

Useful tip: Keep your guests comfortable in all types of weather with a patio heater or fireplace for the colder weather and a ceiling fan in the warmer months.  

 

Keep entertaining all through the night

 

On those hot summer nights, the last thing you want is to be cooped up in the house. The coming months are the best time to make the most of your outdoor area. Consider installing some garden lamps for some outdoor light, or even a water feature with lights.

 

But, if you want to keep costs down, you can simply place some candles around the garden to add some light.

 

Useful tip: Keep the bugs away at night with a bug-zapper or mosquito coils.

 

And for something a little bit special…

 

If you really want to jazz up your outdoor area, why not consider installing an outdoor bar, an outdoor kitchen, a spa or a pool.

 

The final touch

No outdoor area is complete without a good old fashioned Aussie Barbie. Any BBQ is a good BBQ whether it is a small portable, a large 6 burner or an island BBQ which can incorporate sinks and fridges into the cabinet.
 

Entertain away!

October 2010