Outdoor Entertaining Buying Guide
Australia has an ideal climate for a wide range of
outdoor entertaining activities, and it's obvious that we would all prefer to entertain outside. So whether you are looking to transform your outdoor space into another living room, or if you are simply having friends over for a
barbecue, we have everything you need to create a stylish and comfortable setting.
Creating an Area
The best part about creating an
outdoor living space is that the options are endless; use your imagination and create something extraordinary that suits your needs and your style.
* '''First things first.''' One of the most important things to consider is how you plan to marry your outdoor space with the
landscaping architect can be very useful in helping you along with this part of the project.
Outdoor Flooring
This is the most basic element of your outdoor entertaining space, and luckily there are a myriad of options out there. When looking for flooring, think about the style of your home so that you can find something complementary.
Outdoor Shelter
Shade and shelter are also vital components to your outdoor space. Remember that you will want to take advantage of it no matter what the weather is doing!
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is important to your outdoor area, as it is likely that you will spend a lot of evening hours in your new space. Not only will you need
lighting for your guests to safely find their way around your garden, but it can also be used to create atmosphere. The most important places to have lighting are, of course, your walkways and the entertaining area itself.
Outdoor Heating
It is ideal to incorporate an element of
heat into your outdoor entertaining area. Not only will this optimise the amount of time you can spend outside, but it will provide your guests with a warm and cosy setting on those chilly nights.
Outdoor Furniture
The furniture you choose is largely based upon a number of factors, including the number of people that you plan on entertaining, your budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to perform along the way. The most popular materials for outdoor furniture are
seat cushions on top.
* You will want to check out our
Guide to Outdoor Furniture for even more information, but here are a few suggestions to get you started!
Outdoor Cooking
If you are planning on using your outdoor area for
cooking, you will want to have ample space for food storage, organisation, and meal preparation. And, of course, it is absolutely worth taking the time to research and find a quality
side burners is a great idea because it allows for greater cooking versatility. Remember that you can always cover the burners when they are not being used for more space!
* You will certainly want to check out our
Guide to Barbecues to find out all that there is to know about making this big purchase.
Entertaining Tips and Ideas
Even for the best of us, the thoughts of home entertaining can bring on feelings of anxiety and stress. If you find yourself wondering how to go about all of this outdoor fun, allow us to help ease the burden of planning.
* '''Self-Serve Meals.'''
** Think minimal host involvement and maximum guest enjoyment. Consider laying out a spread of
fajitas, etc. Having everything prepared beforehand will allow you to spend more time with your guests and will ease your worried mind the day of the party.
* '''Keep It Fresh.'''
** Hot nights are death to
containers of food to avoid little unwanted pests.
* '''Setting the Table.'''
**
Centrepieces can liven up any
potted plants in your backyard, arrange a few small ones in the centre of the table to show off your flowers and
gardening skills at the same time.
* '''No Fuss Margaritas.'''
** Make your party memorable with a signature drink!
Margaritas and warm weather seemingly go handmade margarita mix; it already has the perfect amounts measured into it, so all you have to do is add some ice, garnish with a lime, and you are good to go. No hassle, no fuss.
* '''Safety First.'''
** Know that the heat can sometimes lead to dehydration and heatwater'>cool drinks available.
** You will also want to be ready for nature's inconveniences! Nothing is less entertaining than a bug bite, splinter, or scraped elbow. Stock a
allergy medication, and other remedies for minor outdoor ailments.
* '''Clean Up Duty.'''
** Try to make your life as easy as possible. Pick up a
trash bins throughout your entertaining space so that guests can clean up after themselves, saving you valuable time later.
Related Guides
Check out some of our other guides for even more inspiration!
