After the colder winter and the associated hibernation, many of us welcome the return to warmer climate through extended stays in outdoor entertaining areas.
If your home’s outdoor space is in need of a bit of a spruce-up, the following ideas may help you create a space which is ripe for summer enjoyment, right in the nick of time.
Gimme Shelter
Although the warmth of summer sun can be pleasant and relaxing, the full heat of Australian summer can also be both dangerous and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to get the more use and enjoyment from your outdoor entertaining area, it can be a good idea to install adequate shade and sun protection.
Outdoor blinds are an ideal way to block out direct light and to control the temperature and glare of an area. They’re also available in a wide range of designs and colours, meaning that you can find a solution for your patio which will enhance the area while providing you with much needed comfort.
Another excellent solution is shadecloth. Shadecloth can be directly installed to overhead wooden beams to partially block out overhead light and dim the area, without completely shading the space.
For a tailored and comfortable solution, combining methods of sun protection is a great way to ensure you get the most from your space.
Light It Up
Outdoor lighting is another key consideration if you’re in the process of revamping your outdoor entertainment area for summer. With longer evenings and warm nights, the temptation to entertain and remain outdoors grows, and so it becomes necessary to provide a source of outdoor lighting.
Solar lights provide a cheap and environmentally friendly way to illuminate your social occasions. They can be installed in a number of ways, including lanterns, spotlights and fairy lights – meaning that you can light the area in a way which suits your space and your occasion.
LED lights are another low cost alternative and are able to be installed to a level of brightness which suits your needs.
Consider providing a lightsource which will deter bugs and pests, such as a bug zapper or a citronella candle. These light sources can keep you comfortable throughout the mosquito prone months.
Taste The Outdoors
If you’re spending more time outdoors socially, it makes sense that you may be considering outdoor cooking facilities. The barbeque is a much loved and time tested outdoor cooking apparatus, and can be used in summer with great gusto.
For a high-quality change, consider installing a wood fired oven or an outdoor cooker to really create a foodie heaven. A wood fired oven can make more than delicious pizza. It can also cook cakes and roast meats and vegetables. An outdoor cooker is like an indoor stove – without the restriction of walls. These are great for preparing high dexterity and high heat dishes such as curries, stir fries and deep fried dishes.
Outdoor cooking solutions provide you with an extra way to cook at all times of year – even in the cooler months. You might find them particularly handy when cooking particularly pungent or less welcomed foods (eg; cabbage soup or kimchi).
Pump Up The Volume
Speakers. Music. Action! An outdoor entertaining area isn’t complete without a little bit of entertainment. An easy way to integrate some fun into your outdoor area is through the installation of speakers or a sound system.
Clever positioning of speakers will allow you to enjoy music outdoors without incurring the anger or wrath of any neighbours. It will also allow you to enjoy streamed indoor content or radio broadcasts without the need for a clunky, static-filled boombox.
Setting up your outdoor entertaining area for summer as easy as preparing in advance. Get your climate and shade sorted, figure out your cooking methodologies and choose a playlist. Then it’s time to get the party started!
