Summer is here, and Australians love making the most of the long, gloriously sunny days. That’s why so many of our home designs offer outdoor rooms, where you can invite friends and family over for a barbecue washed down with ice-cool drinks, then relax in the shade.
But before you get to the blissed-out part, it pays to do some groundwork to get your backyard and outdoor room in tip-top shape for summer entertaining. Here’s our guide.
How do I choose the right barbecue?
Long gone are the days of winging it with a flimsy disposable tray. Grilling up a feast for all your mates is a MasterChef endeavour now. There’s a plethora of beautiful big barbecuing beasts that run on easily replaceable gas canisters. But how to decide which one works for you? Most importantly, go for one that’s the right size for your outdoor space. It needs to cater for a decent-sized group of guests without taking up too much room. If it comes with storage, all the better to keep things neat and tidy. This handy step-by-step guide from Choice.com.au will help guide you to your dream BBQ.
What if my tastes run more Italian?
An excellent question! We love a slice of crispy-based pizza washed down with a good Italian bottle on a warm summer’s eve. Investing in a good pizza oven is an even easier way to entertain in your backyard this summer than firing up the barbecue. The thing about pizzas is that they need a very high heat, evenly applied and fast, so it’s best to choose a dedicated oven. If you settle on a wood-fired option, you’ll get a smoky yum finish that an indoor oven can’t achieve. Here’s how to choose what’s best for you.
We’re going to get thirsty, aren’t we?
It’s inevitable. And we all know the age-old debate over who’s due to get up and head into the kitchen for the next round can get feisty. The best way to keep the crowd happy? Invest in a decent outdoor bar fridge within easy reach of thirsty campers. This Inalto 52 Bottle Wine Fridge is a beauty for our budding wine connoisseurs. If you go nice and compact, you can keep it to beverages only. But if you opt for something a little bigger, it can also act as a temporary home for your soon-to-be-barbecued treats. Keep it under cover and out of direct sunlight, but within handy reach of lazy guests. Taste.com.au have compared a few options for your consideration here.
Do I need a firepit too?
Since the dawn of time, humans have gathered around a naked flame to chat under the stars. It’s a real vibe, but how much use you’ll get out of a firepit in Australian summer depends on whether you’re up in sunny Queensland or way down in variable Victoria. If you do opt in, the main trick is to choose a sleek one that looks like a work of art in its own right. Again, keep it size-appropriate for the space you have, or your guests will get a bit too toasty. Pop it on a non-flammable base, like concrete or gravel, and a safe distance from soft furnishings. Bunnings have put together a great guide to choosing the right firepit.
How can I get cosy in my backyard retreat?
Getting your backyard furniture set-up sorted is basically the most important step. If your lounges aren’t comfy enough to drift into a deep sleep on then, honestly, what’s the point? You’ll want them to look chic, but cosiness is the number one priority. The same goes for dining table chairs. Nobody wants a butt-ache an hour into noshing on. So think cute, think stylish, but most of all, think plumped up. Swish and cosy outdoor furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Here’s our guide to getting your backyard seating sitch sorted.
What about some mood lighting?
We love to bring some starlight down to Earth. Rigging up festoon lights is a super-easy and affordable way to capture that magic sparkle. They’re really energy-efficient these days, with some running on solar, and you can choose from a wide array of colours too. Get the measuring tape to figure out roughly how much you’ll need. You don’t even have to rig up steel wire yourself these days. Heaps of sets come ready to roll out above your deck and between your trees. Just make sure you use a steady ladder with a mate to keep you right. You can get some festoon light inspo here.
Should I get my green thumb on?
Modern life’s hectic, so we get it if you prefer a paved and decked backyard over the upkeep of a lawn. But even if you banish the green patch, we recommend bringing a touch of natural beauty to your backyard by investing in pots packed full of lush, low-maintenance succulents. If you’re prepared to put in a bit more effort, you can make it work for you too. We’re talking potted lemon and lime trees, perfect for producing cocktail and mocktail supplies, and a potted herb garden so you can garnish your BBQ dishes. Gardening Australia has handy guides to rejuvenating potted citrus, planting potted kitchen herbs, and propagating succulents.
How do we keep the kids from disturbing the peace?
If the grown-ups want to maximise backyard chat over a drink or two without having to entertain the little ones, then diversionary tactics are your best bet. We’re talking outdoor games galore. You’ll be amazed how long giant-sized tumbling Jenga towers, throwable Finska sessions or a Twister showdown will keep them otherwise engaged. Yes, this will probably lead to a certain amount of racket, but as long as you corral them in the corner furthest away, then the increased decibels are the price you have to pay for a decent amount of peace. Catch.com.au is your kids’ new best friend - you’re welcome!
No outdoor soiree is complete without some great tunes.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to factor in how you’re going to play your carefully curated Spotify playlist to ensure good times all around. An outdoor sound system that is going to provide rich and powerful sound (and is easily controlled from your smart phone) is a sure-fire winner in our eyes. Our friends at Sonos have risen to the occasion with the One Speaker, which can be mixed and matched with other Sonos products around your home for multiroom listening. Plus its modern design will be a welcome addition to your newly revamped outdoor space! Take a look here.
