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 style  that you have going on indoors. The last thing that you want is to have a space that looks "tacked on" and non-cohesive.

• Think about what you want. Once you have an idea of the style that you want, then you can start thinking about what you want to include in your outdoor area, such as flooring,  plant life,  lighting,  etc. This is in no way an easy process! Sometimes folks find that hiring a 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.

Deck	Paving	Tile	Floor Mat

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!

Gazebo	Pergola	Shade Umbrella	Canopy

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.

Pathway Lights	Tiki Torches	Swimming Pool Lights	String Lights

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.

Patio Heater	Outdoor Fireplace	Chiminea	Brazier

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 timber,  metal,  glass,  and plastic ; the choice is yours!   At minimum, you will need a table,  chairs,  and some folding tables  to put food and drinks on.  However, if you want to keep it simple, you can always get some timber boxes  and put some comfy 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!

Patio Set	Chaise Lounge	Hammock	Outdoor Bar

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 barbecue.   One that has 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.

Dinnerware	Outdoor Refrigerator	Barbecue Tool Set	Storage Cabinet

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 toppings  for guests to make their own salads,  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 crisp greens.  To keep a salad fresh, nest the bowl  in another bowl of ice and toss the salad occasionally to keep it cool. You will also want to always keep a top on your containers of food  to avoid little unwanted pests.

• Setting the Table.
• Centrepieces  can liven up any outdoor table.  There are so many flowers,  plants,  and herbs  to choose from! You can use a bucket  or pail  and fill it with a wild array for a simple, yet creative, design, but be sure to put some stones in the bottom of the pail to keep it from tipping over! If you have 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 hand-in-hand, but sometimes it can be a challenge to make the perfect one. Get out the blender  and pick up a bottle of pre-made 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 heat-stroke, two things that you certainly do not want at your picnic. Keep in mind that alcohol  can speed up these reactions. Be sure to provide an adequate amount of shade  for your guests and have plenty of 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 first-aid kit  with bug repellent,  sunscreen,  band-aids,  hydrogen peroxide,  allergy medication,  and other remedies for minor outdoor ailments.

• Clean Up Duty.
• Try to make your life as easy as possible. Pick up a vinyl tablecloth  and some decorative plastic plates ; you will thank yourself later. It is also wise to have plastic cups  and stemware  outside -- the last thing you want is broken glass!
• You can also strategically place 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!

Home and Garden	Outdoor Furniture	BBQs	Gardening

External Links

• Chiff.com: Outdoor party ideas, barbecue tips, and the know-how for beach, pool, garden, and tailgate parties.
• EnhanceScape.com: A gallery full of luxurious outdoor kitchen and landscaping designs... just for some inspiration!
• HomeImprovementPages.com.au: Covering a variety of topics to help you with your outdoor home improvements.
• iVillage.com: Backyard party and outdoor entertaining ideas to help you plan and perfect your next gathering.