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For many people, summer is the time to enjoy their outdoor entertaining area, with evening BBQs and get-togethers under the stars. When the temperature drops, many of us retreat inside to spend the night around the fireplace or heater. But if you love to gather and dine al fresco, there’s no reason to stop in winter. With the right outdoor entertaining area ideas, you can turn your backyard, patio or garden into a social space all year round.
Of course, there are some things to consider when winter-proofing your outdoor living space, including what to include. Luckily, in Australia, we have an abundance of outdoor spaces that we can enjoy no matter the season with a little planning and a few precautions.
Home Fires is a BBQ and fireplace expert in Sydney, and we offer accessories to warm and enhance your outdoor area. Here’s the Home Fires guide to outdoor entertaining area ideas for the winter.
What to Consider When Creating an Outdoor Entertaining Area
Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re preparing your outdoor entertaining area for the colder months:
Insulation
Structures like verandahs and pagodas provide both shade in summer and shelter from the elements in winter.
Lighting
Lighting is necessary for safety at night, not to mention setting the mood. Make sure any lighting you use is suitable for the outdoors and installed by a licensed electrician.
Fire safety
Ensure that lit fires are never left unattended and watch children and pets carefully. Check with your local fire authority to make sure you can light an open fire and keep firepits away from trees, fencing and other fire dangers.
Drainage
Outdoor entertaining areas, such as patios, require proper drainage to manage wet weather. Otherwise, you face problems like cracks, foundational damage and slippery surfaces.
Climate
Consider the climate of your area and how it affects your own backyard. For example, Sydney has its highest rainfall in June, so you’ll want to invest in some secure shelter. Considering the climate of your location doesn’t mean having to compromise on the style or the features you want.
What to Include In an Outdoor Entertaining Area
Brainstorming outdoor entertaining area ideas is fun: the chance to conceive your perfect al fresco sanctuary. However, there are some essentials you can’t leave out if you want to have a safe and enjoyable experience. These include:
Outdoor lighting
Lighting is essential for visibility in your outdoor space and helps set a welcoming mood, too. Fairy lights are a timeless and always enchanting choice, whether strung up or draped across awnings or tree branches. LED lights are efficient and appealing. Choose weather-proof options and a gentle glow over a bright, harsh one.
A BBQ and cooking area
Cooking outdoors is one of summer’s great pleasures, and with a quality BBQ, it can be just as enjoyable in winter. Ideas for your outdoor cooking area can range from small charcoal-powered BBQs to pizza ovens to full-scale outdoor kitchens. Whichever you choose, there’s something about the simple joy of cooking outdoors for family or friends that you can’t replicate inside in the kitchen.
Heating
While Sydney’s winters are generally mild, this city definitely has some chilly nights. It’s important to select outdoor heating that’s the right fit for the space. Popular options include gas and electric heaters, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.
Weather protection
Rain or shine, adequate weather protection is essential. Outdoor blinds, either tinted or clear, can protect your pergola from the rain. Retractable awnings provide instant protection with just the push of a button- and you can roll them up when you want to feel the sunshine.
Outdoor furniture
It almost goes without saying that your guests will need somewhere to sit, and so will you. Popular outdoor furniture includes tables, chairs, chaise lounges and even dining sets.
The Best Type of Material for Furniture
If you want your outdoor furniture to last, choose materials that can withstand both heavy rain and harsh summer sun. Some popular materials for outdoor furniture include:
Aluminium
Aluminium is a highly weather-resistant material that also resists rust and corrosion, featuring a layer of natural oxide that continually renews itself. Bonus: Aluminium furniture is very light and easy to carry inside or outside when needed.
Resin wicker
Resin wicker is a material that’s resistant to both water damage and UV radiation, as well as natural composition.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is renowned for its ability to withstand conditions such as salt spray and UV radiation without corroding.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture for both its durability and its aesthetic appeal, but not all wood is created equal. For outdoor furniture, hardwoods like teak are best.
Create Your Outdoor Space with Home Fires
Whether you already have a vision in mind for your outdoor space or you still need outdoor entertaining area ideas, Home Fires is happy to help. We have the gear, the accessories and the know-how to help you develop the perfect entertaining area for your backyard or garden.
Need some ideas for your outdoor cooking area? Home Fires can help you take the joys of outdoor barbecuing to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. These additions are highly versatile and can be constructed to suit the space you have available, with BBQs from brands like Beef Eater and Weber, sinks, bins, storage modules and more.
No al fresco dining area is complete without outdoor furniture, and Home Fires has tables, chairs, benches, day beds and even seven-piece dining sets made from durable weather-proof materials. Enjoy the night air or the gentle cool of a winter’s day in comfort and style.
Sydney’s leading independent retailer of BBQs and fireplaces, Home Fires, has been a leading name for over 40 years and has an unmatched price and value promise. To find out more and to create your own space, contact the Home Fires team online or drop into our Minto or Casula locations to see our full selection.
