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It’s a crime not to take advantage of the wonderful weather with family and friends. Summertime is ideal for organising fun outdoor gatherings, and you don’t need a large patio to do so. Some people prefer throwing pool parties, some love toasting s’mores over a fire pit, while others enjoy fun cook-offs in their alfresco kitchens. Whichever is your cup of tea, here are three essential elements that help you set up the perfect outdoor space for entertaining!
1. Create a Seating Area
First things first, make sure your outdoor furniture is weatherproof and cosy for your guests! I recommend that you check out these modern outdoor bar sets made of durable materials, such as steel, aluminium, and rattan. Your outdoor furniture needs to be weatherproof to withstand the harsh Australian weather changes and still offer a cosy spot to sit, kick your feet up, or dine al fresco.
What are the Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture?
The patio bar sets are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, both from the elements and frequent use. This is why certain furniture materials perform better than others in an outdoor setting:
- Aluminium: This is one of and most popular materials for outdoor furniture since it’s both lightweight and strong enough to withstand strong winds. Aluminium outdoor bar sets are also rust-resistant, making them ideal for use in saltwater environments where other metals quickly corrode and oxidize. It costs nothing to maintain and it’s available at reasonable prices. To give the aluminium a softer appearance and feel, manufacturers often coat it with protective paint or powder coating;
- Steel: This material is more durable than aluminium, heavier, and more resistant to dents and strong winds. Steel outdoor bar settings are more difficult to move around because of their weight. Galvanised or stainless steel are the best options for outdoor furniture since plain steel rusts quickly;
- Rattan: Rattan fibres are strong and resilient, and they’re closely braided to create wicker-style furniture. This furniture is attractive, flexible, and comfy. However, it’s a good idea to keep it under shade when the weather is sunny, as its colour can fade over time;
- Teak: If you take proper care of it, a teak outdoor bar set will last you a long time. This tropical hardwood doesn’t rot, warp, shrink, or swell easily. It also creates a beautiful aesthetic with its inherent golden-yellow tones.
2. Light It Up
A tastefully lit outdoor area sparks pride in many homeowners. The ideal lighting increases your safety, adds to the curb appeal of your home, and helps you create a soothing ambiance for your guests. Make your pick from the wide range of stylish outdoor lights and spice up your outdoor space! These fixtures are available in many different styles, such as industrial, modern, vintage, Scandinavian, and more, depending on what your outdoor area needs.
However, this also begs the question: How should I position my outdoor light fixtures? Here are a few useful tips that will help you succeed in this endeavour:
- Entertaining area: Who doesn’t enjoy entertaining and hosting friends and family for small outdoor get-togethers? You need just enough illumination so that you can see what’s going on around you, but you also want to create a cosy atmosphere and prevent feeling like you’re being floodlit. Make sure that your BBQ is well-lit, and then position several wall lights or pendants to light up your entertainment space;
- Illuminate paths: Place small solar lights along the pathways leading to your front entrance. Would you like to bring attention to a lovely old tree or statue in your yard? Consider installing additional accent lighting at the foot of a statue or tree trunk in an upright position;
- Illuminate steps and stairways: Steps and stairways are dangerous areas that can be challenging to manoeuvre in the dark. Avoid potential harm by installing outdoor lights to your patio threshold, balcony stairs, or the steps to your pool or recreational area;
- Make a soothing atmosphere: While it’s crucial that your lights keep you safe and secure, they should also set the mood for your social gathering. For instance, wall and deck lighting may work well in formal gardens, but a few rows of string lights in warm white colour over the dining table will add style to your space and make a wonderful ambiance.
3. Set Up Shade
Spending time outside is soothing and rejuvenating, but you shouldn’t expose yourself to harmful sun rays. If you want to enjoy the outdoors without burning in the sun, install at least one type of shade when designing your outdoor area. As long as you have protection from the sun’s powerful rays, there’s no need to hide indoors when the temperature rises. Here, portable umbrellas, retractable awnings, and airy gazebos and canopies are ideal.
To prevent the grill master from melting in the heat or getting wet if it rains, make sure to cover the cooking area with an umbrella or another sort of canopy, such as a retractable awning.
On a Final Note
Lastly, whether you’re hosting a huge gathering, or simply want to relax in the comfort of your own patio, you wouldn’t want the whole neighbourhood watching you. Consider adding privacy to your outdoor area with a fence, or obscure the view with a couple of tall bushes or trees. This will amount to an overall more enjoyable time for you and your guests!
