Outdoor Entertaining Areas

Outdoor entertaining: get ready for BBQ season

Set yourself up for easy entertaining outdoors
Brigid Arnott

Embrace the great outdoors with a clever space for entertaining.

Outdoor barbecue
(Credit: Sue Stubbs)

All-weather

Glass doors from this home’s open-plan living area lead directly to an alfresco entertaining space, complete with comfortable all-weather wicker chairs (try Pottery Barn for similar) and a built-in Beefeater ‘Signature’ barbecue. 

Outdoor entertaining space
(Credit: Simon Whitbread)

Outdoor room

Create an outdoor room with a well-equipped barbecue area, including all of the creature comforts you enjoy indoors. Invest in a quality outdoor sofa with comfortable seating, and complete the look with throws and cushions. Don’t forget to include a couple of occasional tables for perching drinks.

Outdoor entertaining space
(Credit: Armelle Habib)

Deck

Outdoor entertaining is a breeze thanks to a large table from Clickon Furniture and replica Tolix chairs, plus built-in benches that deliver extra seating when required. Laser-cut ‘Marakesh’ screens from Chippy’s add a decorative edge – as well as shade – overhead. 

Outdoor barbecue
(Credit: Derek Swalwell)

Easy entertaining

This deck area epitomises the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. A servery  between the kitchen and barbecue area allows drinks, salads and supplies to be passed out mid-party. Meanwhile, yellow stringybark boards, the same material used for the kitchen and flooring, enclose the barbecue. The wooden beams are painted in Dulux Namadji.

Outdoor entertaining area
(Credit: Chris Warnes)

Keep it cool

Outdoor refrigerators cost more than indoor versions, but they work extra hard at performing in all weather conditions. 

For more outdoor entertaining advice and inspiration, click here

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