Aussies are good at outdoor entertaining, in fact, we spend 7.5hrs a week outside in our gardens – more than anywhere else in the world.

With most of the country experiencing long spells of warm weather, it’s no wonder outdoor living is so popular. Longer evenings allow for more time outside so now is the time to make sure you’re ready for entertaining.

It can be easy, and it all depends on what you want to achieve. Here are the top 6 ways to create YOUR perfect entertaining area.

Create a Permanent Structure

Creating an outside room is easier than you think.You can create an extension of your home with a permanent structure such as a patio which can be used to start your morning outside with a cup of coffee and a book as well as inviting friends over for a dinner party.

A custom designed patio creates seamless movement between your house and the back garden and is a terrific way to extend your entertaining area. Including shelter in your outdoor area allows you to provide a comfortable space and entertain in varying weather.

There are options for shade in the summer months, and timber-lined or SolarSpan insulated patios are a wonderful way to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing space. Outdoor fans are also a simple addition to help keep the area cooler for guests.

Add Seating

No one wants to be forced to sit on the grass or hard ground covers such as paving or a concrete slab. If you’re going to entertain outside, you need to have space for your guests to relax just as comfortably as they would be able to inside.

• Bench seating can be an efficient way to incorporate lots of seating around the entertaining area.
• Built-in seating along walls can maximise a small area and also offer extra storage.
• Wooden furniture appears more natural, just make sure you choose materials suitable for the outdoors and don’t leave anything out in the rain.
• Use seat or couch cushions to carry colour from inside your home and connect the spaces.

Include outdoor kitchens and appliances

Your perfect outdoor entertaining area might be suitable for a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.It should be built to include a sink with hot and cold taps, a cooktop and fridge for optimal functionality.

Connecting your barbecue to the mains means no last-minute trip to the service station for a new gas bottle.

If you don’t have the room for an outdoor kitchen, a serving window is a fantastic way to link the food preparation areas to the patio.This limits the mess in your home and lets everyone hang out with the cook.

Install lighting

In the heat of the Australian summer, you may find yourself using your patio in the evenings when the temperature has dropped slightly. Appropriate lighting has the power to make the space warm, inviting, and usable long into the evening hours.

An increase in technology and what you can do have caused costs to come down for outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is essential for illuminating the outside dining and cooking areas and is also important for walkways and paths.

Lay decking

The flooring material used in your outdoor entertaining area should complement your home’s existing style and harmonise with the back garden.

Balconies and decks make great outdoor areas and timber & composite decking is hugely popular for outdoor spaces.

If you’re a new homeowner or builder, find out what’s included in your budget and go from there.A liquid limestone slab might also be more affordable solution.

Implement greenery

Use elements of nature such as native plants whenever possible in your outdoor space is sure to give it life. They tend to use less water, and succulents especially are drought-tolerant which is perfect for the warmer climate in Perth.

Enjoy the beauty that nature provides and use greenery, pot plants, decorative planters, and climbers for your outdoor area.

Landscaping is more about you and your lifestyle for entertainment, activity, and relaxation. Producing a protected patio outdoor entertainment area will add tremendous value to your lifestyle and make a significant impact on the functionality and aesthetics of your home.