Much like the Christmas tree on Christmas day, the barbecue will be the focal point of any outdoor party. If you’re splashing out on a new barbie in preparation for a very social summer, shop around for one that’s safe and that’ll go the distance. Stainless-steel barbecues are sturdy choices, as they won’t rust or succumb to erosion. It’s also a good idea to find a barbecue with multiple cooking surfaces, such as a grill, rotisserie and hotplate.
If there’s nothing wrong with your current barbecue – aside from the requisite baked-on grease and food stains – just make sure you give it a thorough clean before the big day.
Unless you expect your guests to stand for most of the party, plenty of outdoor seating is an absolute must. Outdoor dining sets will keep your guests comfortable and encourage lively group conversations. The size of table and the number of chairs you buy depends largely on the amount of outdoor space you have. If you have generous patio space and plan on entertaining the masses, an eight- or 10-seater table is a great choice. Four- and six-seater options are perfect for more intimate gatherings.
If you’re tossing up between timber and aluminium dining sets, climate and maintenance should be considered. Sturdy aluminium tables are perfect for harsh weather conditions and for busy families who won’t have much extra maintenance time on hand. Timber tables on the other hand can be more expensive and do require upkeep in the form of oiling.
Make sure you keep the bugs at bay with a few pest control remedies. Mosquito coils, citronella candles and insect repellent are obvious choices, but why not consider other options outside the box? A table centrepiece of basil in a mason jar will look charming on your outdoor table, smell great and repel mosquitoes. If you’re throwing an outdoor party in summer, set up a few portable fans around the patio to keep your guests comfortable and repel flies and mosquitoes.
And now for a bit of ambience. A simple addition of outdoor lighting can transform your outdoor do from drab to fab instantly. Along with candles, lanterns and subtle overhead lighting, place a few solar lighting sticks throughout the garden for understated illumination and a pleasant ambience.