Winter has well and truly arrived in Australia, but there is no reason to wait until summer returns to get the most out of your outdoor furniture. Here are a few simple tips on how to make your backyard an all-year-round venue for luxury living and entertaining with family and friends.
Fire It Up
A vital piece of outdoor furniture for winter is a heating element, such as an ethanol fire bowl. The key to outdoor luxe entertaining in the cooler months of Australia is to have a fire as your focal point. Outdoor heaters have come a long way in recent years, both aesthetically and environmentally. Bioethanol now fuels many modern outdoor heaters, an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source that still gives off incredible warmth. Stylish designs also make it possible to have your outdoor heaters in place all year round, saving you hauling it in and out of the garden shed.
Mood Lighting
Whilst you want your guests to be able to navigate their way around your backyard safely, you don’t want to ruin the atmosphere with blinding spotlights. Landscape lighting that create soft light are perfect for a garden path or outdoor steps. Space the lights at an equal distance and if you choose to use an open flame, make sure that they are safely covered.
Comfort
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Ensure that your guests are aware that you will be congregating outside; you don’t want to be spending time rummaging through your closet to dress guests that came underprepared. For maximum guest comfort and to make your outdoor entertaining space as inviting as possible, place a few throws and cushions on the outdoor furniture settings.
Hot Fare
Nothing says winter like mulled wine or cider. Quick and easy to prepare, it will leave your house smelling of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to add to the ambience of winter entertaining in Australia. As guests arrive, greet them with a glass and watch their faces begin to glow with their first sip.
Spicy foods are another way to help keep your guests warm from the inside out. Curries are a great way to feed a crowd and can be prepared well in advance, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time mingling with your guests and an easy cuisine to have a vegetarian option.
Don’t let the Australian cold snap stop you from hosting your next outdoor get-together. By adding a few essentials to your existing outdoor furniture, you can utilize your open-air living room all-year-round.
