Outdoor entertaining ideas

Comfy all-weather sofas or armchairs allow guests to lean back and relax. Look out for the latest weatherproof synthetic fabrics in fade-proof colours for long-lasting seating.

Scatter plenty of seating options around your patio area, such as outdoor floor cushions, bean bags and stackable woven stools – the more casual seating, the better. Look for practical pieces, such as stools that can double as side tables for drinks, as well as outdoor tableware and glassware.

If space is restricted, choose a narrow table and benches which don’t take up too much precious space. Provide lots of seat pads so guests can sit in comfort.

Arrange seating and tables close to the kitchen for convenience. Better still, keep everything you need in outdoor storage cubes which can double as seating or side tables.

Make sure your chef can see what he’s dishing up, by positioning your barbecue where it’s well lit. And face it towards the table so whoever is on barbecue duty can chat and cook!

Invest in an outdoor kitchen complete with a sink and refrigerator. They’re available from barbecue specialist retailers.

If an outdoor kitchen is a little pricey, bring out your reliable Esky and fill it with drinks and ice. You can use a metal tub or a colourful plastic basket loaded with ice as a stylish alternative.

Keep a set of re-usable plastic or melamine plates for outdoor entertaining, or mix-and-match vintage plates from the op shop. Alternatively, go green. Buy the latest biodegradable picnic plates made from corn starch and cutlery made from sustainable bamboo.

If you like to cover your table with a cloth, make sure you keep it firmly in place by using clip-on table weights.

Create a magical night-time mood with lighting. As well as traditional fairy lights, look for lanterns, hurricane lamps and outdoor candelabra. Check out the beautiful candlelight screens with laser-cut patterned panels. Or deck out your entertaining area in tea lights in glass votives so they stay lit even if it’s windy.

Entertain under cover so everyone keeps their cool – and avoids sunburn. If you don’t have a pergola or covered deck, consider investing in a shade sail or a huge market umbrella.

Stay cool with an outdoor ceiling fan – it gently circulates the air so you will feel as if you’re holidaying in the tropics.

As dusk falls, the weather sometimes cools. Keep everyone warm and the spirits high with an outdoor heater, be it a gas or electric patio heater, a chiminea or a brazier.

For all-weather protection, fit roll-up, cafe-style, PVC outdoor blinds. Clear blinds won’t restrict your view but will protect you from the elements. Go for a durable version that comes with tracks, good quality zips, heavy rods to keep the blinds taut when down, and storm-locking systems. Find something to suit your needs and budget either online or at hardware stores, or the larger craft and home-decorating stores.