Bexley/Beverly Hills Blog

Outdoor entertaining in Sydney has always been popular, with ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoor life while also adding one’s own touch of luxury ‒ like your very own outdoor cinema. Our relatively mild climate means we can enjoy outdoor entertaining all year ‒ with a bit of help.

With so many outdoor products available to the homemaker today, it’s easier than ever to customise your entertaining area so it’s comfortable to use in summer or in winter. Regardless of whether you are dealing with warm summer nights or a sharp cold winter evening, you can find what you need for your perfect al fresco setting.

All-year outdoor entertaining 

Even though Sydney can get its fair share of rain during the summer, there are still plenty of months in the year to enjoy without worrying about either the rain or the harsh sun as we make the most of the autumn and winter seasons when the weather is more moderate.

Hot and humid Sydney summers

No matter what else goes into your outdoor entertainment area, there is one thing we can’t do without when it comes to summer, and that’s some type of shade structure. Whatever your preference, be it a pergola, a shade sail or an umbrella, you and your friends and family will need some type of protection from the sun during those hot summer months.

For a fresh approach, living green walls can help keep you and your entertaining area cool by providing live sun shields that can protect you from the sun’s rays. Before erecting your living wall, make a note of where the sun falls in your backyard so you can position the cover to best effect.

Winter solutions for your home

While we usually only feel a real winter bite in Sydney for a few short weeks, nights can get chilly. So how can you entertain outdoors while keeping your guests comfortable? First, you can try some passive heating by ensuring that your winter entertaining area is tiled or on a concrete slab that gets sun during the day. The tiles act as a thermal mass and will give off stored heat for a couple of hours after sunset. We love a good fire pit that not only gives warmth but adds atmosphere to your backyard. (To minimise air pollution, it’s better to go for a gas-powered fire pit.) If your home is extra chilly at night in winter and you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want to invest in a gas patio heater or a wall-mounted infrared heater. As well, keep some cosy throws or lap rugs on hand to keep your guests warm.

How to bring your al fresco entertaining area to life

While heating and cooling are paramount, there’s more to outdoor living. 

• Upgrade your decking to give your whole backyard a facelift.
• Install good lighting to enhance your outdoor entertaining area. While you’re checking out lighting, don’t overlook solar lighting for ambient light powered by the sun.
• Install task lighting for your cooking and preparation area.
• Create garden ‘rooms. You can define your garden rooms with a hedge, pots or other plantings, or even use your green wall or trellis. You might dedicate one ‘room’ to summer entertaining and another to cooler-weather outdoor activities. Garden rooms add interest to your garden as well as being practical for outdoor use.
• Add some pizzazz with a pizza oven or a smoker.
• Add an outdoor cinema.

Home cinemas moving to the back garden

Home cinemas in Sydney have now become a more familiar sight for people in newer or renovated homes such as those in Bexley. But why not enjoy the fresh air outdoors and take this already great idea into your backyard? 

You can set one up yourself easily with a projector and a screen. Many familiar-name stores carry projectors and screens as well as speakers. Just remember, though; if you want to keep the neighbours on side, provide your guests with headphones or keep the sound to a reasonable level.

Can we help with your St George area home?

If you’d like no-obligation expert advice about your Bexley or Beverly Hills home or elsewhere in Sydney, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help.