Whether you like to swim, braai or simply enjoy socialising with friends and family its important to create anentertainment area in your home that welcomes your guests. To achieve an inviting atmosphere doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg...
Perfect Patio
A patio is the perfect place for a brunch, an extended lunch or cocktails with good friends while the children play in the garden. Set the table with bright summer colours and fresh flowers will add to the summer outdoor theme.
Choose comfortable patio furniture that is durable enough to withstand the sun and rain. Make sure you have plenty of cushions, as outdoor furniture is usually made from wood, steel or plastic, which can become extremely uncomfortable after sitting on them for long periods.
Save money by making the cushions and table linen yourself, this way you'll also have exactly what you want.
Summer Swimming Pool
Thanks to the wonderful South African weather, the swimming pool is the most popular place for get-togethers in summer. It's also a great way to keep the children entertained while you keep a watchful eye from the sideline.
The sun can become harsh so make sure you have sufficient shade to make outdoor entertaining comfortable. In the evenings, use lanterns and candles to create the perfect mood and provide lighting. Brightly coloured table accessories and cutlery are ideal for al fresco dining and are relatively inexpensive.
Lapa Living
If you're fortunate enough to have a lapa in your garden, you know that it is the perfect place to have a social summer braai. A lapa provides you with ample shade from the sun and if it should happen to rain you can still have a fabulous time sheltered under the lapa.
Arrange the furniture in the lapa in such a way as to allow free flow from the table to the braai and the bar counter. In a lapa the built-in braai should be the focal point, with only the essential furniture and accessories at it will look cluttered with too much crammed into the space.
Thatch roofed lapas may seem dark, so make sure that you have enough lighting and include as much white into the décor as possible. Although a lapa is an informal entertainment area, it can be wonderfully transformed into a stylish, elegant dinner affair with the right accessories.
Mosquito control is essential for outdoor entertaining; there is a range of products that you can use to keep them at bay. Citronella oil is relatively inexpensive, smells great and is environmentally friendly.
No comments on this post yet.