Outdoor Living

Spring is the perfect time to start having braais again. The weather is perfect and most people have come out of hibernation and are ready to enjoy the sunshine.

So, dust off your outdoor furniture and clean your braai, because this great South African pastime is about to be fired-up.

When designing you patio area keep the following in mind:

• Be sure to select a low-maintenance design, this will ensure that you get the most enjoyable patio that’s easy to furnish and easy to clean when not in use.
• The design should complement the house and landscape, as well as provide a comfortable living space.
• The ground should be level and stable enough to support tables, chairs and foot traffic. Significant changes in the ground level means that you need to install steps and make sure that the edges are smooth.
• To create a hidden or enclosed patio away from the house is one of the simplest outdoor rooms to make. All you need is level ground, comfortable seating and the shelter of trees and shrubs.
• Extend a patio’s usefulness with a roof, partial cover or lapa. Position the area where it will be warmed, but not scorched by the sun. A northeast or northwest location is ideal.

Here are some tips on how to get your patio ready for Spring entertaining...

Smartly dressed tables

• Outdoor fabrics make attractive, all-weather table coverings and come in vibrant colours and patterns. Also try vinyl-coated oilcloth, which can be wiped clean with little effort.
• If you don’t have the table covering that you require, purchase lengths of a favourite fabric. This is a simple and inexpensive way to dress your table.
• Fill vases with flowers that are blooming in your garden.

Set the scene

• Take advantage of the unique features in your landscape to create restful scenes. Place one or more tables in the shade, in flowering corners, or near the pool or pond.
• If your garden lacks points of interest, create ambience by pulling flowering patio containers, potted plants, statues and other garden decor into action. 

Co-ordinated colours

• The choice of colours sets the tone for the celebration and ties together diverse elements. Brilliant bands of material, such as organza or silk, define the table setting at the gathering and serve as placemats as well.
• The tableware, napkins and flowers should co-ordinate, so pick a colour scheme and stick to it. A bow or tieback on each chair adds a little detail.

Table solution

• If you need to accommodate a large group for a sit-down outdoor gathering and don’t have a big enough table, simply top a few trestles with a rustic flat-panelled door or a single length of plywood covered with cloth. When not in use they can be easily stored in your garage.

Get a head start

• Tackle braai-related tasks more than just a few minutes before everyone arrives. Stock up on charcoal at least the week before and clean the braai’s grill the morning of the get together.
• Place a table nearby the braai with tongs, braai salt, water, marinade, serving platters and anything else the braaiers will need.

Comfort zone

• Placing a fan on near the dining area will keep insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, at bay (and will keep your guests cool too).
• A container filled with a natural insect repellent (made from essential oils) can be placed near the guests. There are also candles and incense available that deter insects.

Avoid a bottleneck bar

• Multiple beverage stations will help ensure that the guests can get a refill without waiting. Galvanised tubs, colourful buckets and large plant pots work perfectly.
• Place a selection of drinks in each bin, filled with ice. Or you could fill each container with a single type of beverage.
• With ribbon, hang a bottle opener and drape a dish towel at each station, your guests will be thankful.

No mess, no fuss

• Nobody likes the cleaning up when all the guests have left, so make you job easier by having a few dustbin bags around the garden during the party, where guests can dispose of bottles, cans and scraps.
• If it is an informal get together, paper plates will work wonders. Also make sure that there is plenty of napkins.
• For a more formal touch set out damp paper towels or cloths, sprinkled with lemon juice and rolled, for a refreshing remedy to sticky fingers.

This time of the year is the perfect time to host outdoor parties. So, throw open your doors and gather your friends and family for the ultimate outdoor party.