Four ways to get your backyard ready for summer before it’s too late

Posted on 27 October, 2023

With warm longer days now par for the course, we’re calling it: it’s peak backyard barbeque weather. Here’s how to get your outdoor entertaining area sorted for summer.

We’ve all been there. A few extra friends get invited to the casual backyard barbeque. Then a few more. Then someone wants to bring their new girlfriend. Next thing you know, everyone’s dragging dining room chairs into the backyard and your mate’s date is perched on your desk chair while someone’s kid dragging your couch cushions onto the grass. Total nightmare.

Luckily, avoiding this situation is as simple as taking stock of your backyard, courtyard or balcony before the barbeque season gets into full swing (and that’s, erm, right now) and figuring out what’s missing.

Making sure you have adequate seating, décor that matches the vibe, and shade to protect you from what’s predicted to be a scorcher of a summer will help you avoid any summer entertaining fails – and when everyone has left, you’ll have a stunning outdoor area to enjoy year-round.

Not sure where to start? Here’s our cheat sheet.

Lounge around

There’s nothing quite like lounging on a comfortable couch outdoors, sipping something cool as the sun goes down, and Outdoor Elegance – formerly part of Burning Log in Fyshwick – has more outdoor lounge options than you can poke an Aperol Spritz at in their luxurious showroom at Canberra Outlet.

Browse sets that combine armchairs and lounges, test out the latest sleek lowline lounges and find the perfect fit for you and your space.

Our pick? The Truro platform-style outdoor lounge set. Made with gorgeous teak wood and durable French Sunbrella fabric, this is a lounge to last a lifetime (and look good doing it).

Room at the table for everyone

If you’re blessed with the space for an outdoor dining area, a striking table is always a sure investment. Our pick? The stunning Laguna dining table, which comes in two sizes.

A minimalist’s dream with maximalist proportions, the Laguna features three sleek panels of teak and two colourways (deep charcoal and white) that would look just as at home alongside French Provincial-style wicker chairs as they would paired with chic modern padded seating.

Naturally, sometimes the guest list expands without you noticing and that’s always great – until you run out of chairs.

When this happens, Outdoor Elegance’s range of extendable outdoor tables are there to help. In a range of sizes and materials, these tables can expand to fit up to 12 people at a moment’s notice, so you can host effortlessly.

Create the resort of your dreams

Of course, Outdoor Elegance wouldn’t be an outdoor living paradise without everyone’s dream backyard purchase – the day bed.

Whether it’s something you’ve already dreamed of buying for your back deck, the perfect final touch for your balcony, or a necessity now you have a pool, a day bed or sun lounge is the epitome of summer luxury.

The Keppel Timber Outdoor Sunlounger has everything you need for poolside afternoons (generous proportions, padded seat, reclining back) while if you’re looking to go full-resort living, you can’t go past the Bora Round Daybed.

Did someone say poolside cocktails…?

Keep it cool

Last but certainly not least, with this summer set to be a hot one (like, really hot), a protective and expansive sun umbrella will ensure your outdoor area is actually usable for the next few months.

One of the most innovative umbrellas possibly ever is currently on display at Outdoor Elegance in Fyshwick and it has to be seen to be believed. The completely flat Versa UX umbrella is able to be partially or fully opened with ease to give wide, deep shade and can be folded away, quarter by quarter, to almost nothing.

However, if you’re looking at the Versa UX and thinking ‘That’ll never fit on my balcony’, never fear – there are plenty of unique ways to bring shade to smaller spaces, such as Outdoor Elegance’s range of wall-mounted umbrellas. Hey presto, safe and cool shade!

But don’t take our word for it…

Instead, experience the range for yourself at Outdoor Elegance’s expansive showroom at Canberra Outlet.

Sit, lounge, unfurl and pull up a chair – there’s a perfect backyard solution for everyone to make this summer the very best it can be…and maybe a few things for the wish list too (it is almost Christmas after all…).