If you spend a lot of time outdoors, cooking, hosting, or simply lounging about, you’re more justified than most to invest some serious cash into upgrading your space.
Purchasing some items that will improve your experience is a great way to encourage more time outdoors and elevate the way you entertain others and enjoy time with your family. Backyard cookouts are a recipe for making memories, and when your backyard space is fully kitted out, it just makes those dinners that much more enjoyable.
Here are some worthwhile purchases for your outdoor living area.
Cocktail Tables
A patio couch is a great way to add comfort to your space, but alongside those needs to come a table.
Investing in luxury cocktail tables can really do a lot to elevate the aesthetic of your backyard or patio. They’re great for holding drinks and snack platters but can also be used to showcase decorative bits and bobs like vases and candles. Find a cocktail table that works well with the furniture you already own, and make sure to invest in durable pieces.
Daybeds or Hammocks
If you really want to add an extra level of comfort (and fun) to impress your guests and make your afternoons outside really next level, look into buying a daybed or even a hammock.
Outdoor daybeds are great for lounging around and reading, and hammocks are fun and aesthetically pleasing too. Kids will love to lie on them and swing gently, they’re great for dozing off on a Sunday afternoon, and who doesn’t want to feel like they’re on a Hawaiian beach while they sip their after-work cocktail?
Wooden Table and Benches
Good, sturdy wooden patio furniture is a must – that is, if your patio is covered. Remember that wood can become weather-damaged, so if you don’t have a solid overhead covering, rather opt for metal or plastic patio furniture.
However, wooden tables and benches not only look great, but they’re sturdy and comfortable and will last you for years. The natural look of the wood is the perfect addition to an outdoor space and these pieces are easy to maintain too. These make the perfect outdoor dining table for family dinners or even big dinner parties.
Good Lighting
Dinners outdoors need to be properly lit – nobody enjoys eating in the dark. Make sure that you have great lighting, which will make the cooking and eating processes a lot easier and more comfortable for everyone.
Aside from good lighting though, you can also include some lighting for ambience. Consider lanterns, strings of fairy lights or hanging globes across your patio. If you’re not sure, you can look online for some interesting outdoor lighting ideas to help inspire you.
Umbrellas
If you like to spend a lot of time outdoors but your patio isn’t covered, you need to invest in one or two patio umbrellas to provide you with some much-needed shade. Spending too much time in direct sunlight can be dangerous for our skin health, as well as our eyes, and frankly, it can be uncomfortable and make you want to simply head indoors.
Umbrellas over your deck and/or seating area can be a huge improvement if you don’t have them already!
A Minifridge
Keeping your refreshments close is always a good idea. If you host a lot of barbecues or even just eat dinner outdoors on a regular basis, investing in a minifridge to keep outside can be an awesome addition to your space.
Keep beers, drinks for the kids and even bottles of water in the fridge so they’re easy to grab when you’re lying by the pool or cooking up a storm.
A Blow-Up Pool
Who says inflatable pools are only for kids? If you have enough space in your backyard, a blow-up pool can turn your summer from sweaty and dull to fresh and fun, and there are some very affordable options out there too!
If you really want to go the extra mile, having a real pool installed in your backyard would take the cake. However, for those that don’t have the space or budget, a simple inflatable pool can turn your BBQ into a pool party, and that’s all you need.
An Outdoor Sound System
Finally, where there’s a party, there must be good music. And for there to be good music, you need a great sound system!
Investing in a great sound system for your cookout space will level up every meal, adding more fun and more atmosphere. Whether you’re blasting party tunes or simply swaying to relaxing background music, you won’t regret this purchase.
