How to refresh your outdoor entertaining area

Key points: How to refresh your outdoor entertaining area

• Weekend one: deep clean. Sweep, tidy and pressure clean the area and deck. Don’t forget to clean screens and wipe outdoor windows. Sweep and fix the deck and recoat or oil if needed.
• Weekend two: focus on outdoor furniture. Wipe down and mend anything that needs it and consider swapping in some new outdoor furniture.
• Weekend three: refresh the cooking zone. Clean the barbecue and check the gas bottle, stock up on any BBQ accessories. Check your garden shady zones, refresh with an umbrella or consider a gazebo.
• Weekend four: organise your storage. Update with affordable storage in your shed and for your deck or pool area so everything has a home. Check outdoor lighting, replace any dead bulbs and add solar lights.
• On entertaining days: Add insect repellent products to the garden and food covers. Make sure there’s a shaded and quiet spot for any pets to relax in.

One month before

Do a deep clean and tidy

“Start with messy jobs such as clearing clutter, sweeping, pressure-cleaning hard surfaces and washing down furniture,” says Bunnings Outdoor Living Merchandise Manager Nathan Lorimer. Tidy toys, tools, empty pots, pet gear and anything else that has slowly built up over winter. If pavers or concrete are grimy, use a pressure cleaner on the right setting for the surface. Clean glass balustrades, screens and outdoor windows to make the area feel brighter.

Get the deck ready

A deck works hard when you’re entertaining, so give it a proper check before the first gathering. Look for raised nails, loose screws, splintered boards and any spots that feel uneven underfoot. Tighten fixings where needed and replace anything that’s damaged. Sweep debris from gaps and corners, then wash the boards with a suitable deck cleaner. If timber looks dry, faded or patchy, consider re-oiling or coating it, allowing enough drying and curing time before furniture goes back on top.

Three weeks before

Refresh the outdoor furniture

Inspect every chair, table and lounge setting before guests sit down, recommends Bunnings Furniture Buyer Henry Fudge. “Check furniture frames, legs and fixings, tighten loose screws and replace anything that feels wobbly. Clean cushions and covers, wipe surfaces and oil timber pieces if they look dry or faded.”

Swap outdoor cushions and soft furnishings. This is a fast and inexpensive way to refresh any space. For flexible hosting, consider an extendable table, stackable chairs or a few stools so you can add extra seats without crowding the space.

Two weeks before

Check the cooking zone

Give the barbecue a proper once-over, clean plates, grills and warming racks, empty the grease tray and check for any build-up around burners. Test the ignition and make sure the gas bottle is full, or stock up on charcoal, pellets or wood if that’s what your barbecue uses. Set up the cooking zone so it’s ready to use, with tongs, trays, paper towel, cleaning wipes and a lidded bin close by. A little upfront prep saves a lot of running back to the house once the food is cooking.

Plan for shade and warmth

Don’t let unpredictable weather dampen your plans. To provide shade, position an umbrella, gazebo or shade cloth over dining and lounge zones. For cooler evenings, add warmth with a fire pit or outdoor heater. Place heating on a stable surface with plenty of clearance from furniture, branches and play areas, and keep kids and pets at a safe distance.

One week before

Sort out your storage

The right storage makes a big difference to how calm and organised your area feels. Use sheds, deck boxes, storage benches or cupboards to keep cushions, pool toys, gardening gear, pet items and cleaning products out of sight. Clear paths so guests can move around without stepping over hoses, tools or clutter. Group essentials together so they’re easy to grab – barbecue tools, serving trays, throws, tableware and citronella candles.

Layer the lighting

Good lighting helps a space work after sunset. Start with task lighting around the barbecue, stairs and pathways, so people can cook and move around safely. Then add softer lighting – solar path lights, lanterns and festoon lights – around dining and lounge areas to create a relaxed aesthetic. Check globes, batteries and solar panels. If you’re using extension cords, keep them tidy and away from walkways.

On the day

Keep pests out of the party

Mozzies and flies are unwelcome guests. Use citronella candles, coils, sprays or zappers, following the instructions. Keep repellents away from food prep and serving areas, but close enough to protect the main gathering zone. Food covers and lidded servingware are also handy.

Do a pet-safe check

Before guests arrive, check gates, fences and latches, especially if people will be coming and going. “Set up a quiet shaded spot with water and bedding so dogs or cats can retreat if the gathering gets noisy,” suggests Bunnings Pets Buyer Jess Roche. Keep food, skewers, bones and drinks out of reach, and let guests know any pet rules upfront, especially around keeping gates closed. Now relax and enjoy the party!

Keep your guests warm

Make cooler evenings more comfortable with the right heating for your space, whether you’re after the ambience of a fire pit or the convenience of a patio heater. Browse our complete range of outdoor heating solutions to help keep guests warm and relaxed long after the sun goes down.