Patio season is the best time of year. Your patio is a place to relax on a warm summer day, chill after a hard day's work, and entertain your closest family and friends.
Whether it’s a small patio or a full backyard, here’s how to make the best outdoor patio for your family this season.
Consider function
As you plan your perfect outdoor patio space, consider how you intend to use it. For those with smaller spaces, you may want a small BBQ and a conversation set (a small table and two chairs). For larger backyards, consider separate places for lounging, eating, cooking, and playing.
Before you start shopping for outdoor appliances and furniture, it's essential to measure your outdoor space. This step is crucial to ensure that the items you purchase fit well and don’t hinder the functionality of your patio. Additionally, it's important to leave enough space for easy movement and to avoid creating a cramped space. Some people find it helpful to 'map' out their outdoor space using painter's tape to visualize where the furniture will go and to ensure it doesn't obstruct the flow of the area.
When planning your outdoor space, take note of the location of electrical outlets or natural gas lines. This information will help you determine the most convenient spots for your outdoor appliances. Additionally, if you have any doors leading to the patio, ensure they can open fully without obstructing your outdoor appliances or furniture.
If you want to BBQ in all weather, consider adding a pergola or covered outdoor area for your outdoor kitchen. If it’s enclosed, include an exhaust fan and vent to avoid fume buildup.
Cook tasty food
A not-to-be-forgotten part of patio season is the food! How do you plan to cook your food in your outdoor kitchen this year? Here are a few options:
You have many options for BBQs in all brands, sizes, and types. Here are the three most common BBQ fuel sources:
- Propane or gas: for portability and fast cooking.
- Wood pellets and smokers: for slow cooking but can also cook to sear. An electric Traeger smoker that's great for smoking and grilling.
- Charcoal: for slow cooking and the taste it imparts to the food.
Consider the placement of your BBQ wisely. You want easy access to your indoor kitchen (to bring ingredients and supplies) and not too close to the side of your home (if you have plastic siding).
If you plan to cook full meals on your patio in the summer, consider adding a small side burner to your BBQ so you can cook sauces and other sides without leaving your outdoor kitchen.
DIY Pizza night
Everyone loves homemade pizza cooked in an outdoor pizza oven! Get a freestanding pizza oven for your patio fueled by wood, dual fuel, propane, or natural gas. Get the whole family involved and host make-your-own pizza nights this summer.
Portable BBQ
If you need a small size and portability for your BBQ, consider this Napoleon PRO 285X. It sits atop a folding scissor cart, so you can wheel it into place when you need it. With 285 in2 of cooking space, you can cook up to 20 hamburgers at once!
Don't forget these must-have BBQ accessories to up your grilling game this spring.
Refreshing beverages
You’ll never have to leave the patio to refresh your drink or grab ice when you have a convenient outdoor fridge and freezer on your patio. You can even use it to store ingredients and condiments for the BBQ, charcuterie boards, and snacks for entertaining.
Check out these outdoor-rated fridges for your patio.
Add ambiance and atmosphere
Consider the ambiance or atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor patio. If you're creating a serene, chill zone, don’t place your lounge chairs too close to your outdoor kitchen. Face them towards the most beautiful view. If you plan to BBQ while entertaining guests, ensure that tables and chairs are near your cooking area but not too close.
Remember outdoor heating and lighting. Some solar lights or an outdoor firepit can help set the mood. For cooler evenings, enjoy cocktails on the patio with the gentle heat of an infrared lamp pointed toward your seating or lounging area. We like infrared because the heat it emits is unaffected by wind, so you get a consistent temperature, even in a breeze.
Include greenery
When you’ve planned the patio essentials, fill in the spaces with some fresh or faux greenery. A small potted plant on the table or trellised raised garden bed next to your patio adds a touch of nature to your outdoor space.
If you plant some herbs near your outdoor kitchen, you can grab fresh bunches whenever you cook without running back inside to get the grocery store herbs from the fridge.
Invite guests
Once your patio space is setup, it’s time to enjoy it! Make spending time outdoors a priority in your week. Plan ahead and invite friends and family for a potluck BBQ dinner or cocktail hour.
Another fun idea is to serve warm hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and have an outdoor board game night with friends!
Are you ready to transform your outdoor patio this season?
Make 2024 your best patio season yet. Shop for all your outdoor kitchen appliances and accessories at WestCoast Appliance Gallery in Victoria. Our outdoor kitchen experts are ready to help you transform your outdoor space with the best BBQ and cooking appliances.
Browse our outdoor kitchen catalogue online today and contact us for a free in-home consultation and design.