Summer is here and this means hosting people and being outside gets a whole lot easier, particularly when the sun goes down and it’s a gorgeous, balmy night. Here are some ideas to make the most of this season in your own backyard.
An outdoor movie night
Home projectors have become much more affordable in recent years, and it’s this, along with the rise in streaming services, that are inspiring many of us to set up home theatres. In summer, take your screenings outside – all you need is a white sheet or a plain wall to project onto, a laptop and mini-projector, and of course, snacks – kids will love a family movie night with beanbags, lollies and popcorn.
Host a pizza party
Pizza ovens are another great way to make the most of your outdoor space and feed a crowd. Build your own or invest in one of the many great models that have hit the market in recent years, such as the portable Roccbox from Gozney – you’ll also find lots of pizza recipes on their website. Make the dough in advance then set out toppings for people to make their own, add some drinks and enjoy!
Have a staycation or kids’ sleepover
There are so many great places to camp within reach of the Northern Beaches - did you see our recent article on a staycation at The Basin? – but putting up your tent in your backyard is a fun, low-key activity for the summer holidays if you feel like the kids need to be spending more time outside.
We love these classic canvas bell tents from Homecamp. They aren’t the cheapest tents on the market, but they are designed to last for years and are attractive enough to set up in your garden. Add some solar-powered fairy lights and your kids will be more than happy to play outdoors for hours.
Set up a backyard exercise studio
Yoga under the stars is a great way to unwind after a long, hot day in summer. All you need is a yoga mat, a candle and your phone or tablet to enjoy a yoga workout. Yoga by Adriene has plenty of workouts to choose from. If you want to do something more energetic, Lucy Wyndham Read is another YouTuber with a huge following and lots of classes to choose from.
Up your alfresco dining game
There is something special about dining in a garden that makes it worth the extra effort. Setting up an outdoor dining area doesn’t have to be complicated, either, while full outdoor kitchens complete with bar fridges and sinks are wonderful, keeping it simple is also fine.
The most important elements you need are a sheltered spot, some good lighting, and a quality dining set. Australian brand Koala has some attractive, good-quality outdoor dining sets in robust powder-coated steel and teak that are perfect for our climate and lifestyle – they even feature built-in bottle openers!
Lighting can be as simple as some solar powered fairy lights or Edison bulbs. Access to the kitchen or your barbecue is important, and add a few scatter cushions for comfort.
Think about aesthetics. A pergola will create a sense of being enclosed and define your dining area. Add a grapevine for a Mediterranean touch, or other climbers such as wisteria or star jasmine for a scented garden, and you’ll have an alfresco dining experience that will elevate the simplest meal.
It also goes without saying that a beautifully presented garden with some useable outdoor space is appealing to buyers, if selling is on your mind.
Thinking of selling in the new year?
Feel free to get in touch. We know that many people start thinking about a home sale in the new year, and we are always happy to chat about your plans and what work you could do on your home in the run-up to a sale. Give us a call or drop past our Mona Vale office.
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