Clever tips to create a beautiful, budget-friendly outdoor entertainment space for summer

The much-anticipated summer holidays are fast approaching, and the hot days and warm nights will see many South Africans relaxing outdoors.

What better way to prepare to spend quality time making memories with family and friends than by creating a beautiful outdoor area for some alfresco dining and entertaining?

For those thinking that money doesn’t allow for any renovations – especially with festive season expenses around the corner – the good news is that there are quick and easy things you can do on a budget to create an outdoor entertainment area from scratch, or update an existing neglected space into your favourite place to spend time in.

Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware, offers some tips on how to do this:

Set the scene
If you don’t have an outdoor entertainment space, choose an area close to the house (preferably in some shade if possible) or near the pool if you have one, and lay down some cement paving stones and/or stone chips.

Alternatively, you can pave the area with cobblestones or bricks laid in a crisscross or herringbone pattern – the internet and social media offer many DIY tutorials.

Paving stones, cobbles and bricks don’t need a concrete foundation or substrate and can be placed directly onto the ground once it has been levelled.

Another option is to create an area of wooden decking, and people are doing clever things with reclaimed pallet wood that is cheap and effective.

Luis goes on to advise that if you already have a paved or concreted area outdoors that may be a bit unsightly, a fun and easy way to revitalise it is to paint the cement with one of the many floors or stoep paints available on the market.

“A bit of paint, tape and a stencil can turn a weathered old cement slab or pavers into a beautiful surface – the perfect backdrop to your summer parties and braai’s,” he says.

Light it up
Once you have the stage set for your new entertainment area, the next thing you want to do is provide some lighting. There are many solar options on the market that allow you to install instant lighting without needing to get in an electrician to do the wiring.

Choose between solar lanterns, spotlights, downlighters, motion sensor lights, floating solar pool lights, garden lights and so many more. Perfect for this festive time of year is to string up solar fairy lights for some extra ambience.

If you don’t have a tree, the lights can be strung on poles sunk into the ground on the edges of your entertainment area, or simply draped over pot plants.

Sitting pretty
“No entertainment area is complete without seating, and ideally a dining area for some alfresco meals,” declares Luis.

If you can, treat yourself to some new outdoor furniture to finish off your new space. There is a wide range of options available to suite all tastes and budgets.

If you prefer to be a part of the upcycling trend then hit the second-hand and thrift shops and find tables and chairs that can be brought to life with a bit of sanding, varnishing and paint.

There are so many products available for the upcycling enthusiast and you can customise the furniture to suite any colour scheme or style.

“Alternatively, if you are handy with power tools, you can make your own outdoor furniture out of pallet wood or pine planks. Platforms like YouTube and Pinterest have many tutorials to spark inspiration and guide you too,” he says.

Blooming good ideas
Having some strategically placed pots planted up with variety of herbs, flowers, rose bushes, ornamental trees, or suitable bushes (whatever you personally prefer) will add a beautiful element to your newly created entertainment area.

“You can use rectangular shaped pots planted with sedges, bushes or climbing vines with trellis to serve as a privacy screen around your entertainment area,” says Luis.

Planters can also be made from pallet wood, or alternatively, visit second-hand stores to find planters with a difference. For example, an old shower caddy makes the perfect tiered storage for holding a selection of flower-filled pots and adding colour to wall space.

“Old colanders make great hanging baskets, vintage teapots and watering cans make fun planters or use an old wheelbarrow or enamel basin planted up with bright blooms,” says Luis.

“Some fun upcycled elements, such as turning an old wooden window frame into a garden mirror can add the finishing touches to your outdoors area, and mirrors bring in extra light during the day, plus reflect candles and fairly lights beautifully at night – brightening up your patio area that much more and making it feel bigger.”

Get things cooking
Last, but certainly not least, Luis adds that if you are able to, invest in a portable braai to go with your new entertainment area.

“There are so many kinds to choose from in different styles, sizes and formats, such as wood burning, charcoal or gas, freestanding, table-top and more.

“Outdoor entertaining in SA is not complete without a braai. The evocative smell of meat sizzling over the heat, family and friends gathered enjoying each other’s company and savouring a delicious meal – is one of our favourite pastimes.”