1. Glow with the flow

Lighting sets the mood – and the best alfresco spaces glow after dark.

Start with festoon lights strung above your dining zone or wrapped around beams or trees. These are affordable, easy to install and bring instant atmosphere.

Want a softer touch? Lanterns, battery-operated candles or solar-powered path lights can add that warm, flickering charm without running cords everywhere. Table lamps designed for outdoors are also having a moment – bonus points if they’re rechargeable.

Top tip? Layer your lighting at different heights and intensities to avoid glare and create a gentle ambience.

Whether you’re hosting a cosy dinner or a lively garden party, the right lighting carries your space seamlessly from day to night.

2. Get grilling

No outdoor entertaining area is complete without a trusty barbecue – the heart and hearth of the Aussie backyard.

But whether you’ve got a state-of-the-art built-in kitchen or a compact kettle on wheels, the key is to keep it clean, stocked and ready to go.

So give your BBQ a proper scrub. Check the gas bottle. And set up a prep zone with your tools and marinades within arm’s reach. If you’ve got the space, consider adding a bench or cart for extra prep surface and storage.

Not much of a chef, but still want to put on a spread? You can impress with a woodfire pizza oven or a tabletop grill for DIY taco or yakitori nights. Sounds fancy, but trust us, it’s all about the vibe (not the skills).

3. Create a cosy corner

Outdoor entertaining doesn’t stop at the table.

Creating a soft, inviting lounge zone encourages guests to linger longer, especially once the plates are cleared.

Think outdoor sofas layered with cushions, low-slung chairs or even a hammock strung between trees for some serious holiday energy. If you’re working with a smaller footprint, a couple of pouffes or bench seats with storage will do the trick just fine.

To dial up the comfort, add throws for cooler nights and an outdoor rug to tie everything together.

Make this your chill zone – where the beats are laid-back, desserts are devoured and conversations flow as easily as the wine.

 

 

4. Add a splash of green

A lush outdoor space doesn’t have to mean hours of gardening.

Potted plants are your best friend here. Go for a mix of tall leafy varieties like fiddle leaf figs or olive trees with low-maintenance natives and succulents for texture and contrast. For small courtyards, a vertical garden, trellis or hanging pots add greenery without sacrificing floor space.

Want form and function? Fresh herbs in cute terracotta pots not only look great, but double as garnishes for cocktails and salads. Even just a few well-placed plants can bring colour, freshness and a sense of calm – the perfect counterbalance to the hustle of hosting.

Plus, nature always makes an excellent backdrop for Instagram photos.

5. Bring the indoors out

Want to enhance your outdoor setup further? Start by treating it like your dining room – just with better natural lighting and fewer walls.

You don’t need to have the table styled 24/7, obviously. But when guests are on the way, a few thoughtful touches go a long way. A tablecloth or runner instantly lifts the space, while layering textures – think timber boards, ceramic tableware or a vase of fresh or dried flowers – adds character.

Serving buffet-style? Use enamel trays, cake stands or baskets to lift your spread (literally and figuratively). Even swapping plastic cups for real glassware can make your setup feel more considered.

This is outdoor dining done right – casual in feel, elevated in experience.

 

 

6. Turn up the heat

The sun might stick around during the day, but as soon as it dips below the fence line, your guests will thank you for having a heat source on hand.

Firepits are a stylish and practical addition that brings people together – perfect for toasting marshmallows or sharing a nightcap.

Prefer something plug-and-play? Outdoor gas or electric strip heaters can extend your hosting hours without fuss. Or if you’re lucky enough to have an undercover space, a ceiling fan with a heating element can be a total game-changer.

Even a stack of chunky knit blankets in a basket practically screams, ‘Stay a while.’

Whatever your setup, a little warmth goes a long way in keeping the party going after dark.

 

 

7. Serve in style

Forget disposables. Times are a-changing, and there are stylish, sustainable options for just about every outdoor hosting need.

Invest in some shatterproof glassware, melamine or enamel serving dishes, and a few good trays to make carrying snacks and drinks easier. Drink tubs or bar carts help keep beverages cool and your guests self-serving, so you don’t need to play bartender all night.

And if you really want to impress? A DIY drinks station with pre-batched cocktails, mocktails or infused water adds a thoughtful touch.

Good hosting should feel effortless – for your guests and for you.

8. Make it you

Your outdoor space should feel like yours.

So once the essentials are sorted, it’s time to add some personality. Maybe it’s a string of quirky bunting or a vintage esky you’ve had since forever. Got kids? Add a little play zone. Pet lover? Give your pooch a plush outdoor bed and a few toys.

Then, think about your hosting style: are you more cocktail night or casual brunch? Festive family BBQ or wine and cheese with your nearest and dearest? Curate your setup to suit you.

Because when your space reflects who you are, it naturally becomes where friends and family want to gather, celebrate and feel at home.

 

 

Looking for more tips and tricks to make the most of your home? Find them on The Peer Blog.