One of the greatest advantages of a summer cottage or country house is the opportunity to host outdoor picnics and invite guests. To make these celebrations even more enjoyable, ensure comfort and beauty by creating a dedicated barbecue area in your garden. We'll be happy to help.
We choose a convenient place
The first thing to consider when setting up a picnic area is choosing a good location. A cozy corner at the far end of the garden, away from prying eyes, is ideal, allowing you to relax and enjoy the time. A pond or fountain nearby is especially helpful. If your chosen spot lacks shade, consider building a shelter that can be beautifully decorated.
It's much more pleasant to relax in the shade than in the blazing sun. Pay attention to the prevailing wind in your area and position your table accordingly to prevent smoke from an open fire from drifting there. And most importantly, consider safety. There are usually plenty of wooden structures in the area, and in hot weather, a spark can set everything ablaze, so it's best to position yourself away from wooden fences, outbuildings, playgrounds, and so on.
We are constructing a site
When constructing a future recreation area, there are several options: an open area or a completely enclosed structure with a roof? The latter is more difficult to construct, but it can be used year-round. When installing a fireplace, a chimney leading to the roof should be provided. An open area, however, does not require a chimney.
Choosing a fireplace
Installing a fireplace is an important step in creating a relaxing area.
There are several options, choose the one you like best.
- Portable barbecues. The choice is vast, from inexpensive, collapsible options to designer forged models. Their main advantage is compactness and mobility.
- A classic fire pit. It should be surrounded by heat-resistant stones, and skewers, grills, or a spit should be placed above it.
- Tandoor. This type of oven is becoming increasingly popular. It's great for its versatility—you can cook not only meat but also bake delicious bread. Another advantage is that it requires little firewood, as the brick walls provide excellent heat transfer.
- A fully functional garden fireplace made of brick and stone. It can also be used as a smokehouse.
We organize a place for storing fuel
The main principle is to protect the wood from rain so it stays dry. You can build a separate shelter for it, or consider a place at the bottom of the fireplace under the firebox. The woodpile will also serve a decorative purpose and create a unique atmosphere if arranged in an unusual way, such as a house or tower.
Thinking about accessories
You'll agree, it's inconvenient to run into the house for salt and a potholder while cooking meat. So make sure everything is within easy reach.
- Place a work table nearby where you can cut meat, prepare salad, and so on.
- Organize a storage area for spices and utensils. With a little imagination, you can create a very interesting interior.
- Determine where the grates and skewers will be stored.
- Find a place for a fireplace set of a poker and a shovel, hang a few potholders near the fireplace.
Believe me, cooking outdoors, especially when you have everything you need at hand, is a real pleasure!
Choosing furniture
A good rest is impossible without comfortable garden furniture, which is now available to suit virtually any taste. However, it's best to avoid cheap plastic ones; they're unsightly, uncomfortable, and unreliable. If you absolutely can't afford to spend money on a good set, make your own!
Wood, which can then be treated with a preservative, is a great choice. Unusual yet stylish benches and garden chairs can be made from wooden pallets. And if you're determined to buy some, the following options look particularly attractive.
- Wrought iron furniture is extremely durable, stable, and elegant. The only drawback is the high price.
- Wicker furniture. It's made from rattan or flexible willow branches. There are also some very beautiful plastic models.
- Furniture decorated with glass or ceramics.
It's best to choose a natural color to give the barbecue area a stylish look. Avoid bright, flashy colors.
We are landscaping the recreation area
Barbecues are all about enjoying nature, so make sure you're surrounded by beautiful plants. Let's look at which ones are best.
Place beds of herbs and spices along the property's border. Besides being decorative, this approach is also practical—you can pick salad greens without venturing into the property.
You can accentuate the area by planting rose bushes around its perimeter.
Conifers such as spruce or arborvitaes look good. Dwarf varieties are best.
To block out prying eyes and feel more private, build a screen using a wooden lattice and plant climbing plants next to it.
If your barbecue area has a flower bed, consider planting some night-blooming violets there. A family dinner outdoors will be accompanied by a wonderful aroma.
The seating area can also be separated by a hedge. For this purpose, plant lilac, cotoneaster, and euonymus.
Decorate and create coziness
To make your barbecue area reflect the owners' good taste and make it inviting and cozy, consider the decor. When building a fireplace, you can embed decorative figures into the damp plaster or create a unique mural. Elegant tableware, bright napkins, and flowers in a vase will also add charm.
Consider lighting, too. This could be a lamp with a shade on the table, wrought iron lamps, or a garland of light bulbs. Either way, lighting is essential, otherwise you'll have to end the picnic and go indoors as dusk falls.
By following these simple tips, you can make the relaxation area in your garden comfortable, cozy, and attractive.
