Much of Australia is blessed with moderate temperatures all year round. We love to spend the summer months outdoors, with backyard barbecues and entertaining, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the cooler months outside as well.

While it can seem like there's nothing as good as spending time with family and friends on a hot summer afternoon, the cool change in season can also have it's own advantages. Not only does the activity of native animals and insects decrease  over the winter months, but you don't have to worry about overheating as well. 

Here's 10 tips for enjoying your homes outdoor space all year round.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from the Elements

Although usually moderate, it doesn't mean our weather can't experience some extremes, particularly in Brisbane. For instance, out tropics and sib-tropical regions can experience a lot of rainfall, usually from January to March. Our sun is also quite extreme, with temperatures and UV ratings peaking across summer.

It's always a good idea to have your outdoor entertaining area (or a section of it) covered from the elements. You might also want to consider things like walls or plastic sheeting around the sides for extra protection. 

Make Sure All Your Guests Are Comfortable

An ideal outdoor entertaining space includes a good-sized table and enough seats to accommodate all the food and drinks, as well as all the guests. You also need to set up a few comfortable spots away from the table where your visitors can take a breather if they need to.

Build an Outdoor Kitchen

You can avoid getting stuck in the kitchen while you're trying to entertain by moving the kitchen outside! It doesn’t need to be fancy, you can just set up an outdoor grill or barbecue, or if you want to make it a bit more high-tech, you can even include a bar fridge and outdoor sink or prep station. 

Have a Deck Made

Outdoor decks are great for entertaining. While you can host people in your back yard, raised decks give you and your guests a bit more privacy and also better protect you from the elements and wildlife - think rain puddles and ants.

If You Already Have a Deck, Spruce It Up

If you're deck has seen better days, you might want to spruce it up to make it more comfortable for your guests. Restore it by re-oiling or giving it a fresh coat of paint and fix any broken railings or sections. Paint your deck in the same or a complimentary colour to the rest of your house, this will ensure it doesn't clash.

Install Sliding or Bi-fold Doors

Having easy to use and secure doors to your outside area is always a good idea. Not only is it important to make the transition from inside to outside simple, but having thick and good quality doors means that things like noise and barbecue smoke won't travel inside your house as easily. Aside from serving as a hassle-free transition from the inside of your home to the outside, sliding or bi-fold doors will improve your home’s indoor-outdoor aesthetics.

Brighten Up the Area with Outdoor Upholstery

Adding colour is an easy but effective way to make a space look and feel brighter. You can get chairs covered in outdoor upholstery to match the colours of your space, or add colourful cushions instead. 

Ramp Up the Greenery

Plants can make almost any space feel more alive and welcoming. Greenery has a calming, soothing effect on people, making the space much more comfortable. An easy way to enjoy these benefits is by getting some plants in pots or hanging a few on a wall if you don’t have much space to spare.

Add More Light

You’ll need additional lights when entertaining at night, but it's best not to use the same lights you use inside - these can be too harsh. Hang lights with warmer, yellow tones and add some fairy lights for some festive ambiance. 

Get a Portable Fire-pit

When it gets too cold out, you and your guests can use a portable fire-pit to stay warm and keep the party going well into the night. Portable fire-pits are affordable, handy and simple to use, making them a winter entertaining must-have.