How To Plan and Host a Fantastic Barbecue Party

How To Plan and Host a Fantastic Barbecue Party

by | Jun 25, 2021 | Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

After a long winter, during which many of us have been isolated, grilling season is off to a great start. With summer just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about hosting parties (within restriction limits!) and creating new memories with friends and family. What better way to embrace the season than to celebrate outside with a fantastic barbecue party that, with these simple steps, your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.

Plan The Basics

You’ll want to remember the four basics of any good party: food, drinks, comfort and seating. For food and drink, make a guest list to give yourself an idea of how much you might need and consider planning for one extra person so there is more than enough to go around. Keep your guests happy and comfortable can make for some of the best evenings together, so make sure to provide comfort and amenities wherever possible. A warm throw blanket over the back of the outdoor sofa and comfortable cushions can make everyone feel a little more at home.

Prep The Grill

As the grill and the food will most likely be the star of the evening, it’s essential to prepare your primary cooking source and ensure it’s ready to work all evening. Check your fuel supply, clean the grills and ensure all burners are working well before you are ready to cook for the evening. Performing this simple maintenance will ensure you’ll be able to cook all night, with no interruptions. It is a good idea to have your food prepped and ready for grilling before your guests arrive so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time socializing.

  

Set The Mood

Ambience can be a factor in how your party feels and flows. Help your guests feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible by setting the mood in your outdoor space. An outdoor fireplace is the ultimate source of added warmth, comfort and atmosphere for your outdoor space. For a similar effect to those flickering flames, groups of candles and outdoor lighting can bring a similar effect.

Don’t Forget The Details

The little details can make a big difference to your guests, whether it’s a few decorations to help your space feel festive or a homemade treat your guests can take away at the end of the night. No matter what you choose, keep in mind tiny details that seem insignificant will ultimately make your guests feel special while hosting your fantastic barbecue party.

Visit your local specialty hearth and barbecue dealer to see the exciting range of grill accessories and outdoor items available.

How To Expand Your Living Space With An Outdoor Fireplace

How To Expand Your Living Space With An Outdoor Fireplace

by | May 21, 2021 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

It’s no secret – when it comes to newer build homes, we’re seeing smaller living quarters, compact design, and a lot less of the sprawling floor plans we’ve seen before. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative when it comes to expanding your living space, not only within your home but outside as well. The best way to do this can be with an outdoor fireplace. Add a few crucial extras to pull it all together, and you can turn any outdoor living space into a relaxing oasis that is enjoyable year-round.

Create A Cozy Atmosphere

A fireplace may be the first thing you think of when designing your outdoor living space. Outdoor fireplaces are not only an inviting focal point, but they can also make any exterior area feel comfortable and relaxing. It’s also important to consider extra elements – such as seating, blankets and pillows – that can pull everything together, and create a unique and cozy place to enjoy the day.

Consider Lighting

When we think about decorating inside the home, we know lighting can make a massive difference in the way the room looks and feels. This is also true when decorating the area around your outdoor fireplace – lighting is essential. Overhead fixtures will light the entire space and make it inviting, no matter the time of day. If overhead lighting isn’t possible, consider using table lamps to bring warm, soft light to the space to make it feel like an extension of the inside. Lastly, whether battery-operated or wax, candles can bring in an extra layer of light that makes everything feel even cozier and more relaxing.

Seating Arrangement

The main thing to remember when arranging your seating in an outdoor setting is to center your furniture around a focal point – this is often an outdoor fireplace. Arranging your furniture this way will highlight the fireplace, and it also creates a spot to gather, whether with family members or friends, any time of year. Add an ottoman to complement your existing seating – this will provide extra comfort after a long hard day, and offers an additional place to sit in a pinch.

 

Small Details

If you look around your home, it can be easy to spot the small details that make the most impact, whether it’s a favourite family photo or a vintage decor piece that brings back a treasured memory. This same design principle applies to an outdoor space – adding some of those small details makes your entire outdoor area look put together. Don’t be afraid to bring an indoor plant vibe to your outdoor space with faux or natural potted plants to make the entire area feel like an extension of your home.

It’s the perfect time of year to start planning your outdoor living space. Visit your local retailer for advice and ideas on how to design the space that’s right for you. You can read more about creating an outdoor space here.