Plan for Spectacular Outdoor Entertaining This Festive Season

Let’s face it, in Queensland we do most of our entertaining outside. So why wouldn’t we want to celebrate Christmas outside too?

For us Queenslanders, Christmas doesn’t mean sitting down to a hot roast beside a fireplace hung with stockings. We’re more likely to sit down to a cold platter of freshly sliced ham and Moreton Bay bugs or fire up the barbie for some garlic prawns. More often than not we’ll eat outdoors in an attempt to cool down and enjoy whatever whiff of breeze is on offer.

That’s why around this time of year, with Christmas get-togethers fast-approaching, most of us are coveting the kind of outdoor entertaining areas you see on the pages of glossy magazines and Instagram feeds. You know the ones: polished timber decks, shiny outdoor kitchens and casually-styled designer furniture.

It’s also the kind of outdoor entertaining area you’ll find at our $1.1 million eco-friendly Christmas Prize Home on the Sunshine Coast. With a gorgeous wrap-around timber deck looking out to the sparkling, modern pool, and untouched bushland beyond, it’s an Insta-worthy vision you’d be glad to call home. Picture yourself spending Christmas in your own slice of backyard paradise.

3. Add some entertainment

If you’re planning the ultimate outdoor area, it would be remiss to forget the big screen TV. In our ultimate space we’ve mounted a 138cm ultra-high-definition Linden LED TV high up in the perfect viewing spot without getting in the way of access. Naturally, it’s also hooked up to the ceiling sound system speakers. Now when you’re torn between spending the day outside or in front of the ‘tele’ watching the cricket, there’s no need to worry. You can do both in complete comfort. We told you it was paradise.

4. Cook outside

If you’re entertaining outside or it’s simply a beautiful day, who wants to be stuck inside in the kitchen preparing the food? That’s why we think an outdoor kitchen is a luxury that everyone should have. The Weber Q3600 built-in LPG Titanium BBQ takes centre-stage in our outdoor kitchen, surrounded by plenty of bench space and storage. The finishing touch is a Grandfire single door alfresco fridge – the ultimate for Summer entertaining. Stock it with your favourite drinks and let the party begin!

5. Inject some style

Given that a modern outdoor area is really an extension of your home, it’s nice to make it feel inviting and personal. So, rather than just plonking a table and chairs in the middle, add some colour and texture with lush pot plants, beautiful light fittings and natural table ornaments. The gorgeous timber chandelier suspended above our outdoor dining table, sourced just up the road in Noosa (of course), is a truly fabulous example of how to add a touch of glamour to a relaxed outdoor space.

Put all of these ingredients together and you have our recipe for the ultimate entertaining space. Why not come and check out the finished result in person? Visit our Christmas Prize Home at Valdora and get a taste of what this Christmas might be like if you’re lucky enough to win.

2. Decorate an outdoor Christmas tree.

To add to the Christmassy vibe, put a potted tree on the deck that you can deck out with Christmas decorations and fairy lights. Let the kids cover it with homemade beauties like paper chains and paddle pop stick stars. Or add some shiny baubles and tinsel for a bit of sparkle. If you don’t have a potted tree, you can always choose one in the backyard to decorate. Just make sure the decorations are waterproof incase a Summer storm decides to swing by!

3. Cold drinks are a must.

When it’s stinking hot, and let’s face it, it probably will be on Christmas Day, it’s vital that you have something on hand to keep the drinks cold. After all, friends don’t let friends drink warm beer or chardonnay.

In the case of our gorgeous Prize Home, you’ll have your built-in drinks fridge to keep the beverages cool. For the rest of us, simply find something that can hold plenty of ice and drinks on the day.

If you don’t have a big esky, here’s your chance to get creative. What about an old cast iron bath tub for a fun, rustic vibe? Even polystyrene vegetable boxes could be re-used to do the job. As long as the drinks are cold, no one will mind what they’re in. Don’t forget to grab a few bags of ice on Christmas Eve and you’ll be ready to celebrate come Christmas day.