How to prep your outdoor space for summer entertaining

Whether you live on an acre of land or on a petite pied-a-tier, the summer months are meant for outdoor entertaining. But it does take some work to get your little oasis ready for summer guests – so here are my favourite items to help you do that.

Outdoor space Tip #1: The Weber Genesis gas grill

Great entertaining begins with a great meal. With my large family, I am always concerned with getting food on the table fast. With the Weber Genesis gas grill, anyone can look like a backyard hero. With ample grill space and easy to control heat, this amateur chef can attest that great meals can be prepared very quickly on this barbecue. In a verity of colours (I love the black model!) you can coordinate it to your backyard style. webercanada.ca

Outdoor space Tip #2: Walmart outdoor entertaining

I love advising my interior design clients on ways to stretch their design dollar. Walmart makes this really easy. Whether you have a big backyard or small balcony or terrace, bring in pops of colour through affordable seating, patterned dish ware and a stylish bar cart – all at prices that will be gentle on your wallet. I love creating a drink station on a bar cart equipped with a water dispenser, plastic cups, and my favourite drinks nestled in ice in a colourful bucket to make it super simple for my guests to stay hydrated. Visit Walmart.ca for more affordable summer décor.

Outdoor space Tip #3: Husqvarna Automower

We all have to mow our lawns – but it doesn't have a to be sweaty job! To prep your lawn for leisurely mornings or fun evening gatherings, consider the Husqvarna Automower. You position a boundary line, select the length of grass you desire, press go and put your feet up – the robotic mower does all the work while you relax. Designed to work rain or shine, it also comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm so no one tries to take your robotic friend off of your property. Emulated after the way sheep graze on a pasture, this powerful unit will keep your lawn entertaining ready all summer long. Husqvarna.ca

Outdoor space Tip #4: Honeywell Outdoor Air Cooler

When temperatures rise, it can get uncomfortable for small kids, pregnant women or seniors to spend time outside. With the Honeywell Air Cooler you can really provide hospitality to your guests by lowering the outdoor temperature 10 to 15 degrees. Fill the unit with water (some units have a direct hose hook up), plug it in and you are set. The unit is portable and can cool from 320 to 850 square feet. outdooraircoolers.ca