Make the Most of Your Outdoor BBQ Area this Winter

Happy older couple sharing a warm BBQ meal outside during winter with family

Winter is coming! For most long-term Perth residents, this can send us into full hibernation mode, which means potentially missing out on all the fun! Our lifestyles are geared towards enjoying our backyard BBQs and lazy afternoons, and winter should not put a halt to this. There are plenty of ways you can tweak your backyard to make it fun and functional during the winter months.

You don't need to break the bank to enjoy your Perth backyard this winter. Check out some of our favourite suggestions to make the most of your outdoor space during the cooler months.

Outdoor Fire Pits

Winter is the perfect time to set up your outdoor fire pit in your outdoor space. A movable fire pit allows you to set up the fireplace at any location in the backyard, adjusting for weather conditions.

Work out the logistics from furniture, fire pit, and enclosures to fend off the cold. Getting furniture that blends in with the outdoor theme. For example, if you’re going for a more traditional clay or steel chimney, check out rustic furniture or decor pieces complimenting the fireplace.

Permanent fire pits at the patios may limit your extra additions to the fireplace. Get an experienced designer to create a homely feel where you can invite family and friends to the fireplace’s warmth. Filling snacks or meals will complete the comfort of the fireplace.

Glass of red wine sitting by a modern open pit fire in the Australian Winter.

Outdoor Spa

There is nothing better than sitting in a warm spa while cool air surrounds you. You know the kids will love any form of pool time, and this helps prevent them from getting frostbite in a freezing pool. A nighttime spa can also be the perfect setup for a romantic date under the night skies with your partner.

Ensure you check on its functionality before winter sets in, lest you be disappointed when jumping in. Some people bravely take a dip in cold water in winter to challenge themselves. Try setting your spa to cold and challenging friends to see who can last the longest.

If you have a swimming pool, consider installing heating elements like solar blankets to maintain favourable conditions during winter. Having firepits or heated elements around the pool also keeps the pool area warm, where you can enjoy your swim even during winter.

An indoor pool is usually easy to control and maintain the temperatures during winter. Installing a heated spa adds to the fun during winter. It gives you time to relax and enjoy your time without worrying about the cold weather.

A Cozy and Lit Patio

Simple acts like making your patio well-lit and comfortable light up the mood during winter. Changing the furniture and using warm and sentimental blankies while sitting on the patio or balcony makes everything right during winter. The peace and serenity from the calm and warm outdoors make it a moment to savour.

Additionally, lighting structures around the outdoor space and patio give the backyard an interesting backdrop for your winter photos or invites. Use different colour bulbs to make it more vibrant and beautiful.

Outdoor Picnic Site/Movie Theatre

A winter picnic might sound so bizarre because of the challenging weather conditions. Setting up a winter picnic date with the right mood and vibes could be the highlight of your season. Consider getting an appropriate location in your backyard to lay down your picnic items. Choose fitting bean bags or furniture pieces and blankies to keep you warm during the picnic.

Outdoor heaters or portable fire pits help keep the area warm and exciting. Adding lighting fixtures within and around the picnic site for evening or night ventures makes the scene even more beautiful for your picnic.

Ensure you choose appropriate snacks, broths, drinks, or meals to complement the occasion. Setting up a movie screen in the backyard makes the experience more memorable. You can use a projector and a white sheet to add to the romance or exhilarating evening.

Get the smoker going

Slow-cooked meat is perfect for the cooler temperatures, so get your BBQ smoker fired up and start slow cooking your favourite cuts of meat. Beef brisket, slow-cooked pork, chicken wings - they are all awesome on the smoker!

Slow-cooked meats are all the rage in Perth at the moment, so get some mates round and try out some different smoker recipes, using interesting meat cuts. And don't forget about our vegans, slow cooked eggplant, capsicum and potatoes are delicious on the smoker.

Host a Winter Outdoor Party

With a comfortable and interesting setup, good food, and enjoyable company, what’s holding you back from having a winter BBQ party? Outdoor winter parties bring life and joy despite the cold weather. Set up different food stations for hot beverages, children’s snacks, and some dinner meals for your friends and family.

Grill some marshmallows, and play some board games, there are loads you can do to enjoy time with friends in your outdoor space this winter. Get the perfect genre of music to warm up your guests. And finally, don’t forget the goofy photos as you create your winter memories.

Enjoying the winter months in your backyard

An outdoor BBQ space has just as much to offer in winter as during the summer. You only have to make a few tweaks to enjoy your outdoor area all year round. Fire pits, outdoor blinds and other accessories can really help you have in your backyard this winter.

Our team at The Outdoor Chef have plenty of ideas on how to get the most out of your backyard this winter. Come and chat with us about our outdoor firepits, smokers and other great additions to your backyard. We are located in Osborne Park and Joondalup so drop by to chat with one of our friendly team today!