Creating the Perfect Space for Outdoor Entertaining

Now that Spring is on the horizon, it’s time to turn our attention to outdoor entertaining. Whether it’s a weekend barbecue with the family, an afternoon’s celebration with friends or laid-back dining on a sunny Sunday, creating the perfect space for outdoor entertaining is key. By combining durable exterior paving with hardwearing outdoor furniture and well-made and well-designed cooking equipment, you’ll be able to achieve the ultimate party venue, perfect for Spring, Summer and beyond.

Exterior paving is the perfect place to start your project. For a durable and hardwearing finish, look to limestone or porcelain such as our Kimmeridge Limestone in an etched finish for a contemporary look or Wareham limestone in a tumbled and etched finish for something a little more rustic. “Limestone has a lovely natural finish,” says Kevin Lamming, our Project Consultant. “It’s highly durable and is ideal for patios, terraces, pathways and pool areas so it works well for all sorts of outdoor entertaining. As it’s usually quite flat and smooth, look for a textured finish if you want something with a little more slip resistance.”

Sandstone is available in various finishes, but we particularly like the rustic appeal of the new York sandstones in our collection. Our Arncliffe and Hampledon paving has a beautiful patina and texture that really brings a terrace to life.

Porcelain is another excellent option for the great outdoors, as Kevin explains, “Porcelain such as our Blenheim, Brewhouse and Islington collections is extremely hardwearing, highly water resistant and scratch proof, making these slabs a popular choice for outdoor areas including entertaining spaces as well as patios and paths.”

When it comes to the furniture, it’s wise to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Gaze Burvill designs and manufactures both furniture and outdoor kitchens in sustainable oak, which adapts to the climate and gently silvers over time. When selecting seating to suit your space, its director Caroline Burvill advises you start by choosing something comfortable. “It seems obvious,” she says, “but so often outdoor furniture is not very comfortable for long. At Gaze Burvill we spend a lot of time making sure any dining seating is really comfortable without the need for cushions. Our customers do sometimes order cushions because it creates a colourful, cosier look and there are so many gorgeous fabrics around but they are not essential for comfort.”

Outdoor kitchens are also increasingly sought after and are perfect for giving your garden year-round appeal. “At Gaze Burvill we have seen a surge in orders for outdoor kitchens for the terrace,” adds Caroline. “When planning your outdoor kitchen, sit down and have a good think about how you plan to use the space. How many cooks will tell you how much worktop to factor in and a good cruise round your indoor kitchen will help you make a thorough shopping list of the things you will want. Some are objects - a warming oven or drinks fridge - and some are more notional - will you need two grills, one for your meat-eating friends and a meat-free one for all our vegan young adults. How much lighting will you want: a good lighting design will extend both the hours and seasons that the kitchen can be used for.”

Weather is also a consideration, “Depending on where you live, the orientation of the kitchen or at least its position vis à vis the prevailing wind, shelter should be considered,” says Caroline. “We all love Cornwall, but positioning your kitchen - and dining area - in the lee of a garden wall or even a hedge will be helpful so a blustery evening doesn’t send you scuttling indoors at dusk.”