Outdoor Kitchens for Everyone

from Outdoor Casual
Use these suggestions to create an outdoor kitchen to suit your needs as well as your backyard. Then read caterer Marguerite Brown's simple tips for throwing a successful party and start enjoying that new kitchen.

How can you turn your backyard into an entertaining Mecca? Once you decide what elements you want your outdoor kitchen to include, you’ll have to figure out how to integrate them into your climate. With today’s wide range of products, an outdoor kitchen can work in Minnesota as well as Florida. Rick Beckham, a certified kitchen designer with Houston’s Omnitek Kitchen Designs, recommends the following:

Choose components carefully. Pick what will withstand the outdoor elements regardless of the climate: stainless-steel cooking equipment, covered work and prep areas equipped with ceiling fans, countertops made of stone or other weather-resistant materials. People in areas where freezing occurs will need to disconnect waterlines; drain and insulate pipes; and cover the grill, cooktop, and other appliances in winter.

Go for a look that complements your home. The fiesta style suited the Browns’ Southwestern home, but a more conservative style of furniture and colors would fit a colonial home better, for example. Pick colors and furnishings that coordinate with the tones and materials used in the kitchen’s countertops, flooring, appliances, and cabinetry.

Remember to include storage. Everything should lock up tight when not in use to keep children safe and wildlife at bay.

Pick lighting that goes with your decor. Torches, lampposts, outdoor candles, and simple spotlights will set a mood.

No-Sweat Party

OK, Marguerite Brown makes a career out of organizing parties, so it’s no wonder they’re second nature to her. But you can entertain just as effortlessly as she does. Marguerite offers these tips:

Always keep the makings of a party on hand. Food staples such as chips and your favorite salsa or dip, drinks, as well as music should be within reach so a party can be pulled together in an instant. And don’t forget to always keep the ice cube trays full.

Keep all sorts of dishware in the cabinets. Mix and match patterns, glass and china, and metal and wood. As long as you have enough glasses, plates, and cutlery, you’re set. Plus, use as many nonbreakable items as possible, so you don’t have to worry about broken glass — or worse, broken heirlooms. These days, plenty of colorful and inexpensive partyware is easily available.

Stock a full bar. Make sure it’s complete with easy-to-make drink mixes so you can instantly whip up a pitcher of margaritas, daiquiris, or refr — and parties. Be creative and set up new seating arrangements to make mingling areas that fit each party’s size. At a casual outdoor gathering, toss a tablecloth or pillows on the patio floor for a Moroccan or picnic theme.

Don’t worry about the guests. In fact, Marguerite says to invite lots of people who aren’t already acquainted so you’re assured an interesting mix of personalities.

Relax. That’s Marguerite’s biggest secret: Invite everyone into the kitchen for prep and cooking, whip up some margaritas, and have a great time. If you’re not having fun, your guests won’t either. And, “If the dinner burns, laugh and order in a pizza,” she says.