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backyard Garden grilling backyard get-togethers should be easy breezy for everyone, especially the cook. Matt Leacy reveals his tips for designing an outdoor kitchen. Summer is here and there's nothing better than being able to invite friends over for an alfresco lunch or starlit supper. But while your guests relax around the garden or the pool, eating and drinking, you may find it stressful rushing back and forth from the kitchen. Entertaining in summer is more enticing when you have the facilities to do all of the cooking outside. In my opinion, Australia is leading the world in designing outdoor entertaining spaces, in particular the outdoor kitchen. Creating additional rooms that flow from the house but are completely outdoors is what it's all about. Here are a few design tips to consider before installing a barbecue, servery or outdoor kitchen. If the location of your barbecue will be close to the house, it may not be necessary to have the full outdoor kitchen. However, if it will be located a fair distance away, you may want to consider adding a sink, a fridge and – if you're really serious – a dishwasher. Introducing these functional elements will make the space easier to use, set up and clean, which is far more appealing and relaxing than having to cart everything to and from the house each time you eat outside. Consider the number of people you usually cook for and how you'd like to set yourself up around the barbecue in terms of cooking trays and utensils. This will drive the amount of bench space you have on either side of it. Additional cupboard space can be handy, especially if you don't have enough storage inside the house. Underneath the barbecue bench can be a good place to store utensils, cutlery, condiments, outdoor pillows and even pool toys if you make the cupboards large enough. If you struggle to fit everything in your indoor fridge when you're entertaining, an outdoor fridge is a great option. It will save you having to buy ice and drag the esky out every time and it will free up space in the fridge inside the house. A word of caution, though: If your outdoor fridge faces north and doesn't have adequate shade, it will probably use a lot of energy to stay cool. Try to create an area around the barbecue where people can sit and talk to the cook. This may be extended bench space with some comfortable stools, or a casual outdoor lounge setting. This makes it more comfortable for your guests and ensures you have company while you marinate the meat, toss a salad or turn the steaks. If you're already pretty happy with the current set-up of your barbecue and outdoor entertaining space, imagine how much more in love you'll be with your outdoor kitchen. It's nothing short of a lifestyle change! Garden guru Matt Leacy loves all things outdoors and is passionate about inspiring others to create and enjoy beautiful and functional spaces outside. Visit: www.landart.com.au 43