Creating a braai area that's 'lit'

With the arrival of summer and the celebration Heritage Day brings with it, it is clear that braai season is truly upon us! Now is the time to get your outdoor entertainment area into tip-top shape so that you're ready to celebrate all the very best elements of being South African - all summer long.

First a history lesson on the origins of the word "braai". It evolved from the word braden (Roast in Dutch) into braaivleis (which is Afrikaans for grilled meat) and then into the verb braai which means "to grill".

As the Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks off in Japan and with the first South Africa game taking place tomorrow - we know all South African's will be lighting up their braais!

To help you get ready this summer, we are bringing you some quick, affordable tricks to brighten up transform your braai area into a talking point.

• Bring a touch of green into your braai area with some potted plants or a herb garden.
• Pull out those Christmas fairy lights and hang them around your patio and braai area to create a soft lighting source and fun vibes.
• Got some old pallets lying around? Put them to good use in your braai area. The uses of pallets are virtually endless - think storage solutions for glasses and braai accessories. You can also use them (together with some comfy cushions) to provide extra seating in your braai area.
• If you have an unused bookshelf lying around, give it a coat of paint to make it match the colours you've used in your braai area. Then place it close to the braai and use it to store wood, charcoal and firelighters.

Braaiing is more than the ultimate South African pastime - it's the perfect excuse to spend quality time with friends and family. A great-looking, well-equipped braai area can be a great selling point for your home when it's time to put your home on the market, as your patio is transformed into a place to live the South African dream.