Getting your braai area and patio ready for a sizzling summer

Spring is here and longer evenings, braais and al fresco dining are on their way. Jawitz Properties takes a look at some of the ways you can get the most out of your braai area and patio this spring and summer.

Creating a braai area that turns heads

First things first: if the paving in your braai area is looking a little tired, recladding the braai area and giving it a whole new look can be a great option. In other cases, a good spring clean might be enough to get your braai area looking as good as new.

Once the flooring has been taken care of, it's time to take a look at the braai itself, and it's worth mentioning that gas braais have been growing from strength to strength in popularity. There is an array of reasons for this: gas braais are quicker to heat up, create less smoke, are easier to clean and can be safer to use, especially in small areas.

To make your braai area efficient, you'll need to add a workspace. This makes it easier to prepare food and prevents constant trips back and forth between the kitchen and the braai area. When planning your workspace, think about practicalities like hanging hooks for braai tongs, storage space for spices and a place to store bigger items like pots, pans and bags of charcoal.

Furniture is the finishing touch to any welcoming braai area and depending on the space you have available, an outdoor dining room table or a smaller table and chairs can create a great way to entertain friends and family al fresco style. 

A final point to make about a braai area is that - just in case of an accident or emergency - it's always a good idea to be prepared and have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Revamping your patio for laidback outdoor living

There are lots of ways to make your patio conducive to conversation and long lazy evenings of enjoying your family and friends' company. The first step in any patio revamp is to consider what you want to use your outside space for. If you plan on hosting regular al fresco dinner parties, then a table and chairs are a must. If, on the other hand, you see your patio as more of a chill-out area, then an outdoor couch with a low coffee table might be right for you.

Here are five quick strategies for making the most of your patio space:

1. Arrange your patio furniture in a U-shape to encourage conversation.
2. Keep a basket filled with blankets and scatter cushions ready to take to the patio at a moment's notice to create a comfortable ambience.
3. Use string lights and lanterns to create a unique and festive look for your patio. Think soft fairy lights against the ceiling, solar-powered spotlights in the garden and oversized candle holders on the table to create soft light that's perfect for conversation.
4. If space allows, place some oversized plant pots around your patio, filled with greenery and flowers. Another great idea is to grow herbs on your patio, which can be used to season the salads that go along with your braais.
5. Add a colourful rug to your outdoor space. It will keep the floor warm if an evening turns chilly and the pop of colour can create a cheerful mood for any patio.

Making the most of your home and all that it has to offer doesn't end at the sliding door. Your patio and braai area can bring you loads of joy - and they can also be a selling point for your home. Contact Jawitz Properties for more ideas on how to showcase the value of your home.