With those sunny days fast approaching, BBQs are definitely on the cards. If you’re an outdoor lover and enjoy hosting dinner parties for friends and family, then you might be looking to upgrade your outdoor BBQ area.
Luckily for you, Open Space Concepts has ten of the best BBQ area ideas to elevate your outdoor space and enjoy alfresco dining. Whether you’re after a secluded dining area or a modern pergola, we have plenty of innovative and simple ideas to transform your outdoor space.
Let’s tell you about these BBQ area ideas in a bit more detail.
1. Invest in a Big Green Egg
To spice up your BBQ area, Big Green Egg grills are the way forward. They can be quite an investment, but they also offer many advantages compared to other grills and BBQs.
Known for their unique egg shape, ceramic Big Green Egg have superior heat retention and require less external airflow than charcoal grills to reach and maintain these high temperatures.
Big Green Egg grills are the perfect addition to a BBQ area, especially if you are working with a smaller space. Check out our 10 Simple Garden Design Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces blog if you are struggling to make the most of a narrow garden.
2. Add shade with a pergola
BBQs require a lot of love and attention, meaning that you could be spending a significant amount of time outdoors. If it’s a scorching day, you want to be protected from UV rays whilst entertaining your guests.
The solution? A shaded pergola! You might be interested in one of our Louvre Pod Pergolas, a bespoke and tailormade solution that can cover your outdoor BBQ area.
Offering ideal comfort in terms of light and temperature, this pergola uses a totally natural ventilation system. Customise as you like by including additional features such as Louvered walls, LED strips, and wood effect roof blades.
3. Eat in a cosy nook
If you have a secluded area in your garden that offers privacy and shelter, then transform it into a cosy eating area, perfect for serving your BBQ feast. Add a plush and comfortable seating area, plus cushions and fairy lights for a snug and cosy environment.
Does your garden have tricky corners and you don’t know how to use them properly? Then check out our Corner Garden Ideas to Revitalise Your Outdoor Space! Corners are the perfect space to add a cosy and relaxing nook.
Providing a separate eating area for your BBQ means that you can dine in paradise away from charcoal smells and smoke.
4. Add a structured cover
In the UK, it’s no shock that the weather is extremely unpredictable at times. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your BBQ plans on hold. Adding a solid, shaded structure to your BBQ area, such as a glass veranda or a Vue Pod can elevate your space and keep you sheltered no matter rain or shine.
Our Vue Pod has an all-round support structure with an inner-mono pitch roof that allows this structure to be a free-standing glass room or attached to your property. These sturdy structures allow you to embrace BBQ plans all year round without sacrificing comfort or style!
5. Create a sociable bar area
As well as a cosy eating area, having a sociable and fun bar area can really elevate your BBQs and means that your guests will never want to leave!
Do this by adding a built-in bar set-up. You can stock up on your favourite spirits, mixers, and mocktails, and provide your guests with a place to sip and chat whilst they wait for their food.
Weather-resistant bar stools are the perfect addition, or, for a better upgrade, invest in our bespoke outdoor kitchens, combining your BBQ and bar into a dreamy, sociable space.
6. Get clever with furniture
If you’re having a BBQ, then you’re probably inviting friends and family round. Therefore, you might need a range of furniture to be able to accommodate your guests.
Having a good quality table and chairs to hand is essential for helping guests feel comfortable and providing a nice area to sit and dine. Plus, you need space to serve up your sausages and burgers!
Bar stools and dining chairs add a sophisticated touch, or, for something more casual, you can add beanbags and colourful throws for a cosier vibe.
7. Illuminate your BBQ area
One of our favourite BBQ area ideas is to add interesting and compelling lighting features. Whilst your BBQ should be the main feature of your outdoor area, providing a soft, warm glow can create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
At Open Space Concepts, many of our outdoor structures, such as our garden sun rooms, have the option to add LED lighting. This is a great way to add ambience to your outdoor BBQ area and to provide a fabulous space for hosting your family and friends.
8. Invest in a pizza oven
Although you might not traditionally put a pizza on a BBQ, investing in a pizza oven is a great way to upgrade your summer dinner parties! A guaranteed people-pleaser, most pizzas cook in around 60-90 seconds, meaning you can spend more time socialising rather than cooking.
Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to host BBQs and pizza parties!
9. Try out fresh herbs
Adding a dedicated area to your garden that can be specifically for herbs is a great way to incorporate fresh ingredients when cooking a BBQ. Coriander and chives are the perfect garnish for any summer salad.
Other herbs that are easy to grow include basil, rosemary, parsley, and mint. Having these herbs to hand is extremely handy and means that you will actually reach for them when cooking outside!
10. Add a foldable table for food prep
It’s no surprise that a lot of time, effort, and prep goes into a BBQ, especially if you want to get it right. Therefore, having the correct space to prep and serve your food is essential.
Not everyone is able to invest in a full outdoor kitchen setup, whether that is because of budget or space, so a foldable table is the perfect option.
Something as simple as a foldable table can really elevate your space and provide you with more room to work with when prepping for your BBQ. Plus, it means having somewhere for your sauces, condiments, napkins, and utensils.
Upgrade your BBQ area with Open Space Concepts!
Hopefully, these BBQ area ideas have given you some summer outdoor inspiration. BBQs are the best way to socialise, so having an exclusive outdoor area adds a fun and welcoming atmosphere to any garden.
At Open Space Concepts, we specialise in the design and installation of bespoke outdoor living structures, perfect for hosting outdoor dinner parties and relaxing with family and friends. Each one of our structures is custom-made, suiting your requirements, and giving you the perfect outdoor space you can only dream of.
If you would like to make an enquiry, then simply get in touch via our online contact form or ring us on 0808 168 0043 and we’ll ensure to get back to you as quickly as possible.
