Tag Archives: Outdoor living

Twilight entertaining: how to revamp your outdoor area for autumn

It’s no secret Aussies love the great outdoors. Whether it’s soaking up the fresh air or lounging around under the sun, there’s a special kind of joy that comes with outdoor living. Luckily, we’re blessed with fantastic weather for most of the year and as autumn settles in, now is the perfect time to update your outdoor entertaining area with a cosy touch. But how can you achieve this? Keep reading for a detailed guide on creating a warm and inviting twilight entertaining experience.

Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Porter Throw $89.95, Eureka Furniture Solar Patio Arm Chair $1,499, Freedom Mali Round Outdoor Floor Rug $249, Outdoor Living Pol 8L Designer Fireplace from $2,395, Pillow Talk Muse Sahara Feather Cushion $59.95, Provincial Home Living Polly Lantern $69.95.

Step one: set the scene with lighting

Autumn evenings call for gentle illumination that adds warmth and ambience to your outdoor space. String lights, lanterns, and candles are perfect for achieving this type of cosy atmosphere. Consider hanging fairy lights across trees or pergolas, placing lanterns along pathways, and scattering candles on tables for an inviting glow your guests will love.

Step two: create comfortable seating areas

Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture that encourages comfort and relaxation. Opt for plush cushions, throws, and blankets in autumnal hues like burnt orange, deep red, and earthy browns to add warmth and style to your seating areas. Arrange chairs and sofas around the firepit to create a focal point that will entice guests to gather and linger.

Step three: cosy up with a firepit

A firepit is the quintessential autumn accessory! Choose a firepit that complements your outdoor décor and will enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you prefer a sleek modern design or a rustic, traditional look, a well-placed firepit will undoubtedly become the heart of your outdoor entertaining area.

Step four: serve up seasonal treats

No outdoor gathering is complete without delicious food and drinks to enjoy. Incorporate the flavours of autumn by serving hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and decadent desserts like apple pie. Pair these seasonal treats with mulled wine, spiced cider, or hot chocolate for a cosy experience that warms both the body and soul.

By following these tips and ideas, you can easily create a cosy outdoor entertaining area that embraces the beauty of an Australian autumn. With the addition of pieces from Aspley Homemaker City, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy memorable evenings under the open sky.

Looking for more home styling advice? Check out our latest seasonal trend report filled with décor inspiration, interior trends, tips and tricks, and so much more!

5 Reasons You Need To Visit Outdoor Living At Aspley Homemaker City

There is no better location in Brisbane to shop for your Summer backyard entertaining needs than at Outdoor Living Aspley. Summer in Queensland is the perfect time of year to embrace the outdoors, get outside and enjoy the sunshine and long, leisurely days. Creating the perfect outdoor oasis that feels like you are on holidays at all times is easy with a few simple tips and tricks. Today we are sharing with you our top recommendations for furniture and styling pieces to create the perfect outdoor living and dining area in your own home. Outdoor Living Aspley is a one stop shop for all your outdoor furniture needs, so be sure to check them out next time you are at the centre.

Outdoor Umbrellas

A summer essential for all Queensland homes, especially those with a pool is an outdoor umbrella. To protect you and your family from the heat and unwanted sun exposure an outdoor umbrella is the perfect addition to your backyard. Outdoor Living Aspley has a range of umbrellas in a variety of colours to create either a simple and chic look or a fun pop of colour. From a small umbrella that allows shade for a couple or a large umbrella that can protect an entire dining table, they have got you covered. We love the Canter Leaver Shelta Umbrella in French Grey for a practical and stylish edition to your backyard.

Outdoor Seating

Entertaining at home during the Summer months is a Queensland tradition and you’ll find most of us in the backyard of a Sunday afternoon relaxing with family and friends. When entertaining at home, adequate outdoor seating is a high priority and options for lounging, sitting and conversation zones must be considered. Outdoor Living Aspley has a huge range of seating options in a wide variety of colours, fabrics and materials to suit any design style. They have beautiful outdoor sofas, armchairs and modular pieces to create the perfect lounging zone on your outdoor patio. Or if you are in need of some bar stools, day beds, sun lounges or dining chairs they have got you covered too.

Outdoor Cushions

Cushions are often thought of for living rooms and bedrooms only and sometimes forgotten in the outdoor decorating space. Outdoor cushions are the perfect addition to any patio or alfresco space as they add a sense of comfort and blend the indoors with the outdoors. Outdoor Living Aspley has beautiful cushions that are purpose made for outdoor use and are specifically designed for marine conditions, UV protection and are water repellent. This means they can stay outside all year long and you won’t notice any colour fading or mould. We love the camburi yellow throw cushion that would be the perfect addition to any outdoor sofa or daybed this Summer.

Outdoor Fire Pits

To create the ultimate outdoor oasis and luxurious entertaining space, we recommend adding an outdoor firepit to your home. Not only do they create a beautiful ambience and look amazing, but they also encourage friends and family to gather around and enjoy quality time together. An outdoor fire pit is the perfect cosy addition to your Summer soiree to end the night in a relaxing way. Outdoor Living Aspley offers a variety of styles and materials, so whether you are looking for a sleek, modern design or a traditional cast iron look, they have got you covered.

Outdoor Plants

Lastly, our final tip for decorating an outdoor area is to add plenty of greenery through outdoor plants. Plants are no longer restricted to garden beds and the perimeter of the backyard, we are seeing beautiful potted plants becoming more and more popular in outdoor designs. We suggest grouping three large pots in varying sizes in the corner of the alfresco area holding tall plants such as a bird of paradise or palm. Add greenery to your tables by potting a large bowl with some succulents and moss for a centrepiece that lasts all year round. Not only do outdoor plants bring life and vibrancy to a space, they also add a pop of colour and statement to your alfresco.

How to master alfresco dining this summer

Nothing beats the classic Australian backyard family BBQ. The sun is shining, the sausages are sizzling, and the tongs are at the ready. Whether it’s a weekend ritual or a special celebration, there’s nothing quite like spending time outside during the summertime. This year, we think it’s about time to skip the restaurants and create a stunning alfresco scene in your own backyard instead. Here’s your ultimate guide to alfresco dining.

Products: Bed Bath N’ Table Panama Stripe Outdoor Cushion $29.95, Eureka Furniture Brighton Dining Chair $849, Eureka Furniture Vendale Oval Dining Table $2,099, Freedom Olive Tree Garden Pot $269, Freedom Soho Cutlery Set $59.95, Provincial Home Living Avery Goblet $12.95, The Furniture Shack Bondi Indoor/Outdoor Bean Bag $329, The Lighting Superstore Mette 47 Rattan Shade $218.

1. Invest in staple pieces

When it comes to outdoor dining and entertaining, it’s important to invest in the big pieces – we’re talking about your dining table, chairs, barbecues, and additional lighting features. These items should be strong enough to withstand the great Australian outdoors (even if they’re under the protection of a patio ceiling). We recommend opting for timber, oak, or steel tables and likewise for chairs. If your dining chairs have plush cushions, ensure they are removable so they can be brought inside during those pesky summer storms. It’s also a good idea to keep these larger pieces cohesive – opt for outdoor dining sets where the sofa, table, and chairs all match.

2. Quality over quantity

Out with the old, in with the new! It’s time to update your dining essentials this summer – we’re talking about cutlery, luxe glasses, and a set of simple ceramic plates. Having good quality dining essentials will make all the difference when entertaining – after all, no one likes paper plates or plastic cups. The best part? These items are going to last for seasons to come so there’s no need to replace them anytime soon!

3. Decorative accents

Now that you’ve got staple furnishings and necessary tableware, the rest is all about showcasing your personal taste and style. Stock up on outdoor cushions, vases, plants, and even sun lounges that match your aesthetic. We’re loving the coastal style this summer (read all about it in our Summer Trend Report).

4. Change up your tablescape

You’re likely to have more than one outdoor dining experience this summer, right? So why not have a few different tablescape options to choose from? Be sure to keep your cutlery and glassware the same but change up your tablecloth, table runner, placemats, and centrepiece. By doing so, you can easily create a completely different feel.

We recommend having one minimal tablescape – this could be a white tablecloth, neutral table runner and placemats, and pillar candles. Another easily achievable tablescape theme is modern retro – create this aesthetic through burnt orange, yellow, and dark green hues.

Tip: mix and match across tablescape themes to create a whole new feel.

It’s officially time to embrace summer with an alfresco dining experience! Remember to play with an array of colours and patterns to suit the ambience of your outdoor dining area and most importantly have fun and soak up the good vibes with your friends and family.

Shop the sales: Black Friday deals you need to know

Mark your calendars for Friday 24 November because the best shopping day of the year, Black Friday, is just around the corner! Making for the ultimate excuse to splurge, no matter if it’s a luxury or a necessity. Plus, the event conveniently falls right before the holiday shopping rush.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – we’ve gone ahead and compiled some of the best deals in centre. Below is a little preview of the shopping mayhem that’s in store at the end of November. We don’t want you to miss out on the shopping spree of the year!

Pillow Talk

Leading homewares retailer, Pillow Talk is set to offer 30% off full-priced items and 30% off clearance from Friday 24 November through to Monday 27 November. If you have your sights set on any bedroom, bathroom, living, or outdoor homewares, Black Friday is the time to buy them!

Beds N Dreams

Beds N Dreams will be having a major sale, featuring discounts up to 50% off the recommended retail price (RRP). This is the ideal opportunity to enhance your sleep with a new mattress or bed frame.

Outdoor Living

Calling all barbecue lovers, Outdoor Living is currently providing a 10% discount on Weber accessories when you purchase any Weber barbecue. Time to upgrade your existing set-up ahead of the silly season!

House

Looking to replace your old kitchen utensils? Then head to House on Black Friday. They will be offering 55% – 70% off all cooksets and cookware, 50% off all loose knives, and 60% – 75% off all knife blocks.

La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy is joining in on the Black Friday sales as well with 25% – 50% off! If you’re in need of a new recliner or sofa, make sure to visit the store for this incredible deal.

The Furniture Shack

The Furniture Shack will be offering a remarkable 40% off their Premium Barbados Outdoor Suite! It’s a stunning range ideal for those who are looking to replace their patio and outdoor furniture.

Howards Storage World

Howards Storage World is gearing up for a four-day sale, featuring a 20% discount storewide! This is your golden opportunity to declutter your home with top-notch kitchen, wardrobe, and bathroom organisation solutions.

Provincial Home Living

Provincial Home Living is having a massive Black Friday Sale running from Friday 24 November to Monday 27 November, offering savings of up to $1000 for a limited time. Enjoy discounts with savings like $30 off $150, $100 off $400, $500 off $2000, and an impressive $1000 off $3500. Conditions apply. Don’t miss out!

Bed Bath N’ Table

Wanting to stock up on homewares for your bed, bath, and table? The Bed Bath N’ Table Black Friday sale is the nudge you need. They’ll be offering 20% – 70% off storewide!

Gilmour Shoes

On the hunt for some new kicks? Gilmour Shoes are offering 10% off everything and 20% off all black shoes and sandals on Black Friday only! This deal is only valid in store, no rain checks or transfers.

Natuzzi Editions

With everything up to 40% off on Black Friday, you’ll want to stop by Natuzzi Editions. Their range of Italian furniture including designer sofas, chairs, tables, beds, and more is set to be marked down!

There you have it – a sneak peek of some of the best Black Friday deals to anticipate! Keep in mind that these are just a fraction of the exciting offers to come. Be sure to head in centre on Friday 24 November. Happy shopping!

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