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By Sacha van Niekerk 
14h ago
If the hot, sunny weather we’ve been having recently doesn’t stimulate a flurry of memories of family reunions with the smell of chlorine and sizzling meat wafting through the air, are you even South African?
With September being heritage month and summer break just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to get your outdoor area in tip-top shape before braai season kicks off.
From stunning tiled patios to creative seating and trendy fire pits, these are the must-haves every braai area needs.
Fire pit
Having a built-in fire pit allows you the versatility that a braai stand doesn’t have. Blending seamlessly with the surrounding brick or stone materials, as well as your outdoor décor, a fire pit can be transformed into a grill for fire cooking. However, unlike braai posts, campfires require firewood and preferably smokeless charcoal. No, you can go from toasting after a day at the pool to just snuggling around the fire and keeping warm.
Creative outdoor seating
When it comes to home décor, people seem to forget that their garden can be an extension of their interior. From themes of color and patterns and materials, the days of settling for plastic loungers and sturdy wooden benches clutter up your garden are over. Instead, go for something visually stunning that blends in with the natural landscape of your garden or patio. From hanging seats to marame swings that hang from the trees or even elegant built-ins with comfy cushions, the options are endless.
Outdoor lighting
Whether it’s studded string lights or lanterns, lighting is a vital component in creating a cozy outdoor environment. Adding warmth and comfort, even as the sun begins to set, you can have a huge impact on the entire look of your garden and patio. Pay attention to where you put the lights and what type of lighting you will use to illuminate your garden. There are many functional lighting options available, you just need to find one that is suitable for your exterior. If strategic, outdoor lighting can bring out the features you already have and serve as a guide for visitors to lead them to your braai area, as well as to the paths and walkways.
Outdoor rugs
To mimic the comfort level of the interior, having a large rug near your braai area will make your space look and feel more homey. Whether you love geometric patterns or are a total romantic for flowers, outdoor rugs bring the overall space together, bringing together different decor elements. Made from durable materials, they are also stain and fade resistant and come in a variety of colors and prints to suit the theme of your outdoor space.
Tiling
If outdoor rugs are not your thing and you prefer something a bit more durable and permanent, tile is one of the most impressive exterior décor trends to transform your braai area. Not only are they super stylish and can liven up boring spaces, they’re functional too. The tiles are non-slip and serve as a minimal maintenance material that can withstand all the ash ash and scratches that come your way. From Victorian black and white tiles to colorful Moroccan themes in vivid shades of blue, yellow, orange and green, having a braai area of tiles creates
Eating area
Half the fun of braaing is eating outside and enjoying the fresh air and picturesque scenery. Make sure your braai area is stocked with enough seating options for all your hungry guests who don’t want to have to use their laps as a table. From wooden picnic sets to wrought iron, whatever the aesthetic of your garden, choose the style that best suits your outdoor décor and home environment.
Bluetooth speakers
Having a portable Bluetooth speaker to play while you roast adds atmosphere and atmosphere to your nights, making it more than just food. Small in size, but not subtle in sound, these portable speakers go where you go and produce clean, accurate sound even at high volumes.
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