Not too long ago outdoor entertaining meant bringing a picnic to the beach or park. A picnic basket, a cooler for cold drinks, paper plates and plastic utensils were all the special equipment anyone needed.
If you wanted to entertain outdoors without leaving the comfort of home, you would fire up the hibachi, toss on a few burgers and hot dogs and organize a little procession from the kitchen to bring out the plates, salads and other side dishes. The cooler you used for the beach would be placed next to the hibachi so that the hard working spouses flipping the burgers and dogs would have something to quench their extreme thirst.
Fast forward to the early 21st century. Today outdoor entertaining has the potential to be the ultimate in luxury and convenience. A meal can be prepared, served and cleaned up without leaving the comfort of your own yard. Literally. With the latest products on the market for outdoor entertaining, there is no need to take a single step inside your home.
Manufacturers have responded to the increasing demand for kitchen accoutrements that can live year round in the great outdoors. You can purchase luxury grills that have stovetop cooking capabilities as well. Kitchen islands for preparing food and storing dinnerware are now designed for outdoor installation. Sinks, refrigerators, wet bars and even dishwashers are available for outdoor installation. Gas patio heaters make it possible to socialize outside even on chilly evenings.
And so, depending on the climate where you live, you can cook and entertain outdoors year round, or at least a good portion of the year. On the next page you will find links to companies that can help you outfit your great backyard for the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.
