With some smart outdoor heating and clever backyard styling, you can enjoy fantastic outdoor entertaining in comfort and style all year round.

Here, Chris Florac, outdoor heating specialist and product manger for heating range, Décofire, shares his top tips for cosy outdoor entertaining this winter.

1. Go Naked – without doubt, there’s nothing that warms your hands or your heart more on a winter’s day, than the inviting glow of a dancing naked flame. A real fire creates an eye-catching centrepiece for any outdoor space and provides a focal point around which to gather with family and friends when entertaining outdoors. A modern fire pit is a great outdoor heating solution, providing warmth combined with ambient style.
2. Fire Style – when it comes to choosing a fire pit, consider the amount of space you have available. If you have a generous backyard and you are a regular outdoor entertainer, then opt for a good sized fire pit with a generously sized fire bowl. This will provide a bigger heat output over a wider distance and a longer burning time without the need to keep re-fuelling. If however, you have a small backyard, then it pays to go up in height, so opt for a vertical or cylindrical design style that will heat your area without taking up precious floor space.
3. Comfort Zone – unlike in summer where the barbecue can often take centre stage, in winter, it’s time for your fire pit to shine. The right design can be a beautiful focal point if your outdoor space is lacking that something special. When entertaining, arrange seating around the fire pit so everyone enjoys the warmth and entrancing flicker of the flames
4. Rug up – create a warm welcome for guests by providing blankets and throws for them to snuggle up under. Choose rich colours – think shades of orange, burnt amber and flames of red. Add coordinated cushions in sumptuous textures and luxurious weaves to complete your comfort zone.
5. Light the Way – set the mood for your winter soirée with pretty table lights, stylish hanging lamps and scented outdoor candles. Weave a string of paper lanterns through a tree or around a post or pillar to create a magical outdoor setting that will enchant your family and friends to create happy memories for many years to come.

Décofire is part of the Mayo Hardware product range, available through Bunnings.

The Décofire range features:

• Décofire Fire Drum – the sleek cylindrical shape of this stylish fire pit makes this a great option when short on outdoor floor space. It features an intricate cut out design to add a global look and to create a beautiful showcase from which to enjoy the pretty patterns made by the dancing naked flame. A mesh interior screen provides protection from sparks and a log grate and a poker is included for ease of use. Made from durable steel and finished in a rustic, corten steel effect, this fire drum will add a touch of exotic style to any outdoor space. Price $139. Size: 37cm diameter x 80cm height.
• Huracán Fire Pit – built low to the ground, this eye-catching fire pit will add warmth to any outdoor setting and provide a beautiful focal point when entertaining family and friends. Featuring a glass reinforced cement body and a generously sized steel fire bowl, this fire pit is easy to use and provides plenty of burning space to keep you toasty and warm for long lunches and cosy dinners. Choose from natural cement or charcoal grey. A handy poker is also included for ease of use. Price $399. Size: 100cm x 100cm, 29cm height. This stylish fire pit also comes with an optional table top made from quality bamboo, turning it from a fire pit into a smart coffee table for fabulous flexibility of use. Price $159.
• Orbis Fire Pit – contemporary design combines with quality craftsmanship with this beautiful bowl-shaped fire pit. Made from high quality glass reinforced cement, it will add cutting edge style to any outdoor space and will provide a generous amount of heat for fabulous outdoor entertaining. Choose from natural cement or charcoal grey for an on-trend look. Price, $299. Size: 75cm diameter x 40cm height. Poker included. An optional quality bamboo table top converts this fire pit into an instant coffee table providing great versatility when entertaining outdoors. Price $89.
• Caldera 3-Way Fire Pit – featuring an innovative 3-way decorative mesh surround, you can style this fire pit how you like, to suit your outdoor space and mood. Pop the mesh surround on top of the fire pit base to create a stunning stage for your outdoor flame, place inside or slide onto the outside to create a different look. With so many design choices, staying warm in style this winter, has never been easier! Fabricated from high quality glass reinforced cement, choose from charcoal grey or natural cement for a modern look. Price $399. Size: 71cm wide x 71 cm deep x 66cm height. Poker included.

Image: Caldera No Mesh by Mayo Hardware

Source: Mayo Hardware