Setting up the barbecue area

Outdoor meals take on a special flavor when you can cook right next to the table. A barbecue area guarantees both delicious food and a convivial experience.

This guide provides some ideas and advice for furnishing this space in a few steps: choosing the location, decoration, practical considerations… and installing a parasol nearby.

The ideal location for the barbecue area

Eating inside the house when the weather is nice? Definitely not. Having a meal in the garden or on the patio is much more enjoyable, and barbecuing is perfect for it. To be able to repeat the experience regularly throughout the summer, it's best to set up your barbecue area once and for all. Where is the best place to put it?

Proximity to the kitchen is important: even if the cooking takes place on the barbecue itself, the food should come from the pantry or refrigerator. Furthermore, the appliance must be placed away from hazardous areas, such as flammable walls or climbing vegetation. It's also essential to ensure the location is well-protected from wind and weather to prevent any accidents.

The location will be more pleasant if it receives a reasonable amount of sun, as you should make the most of the good weather. Be aware of the safety risk involved in placing a parasol directly above the barbecue for shade: the fabric could catch fire.

Which barbecue should I choose?

Barbecuing is a mindset, a cooking method, but above all, a tool. What choices are available to you?

You might want to create a permanent barbecue, a permanent fixture in your garden. This involves building a fixed barbecue, carved into the stone or brick. Anchored to the ground, it is very sturdy, and its design blends seamlessly into the overall décor. The cost of such an installation is high, but the result is exceptionally robust.

If building a permanent barbecue seems too ambitious or the price prohibitive, a portable barbecue, designed to be stored in the garage during the colder months, is a perfectly adequate solution. However, this time you'll need to choose the type of heating: charcoal, gas, or electric.

A charcoal barbecue consists of an iron structure in which pieces of charcoal are heated using a firelighter. This technique allows for flavorful cooking of meat without the need for electricity, but it does require some patience and skill. For safety reasons, water should be kept nearby in case the fire gets out of control.

A gas barbecue uses a gas cylinder, which allows for easy cooking, much like on a traditional stove. An electric barbecue, the simplest model, requires proximity to a power outlet or the use of an extension cord.

These items are generally found in DIY stores and some large supermarkets. It is advisable to compare prices before buying a barbecue.

Around barbecues, you will generally find mobile utility furniture, allowing you to store utensils, fuels and condiments, as well as a small side cart for placing dishes.

How should the dining area be arranged?

The area where you eat lunch should obviously be located near the barbecue, but at a sufficient distance so as not to be bothered by the heat while eating.

It could simply be the garden furniture used for relaxing in the evening: a low table and a few resin wicker chairs can be enough for enjoying a barbecue with a small group. For barbecues with larger gatherings, it's best to opt for a long table with a row of chairs on each side.

The furniture must be suitable for outdoor use, and therefore use weather-resistant materials: treated wood, metal or woven resin for example.

Providing shade for this space with a pergola or parasol ensures peaceful and enjoyable meals. Depending on the size and shape of the table, you can choose a straight or cantilever parasol, positioned to provide shade for all your guests.

In the environment of this space, we gladly add some extra furniture: armchairs, a sofa or a hammock to spend the time digesting while chatting.

Decoration is important: lighting made up of solar lamps or string lights, a few climbing plants on the pergola posts can brighten up this space and create a unique and aesthetic atmosphere.

Comfortable and practical: ideas to improve the barbecue experience

Here are some tips to make the barbecue area and dining space even more pleasant, thanks to good maintenance and the addition of decorative ideas.

Comfort is essential, which is why a pergola or parasol is recommended to provide shelter from the sun. But in the evening, having a blanket for your legs will prevent you from catching a cold while dining on the terrace.

Insect protection is essential: a mosquito net hung on the pergola, mosquito-repellent candles or lanterns, or even the use of repellent plants will keep pests away. Candles and lanterns provide lighting, while plants add decoration, thus completing the aesthetic appeal of your relaxation area.

Choosing eco-friendly products for furniture maintenance helps ensure the upkeep of your garden furniture while respecting the environment. Regular cleaning of cooking surfaces and barbecue accessories is particularly recommended, especially after heavy use.