Australian summers are made for outdoor living, and Christmas is the perfect excuse to bring everyone together. Whether you're planning a family lunch or a relaxed BBQ with friends, getting your backyard ready starts with comfortable seating, practical shade and a functional entertaining area.
From patios and outdoor kitchens to composite decking and privacy screens, Stratco offers plenty of backyard entertaining ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
Create a Comfortable, Entertaining Area With a Patio
A covered patio creates a dedicated space for outdoor dining, relaxing and celebrating, while providing shelter from the summer sun and unexpected showers. Stratco Outback® Patios offer several designs to suit different backyards:
- Outback® Flat Patio – clean, simple lines for contemporary outdoor areas.
- Outback® Gable Patio – a pitched roof design that creates an open, spacious feel.
- Outback® Cooldek Patio – insulated roofing that helps reduce heat from above.
When planning your patio, allow enough room for dining furniture, outdoor cooking and clear pathways. Explore Stratco Outdoor Furniture to complete your entertaining space.
Make Outdoor Cooking Easier
An outdoor kitchen keeps cooking, preparation and serving close to your guests, making summer entertaining easier.
Stratco Outdoor Kitchens include Cozze Modular Outdoor Kitchens for flexible preparation and storage, as well as CROSSRAY Outdoor Kitchens with BBQs, cabinets and optional refrigeration.
For smaller upgrades, explore Stratco Outdoor Cooking, including pizza ovens, BBQs and BBQ accessories.
Before Christmas, clean your BBQ, organise utensils and create a convenient serving station to make cooking and entertaining easier.
CROSSRAY 4 Burner Gas Outdoor Kitchen
Refresh Your Deck for Summer
A well-maintained deck creates a practical space for outdoor dining, furniture and everyday relaxation. Stratco Composite Decking includes several options:
- Trex Composite Decking – premium timber-inspired finishes.
- ModWood Natural Grain – a practical low-maintenance alternative to timber.
- Eva-Last Composite Decking – durable composite boards for everyday outdoor spaces.
If you already have a composite deck, give it a thorough clean before entertaining and check for loose boards or damaged fixings.
ModWood Natural Grain Composite
Add Privacy for Relaxed Entertaining
Privacy screens and fencing help define outdoor zones and create a more comfortable setting for family gatherings.Stratco offers several screening solutions:
- Ezi-Slat – horizontal aluminium slats for a clean, contemporary finish.
- Quickscreen – adjustable slat spacing to balance privacy and airflow.
- Batten Xpress – architectural screening for feature walls and outdoor zones.
Explore the Stratco Fencing and Screening range to find a solution for your patio, garden or boundary.
Create Shade With Coolaroo Outdoor Blinds
Wondering how to create shade in your backyard? Start by identifying where the afternoon sun hits your dining and seating areas.
Coolaroo Outdoor Blinds can help reduce glare and direct sun exposure while adding privacy to patios and alfresco areas.
Popular options include:
- Coolaroo Patio Outdoor Blind – practical screening for patios and verandahs.
- Coolaroo Outdoor Retractable Blind – adjustable shade for outdoor openings.
Explore Stratco Outdoor Blinds for more options.
Add Simple Backyard Christmas Decorations
You don't need a complete backyard makeover to create a festive atmosphere.
Outdoor-friendly string lights, table decorations, potted plants and comfortable seating can transform an existing patio or deck. Choose backyard Christmas decorations suitable for outdoor conditions and keep walkways and cooking areas free from clutter.
For evening entertaining, combine ambient lighting with practical lighting around steps, pathways and food preparation areas.
Quick Checklist Before Christmas
- Clean your patio, deck and outdoor furniture.
- Prepare the BBQ and outdoor kitchen.
- Arrange shaded dining and seating areas.
- Check privacy screens and outdoor blinds.
- Add outdoor-safe Christmas decorations and lighting.
- Keep pathways clear and check for trip hazards.
Get Your Backyard Summer-Ready With Stratco
Whether you're refreshing an existing outdoor area or planning a new patio, outdoor kitchen or composite deck, Stratco has practical solutions for Australian backyard entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by cleaning outdoor areas, checking furniture and preparing your BBQ. Add comfortable seating, reliable shade and clear pathways to make entertaining easier.
Outdoor blinds, privacy screens, lighting and new seating arrangements can quickly improve your entertaining area without major construction.
Position your dining table under a covered patio, add comfortable seating and use warm outdoor lighting. Simple backyard Christmas decorations help create a festive atmosphere.
Create separate areas for cooking, dining and relaxing, with convenient access between them. A covered patio, composite deck and suitable shade solutions provide flexibility for gatherings throughout the year.