Hosting an amazing Aussie Outdoor Christmas

Australia is a wonderful place. Being a multicultural society we have many different traditions that have been blended and adapted to create truly Aussie Christmas experiences. One thing we all agree on is spending quality time with family and friends and getting outside in the beautiful Summer weather during Christmas.

Some families may choose the traditional roast turkey for lunch, or you may indulge in a champagne breakfast on the balcony, some prefer a seafood feast of prawns and crab, while others opt for an outdoor barbecue on the patio. Whatever the tradition, you can pretty much be sure that some part of the day will involve the beach, the pool or the backyard!

Here are some all-time favourite Aussie outdoor Christmas ideas and activities and some handy tips on how to prepare your outdoor area for hosting the perfect Christmas get-together with family and friends. Diamond Patios is here to help with any of your outdoor patio needs.

Some Unique Aussie Christmas Traditions and Outdoor Christmas Ideas

1. Christmas at the Beach – spending a good portion of Christmas Day or Boxing Day at the beach is a standard Aussie tradition. Building a sandman (instead of a snowman), wiping out on some waves and topping up that tan are all standard. Make sure to cover up and bring sunscreen, test out those new Christmas gifts and play some beach cricket.
2. Christmas barbecue on the back deck. As Aussies are sweltering in the middle of our Summer we tend to migrate outside at Christmas. Many families enjoy a Christmas barbecue. Everyone can gather around large tables and eat, drink and be merry whilst enjoying the beautiful Aussie weather. Quite often a slip and slide will be set up in the back yard for the kids (and big kids) to enjoy after the meal and cool off. It’s even better if you have a patio roof on your deck so it’s all weather suitable
3. Backyard cricket is a must. Grab the family, friends and neighbours and settle in for a few hours of competitive and quite often hilarious cricket. All you need is a couple of eskies or wheelie bins for the wickets, a tennis ball and bat. Set up in the backyard or the street and let the shenanigans begin. It’s a great intro before watching the boxing day test match the following day.
4. Prawns and seafood. This Aussie tradition happens from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day or sometimes for all three days if the family loves their seafood. It is common for seafood places to be open for 24-36 hours straight leading up to Christmas so that families can grab their prawns for the Christmas celebrations.
5. Christmas Pool Party. If you have a pool at your home it is almost a given that you will spend part of Christmas day in the pool. Some families make an entire day and barbecue around the pool, others retreat to pool after lunch to beat the heat.
6. Christmas street party. Close knit neighborhoods often host street parties where everyone brings a plate to share and tables and chairs are set up in the street, on the footpath or in someones yard for everyone to come and enjoy each others company and food.
7. Christmas lights. Many people spend months setting up amazing Christmas lights and decorations on their houses and in their yards. In some areas the whole street gets involved. It is promoted on television and radio and for the weeks leading up to Christmas you can tour the suburbs to see these wonderful homes all lit up for Christmas. Most homes will have a donation tin for gold coin donations and this is then given to chosen charities after Christmas.
8. Carols by Candlelight. The major cities all have a televised event that many families sit and watch together on Christmas Eve. Most regional towns also have Carols on the village green or park where locals and tourists all come to sing carols while holding candles, see the tree lighting and the kids get treats from Santa when he arrives … usually Santa makes an appearance in a fire truck or something cool.

Tips to turn your patio into an amazing Christmas venue

So it’s your turn to host the family on Christmas day. These tips will help you create the perfect festive atmosphere to host Christmas lunch.

1. Clean the outdoor patio area. Giving your patio a good lean is the best way to make it feel new again. Clear out the clutter so you have space to work with. Sweep all the cobwebs, dried leaves and dirt away and then grab the power washer or hose and wash it all down. you now have a nice clean blank canvas to begin planning your Christmas lunch.
2. Add some Christmas lights. Outdoor fairy lights are very affordable these days. Discount shops and hardware stores are good places to start looking. String some lights on the fence or balustrade, put some in shrubs or garden beds and outline the walls and patio roof. Have some fairy lights set as solid and some flashing, have some all white and some coloured. Get creative!
3. Add some festive magic. You can’t have Christmas without some decorations. Find a nice spot in the corner for your Christmas tree. Hang some Christmas baubles from the eaves and enclosed patio windows. Use Christmas plates, napkins and crackers to set the table. Add some Christmas ornaments as table centre-pieces. Swap any plain cushions to Christmas styles or colours. Add some tinsel around outdoor furniture.
4. Spruce up the old furniture. If your outdoor setting has seen better days and your budget permits, then try and replace it with a new or second hand setting. If you can’t afford replacing then maybe a quick sand and paint will give it some life. Make sure you have enough seats and places at the table for all of your guests. Utilise other chairs from inside the home or look into hiring some for the day.

Diamond Patios can help create the perfect patio roof for your Christmas

The Diamond Patio’s team of professionals can help you design the ideal patio roof for your home and Christmas function.

Our patio roof options open up another area for entertaining.

For complete peace of mind, Diamond Patios only use quality products and offer expert advice.

Get an obligation-free quote using our patio roof calculator as an estimate, or Get in touch with the team at Diamond Patios to talk about your patio plans.