Davie realtorMemorial Day is almost here and I know a lot of people are going to be gathering with friends and family to share traditional “start of the summer” meals, that often include outdoor cooking and grilling.

Outdoor kitchens are popular in places where the climate encourages outdoor living.  That’s the case here in Davie, Florida.  An outdoor kitchen makes outdoor entertaining a snap, and you may end up having family meals outside, too, to keep the house much cooler on sizzling summer days.

There are lots of ways to design an outdoor kitchen, but here are some tips that will start your planning in the right direction.

1. Start with the Basics.

The layout for an outdoor kitchen should follow the same rules as a regular kitchen.  L-shaped outdoor kitchens are popular because they create a place for the “kitchen triangle.”

And, if you’re building a kitchen on an existing deck, make sure you understand how much of a load your deck can handle.  Installing a kitchen is a much different undertaking than setting out some tables and chairs.

Plan adequate storage.  To avoid messes, don’t forget that you’ll need a pullout trash bin, and storage for dishes, silverware, glasses, napkins, spices, cleaning supplies and more.  You’ll want to limit the number of times you have to leave the party to go back to the main kitchen for supplies!

Don’t forget the sink.  You’ll need a convenient place to wash hands, prepare vegetables, rinse dishes and more.  In a simple installation, you may be able to feed the sink with a hose, but extending your home’s plumbing to the outdoor kitchen is also an effective approach.

2.  Design for Light & Ventilation.

To extend the time you can use your outdoor kitchen, you may choose to put it under cover.  If that’s the case, use can lights or pendant lights to allow for cooking after the sun goes down.  Consider using a ceiling fan to keep a semi-enclosed space well-ventilated.  And, if your grill is under cover, you’ll need to include vent hood.

3.  Use Outdoor-Friendly Flooring.

Don’t make a bigger mess outside than you do inside.  The flooring in an outdoor kitchen should be easy to clean, and it needs to repel outdoor elements like grass and garden debris.  And, especially if you have a pool, make sure the flooring isn’t a slipping hazard.

4. Coordinate the “Rooms” in Your Outdoor Living Space.

When you commit to outdoor living, you’ll end up with a kitchen and a dining area, and perhaps a bar, separate living/entertaining area and a pool.  Make sure that all of your outdoor living spaces flow nicely and work well together, both in style and functionality.

5.  Equip Your Kitchen to Suit Your Lifestyle.

Don’t worry about being like everyone else.  Design your outdoor kitchen to fit your lifestyle.

You may want to include a beer, wine or soda cooler, for example.  Most outdoor kitchens are equipped with a grill, but you may also want a smoker.  If you’ll be entertaining large groups of family or friends, consider a warming drawer.  It’s great to have a place to keep burgers, hot dogs or steaks warm while you finish grilling for a crowd.

Pizza lovers have a lot of fun including a pizza oven in their kitchens.  If you love frozen drinks, make sure you install electrical outlets that will allow you to bring a blender outside, or you can include a built-in blender to give your kitchen a streamlined look.

If you’re ready to open the doors wide to outdoor living, a well-planned outdoor kitchen may be just what you need.  If you need a Davie REALTOR® to assist you in your home search, or if you’re selling Davie real estate, contact us at 954-242-8030 or send an email.  As local real estate experts, we’ll make sure you get the quality service you deserve!

Davie Realtor - Davie FLIf you’re going to be in town for Memorial Day next weekend, you have the opportunity to join your fellow Davie real estate owners in the annual activities.

2016 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The parade is sponsored by the City of Davie and the Scoutmasters Camporee Committee of the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  I think it’s great that the Boy Scouts are so involved.  It will give the boys a chance to get to know the real reason behind the holiday and to honor service members who have done, and continue to do so much for the U.S.

The parade will start at 10:00 am on Monday, May 30, 2016 in front of the Davie Fire Administration building at 6901 Orange Drive.  It will continue left on Rodeo Way and conclude at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds.

Bring a flag and wear red, white and blue to show your support for the sacrifices so many members of our military and their families make to keep us safe here and abroad.  Directly after the parade, there will be a Memorial Service at the Rodeo Grounds.  There will be a special salute honoring the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War as part of the 50th anniversary of that conflict.

Memorial Day Events in Broward County

Great American Beach Party.  On Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 10 am to 8:30 pm you can join in on a fantastic beach party on Fort Lauderdale Beach at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.  There will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.  For the kids, or the young at heart, spend time in the kid zone and compete in the sandcastle contest.  If classic cars are your passion, the classic car show will provide a lot to see.  You can listen to live bands and watch a U.S. military parachute team demonstrate their expertise, along with a tribute to the troops.  The best part?  It’s all free!

Memorial Day Kidz Fest at Flamingo Garden.  After the Davie parade and ceremony, you can head over to Flamingo Gardens for lots of fun with your kids.  This event is being held on Monday, May 28, 2016 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.  You’ll find lots of things to see and do including pony rides, a butterfly encounter, animal presentations, a bounce house, arts and crafts displays, and music and live entertainment.

Entry fees for kids are cut in half for this special day for kids from 3-11 years old ($6.45).  The fee for adults and children over 12 is $19.95.  But,

visit this link for a 25% off adult admission coupon!

If you’re just thinking of looking at Davie real estate, you should know that Memorial Day is just one of the wonderful celebrations in the Davie and Broward County area that brings us together as families and a community.  If you’re looking for a Davie Realtor, give us a call at 954-242-8030.  With our professionalism and local knowledge, we’ll help you complete a successful real estate transaction, whether you’re buying or selling.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

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