Six tips to create an al fresco kitchen for less and enjoy outdoor dining
COOKING al fresco is all the rage as summer nears.
Google searches for “outdoor kitchens” rocketed by 120 per cent over the past few weeks.
Have a go at your own with these tricks.
REUSE AND RECYCLE: Get creative and repurpose old furniture to use as the basis of a patio kitchen.
An old dresser can be transformed into a stylish storage unit for your outdoor cooking essentials, while a sturdy wooden table can double as a spacious workspace for meal preparation.
You could also update a mobile kitchen unit by adding a bit of colour. Wilko has all-purpose furniture paint for £4.99 a tin.
TOP IDEA: If you have a couple of shelving units or bedside tables, add a counter top to create a prep space or area for cutlery and glasses.
Check the Gumtree free section to find reclaimed wood you can fashion into a countertop.
STYLISH STORAGE: Keep your outdoor kitchen organised and clutter-free with simple storage like baskets or crates, which you might already have at home.
Use them to keep utensils, condiments, and other kitchen essentials tidy.
GO FOR BROKE: Free your inner artist and personalise your outdoor kitchen by decorating your countertop or backsplash with a mosaic design.
If you have leftover tiles from a bathroom renovation, smash them up to use them. Mosaic tile grout is £4.50 at Hobbycraft.
GLOW UP: Create a cosy evening vibe with lighting. Rechargeable USB lights are a brilliant budget way to add ambience.
Solar-powered bulb string lights from The Range are a great option, now on offer at £9.99.
Argos also has a set of three colour-changing camping lamps to add a cosy glow for £12.
GO CART: No space for an outdoor kitchen?
Why not use a trolley cart, so you can wheel out your utensils, cutlery and cups when you have guests? Get a three-tier cart at Dunelm, reduced from £22 to £15.40 now.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
BECOME a master chef with the lakeland.co.uk gas pizza oven, usually £299.99, now £199.99 when you use the code PIZZA50 at checkout.
SAVE: £100
Cheap treat
SAVE on costly barista cafes by making your own posh brew in a stylish glass latte mug.
Was £1, now 50p at Poundland.
What's new?
IF you need new indoor and outdoor furniture, garden equipment or toys, head to Argos for its Big Red event.
This Flymo lawnmower was £100, but is £66.67. But be quick – tomorrow is the final day of the deal.
Top swap
HIDE clutter in a chic bucket bag, featuring a stylish buckle on the strap.
It’s down from £27.99 to £23.80 at H&M. Or get a similar faux leather bag for £14 at Primark.
Little helper
STOCK up on wine and bubbly at Morrisons today to save 25 per cent when you buy six bottles.
That would mean a £40 saving on half a dozen bottles of The Best Brut Premier Cru Champagne, £27 each.
Shop & save
HELP your complexion fight back using skinchoice.com breakout patches, £13.99 for a 75-pack, and get ten per cent off with code BHOL10.
SAVE: £1.39
Hot right now
NEW Chupa Chups candles, £2.99, will make your home smell incredible.
Get them from B&M, but be quick – they are selling fast.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!