Getting organised around the braai

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Choosing the correct outdoor furniture can make your braai area the place to be this summer.

Most of us have a space where we braai, be it a patio, a courtyard or just a spot on the lawn where we normally drag the braai to. But life is so much easier when you create a dedicated braai spot or even an outdoor kitchen. When you’re setting up a braai area, or just renovating an existing area as we were, you need somewhere for storage and preparation, close to the braai for easy access. The Keter Unity XL Braai Prep and Storage Unit is just the thing. Built out of hard-wearing and long-lasting resin that is both water-resistant and UV protected, it won’t rust, fade, peel or warp. The work surface itself is constructed from stainless steel for hygienic food preparation and easy cleaning. The quality construction means that it comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.

While the big selling points are the large storage capacity and the expansive food-preparation surface, the Unity XL sets itself apart from other storage units by means of the little touches: the two casters that make it so easy to move around, even when laden; the hanging hooks for braai tools; the bottle opener; the paper towel holder and the spice rack. It really is fully loaded! It also adds a touch of class to the braai area, thanks to the wood-look finish, while it is big enough to hold things like bags of charcoal, a gas cylinder, pots, pans, a dinner service or bowls and glasses.

Almost as important as the braai is space for your guests, otherwise you’ll be spending long, lonely hours around the fire while everyone else relaxes elsewhere. Quality outdoor furniture is a specialist item, as it needs to be fully weatherproof, including from moisture and the sun. The Merano lounge set (made up of a 2-seater sofa, 2 armchairs and a coffee table) is made in Europe to exacting specifications to achieve just this: it is made of UV-stabilised resin for longevity, while the contemporary rattan-look finish is easy to clean. Comfort is assured thanks to the ergonomically shaped back and the seat cushions, which have hand-washable covers. The 3-year warranty is an indication of the quality of this furniture. Colours include anthracite (pictured) and cappuccino.

For a bigger space, the Salta lounge set consists of a 3-seater sofa, 2 armchairs and a coffee table, all generously sized for ultimate comfort. Perfect for around the braai or the pool, the Salta lounge set has the same quality construction as the Merano set and comes in graphite colour.

Terracotta pots
It’s so handy to have a few of your favourite herbs growing close to the braai, or even on your braai unit. Terracotta pots are the best choice for potted herbs, as they have a number of benefits over similar plastic pots:

• Terracotta breathes, allowing air and even moisture to move through the walls, keeping pants healthier and helping to prevent fungal root disease.
• Plants don’t like sudden changes in temperature, and terracotta pots act as insulation, slowing down variations in temperature.
• Terracotta pots are heavier than plastic or wood, allowing plants to withstand wind.
• You can’t beat the touch of natural class that terracotta brings to the table.