Football season is (finally) upon us! Here in the Charleston Lowcountry, this also coincides with temperatures and humidity becoming more bearable. We are also blessed to have mild winters –sorry, Buffalo and Green Bay, so we can watch football in comfort outdoors all season. What better way to do this than with an outdoor kitchen and game viewing area? Palmetto Kitchens is ready to make all your gameday dreams come true – all you have to decide is which team you’re rooting for and who to invite.
Here are the essential design elements to consider when creating an outdoor kitchen and outfitting it for the ultimate football-watching party.
Of course, the first step when building an outdoor kitchen is to define the space. You may already have an existing porch, deck, or patio. If not, or if it’s not large enough to accommodate all your guests, you’ll need to lay a foundation. Brick, concrete pavers, and concrete patios are your best bets here, depending on your style and budget.
PREP THE SCENE
If you prefer the look of brick and pavers but don’t have the time or expense to spare, an exciting option is stamped concrete. This process mimics the look of brick, stone, or even wood at a fraction of the cost. And for those die-hard football fans, you can incorporate your team colors, logo, or mascot into the concrete design. Or if that’s too much commitment, use soft goods like cushions and pillows or ceramic planters in your school or city’s colors.
WARM-UP
The next most important decision is what cooking appliances you’ll want. Every outdoor kitchen needs a grill. You can have a gas, charcoal grill, or even a smoker, like a Big Green Egg, built into your space. How about upping your game with a fryer for hot wings, a steam pot for Lowcountry boil or blue crabs, or even a wood-fired pizza oven? Palmetto Kitchens will walk you through the options and infrastructure needed for each.
PREGAME
Another game-day essential is a refrigerator to keep all your beverages chilled. We can even outfit you with a beer tap. You might also want to add a wine cooler for those whose taste varies from a cold beer. Then, you’ll need counter space to prep and lay out all your tailgate munchies. Rolling carts and coolers are another convenient way to store and display food and drinks. How about a built-in bar and barstools for the ultimate accommodations?
KICKOFF
When game time rolls around, you’ve got to have a great outdoor television and sound system. No worries. Palmetto Kitchen will coordinate all the electrical installation. Depending on the location of your backyard, you’ll need to provide some shade to keep the sun from reflecting off your tv. Anything from a pergola to a fabric sunshade can achieve this.
VICTORY LAP
You’ll want outdoor lighting once the sun goes down, and outdoor heaters will likewise make winter games more comfortable. A fire pit is also ideal for those late games when things get chilly and post-game celebrations. And to make clean up easier, add an outdoor dishwasher to make easy work of those pint glasses.
Make your fantasy (football) dream a reality with an outdoor kitchen from Palmetto Kitchens. You’ll be the envy of your friends and neighbors and look like a professional entertainer throughout the football season. Go, team!
