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When we built our DIY outdoor kitchen during the pandemic, we didn't get everything right. But there are 10 things we did that we're super happy about that have helped make our backyard the best place for summer entertaining. 

1. We extended our patio larger than originally planned.

We made a last-minute decision to extend our patio an additional 8 feet out. After digging up the originally planned dimensions with our rented skid steer, we looked at what we'd begun creating and could see that it was going to be crowded. We were so right. 

The patio has essentially added 3 "rooms" to our house. We now have a dining room, kitchen, and family room outside, with plenty of space for all the extra people we enjoy entertaining.

2. We installed the right gas grill.

We have been nothing but happy about the gas grill we installed. It's continued to perform marvelously over the last 6 years. Of course, it's typically more than enough grill for just our family of 4, but in those cases, we only light a couple of burners and leave the others off.

However, when we're entertaining in the backyard, we typically have at least 15+ people, and we've never wished it was bigger. It's the perfect size for backyard entertaining.

3. We put a roof over it.

Though the pavilion has contributed to its own set of frustrations (mainly bird-related), we are still so glad that we covered the outdoor kitchen with a roof. 

That roof has made it so we've been able to continue our outdoor cooking and even entertaining plans in spite of the weather. 

4. We chose the right griddle.

The Le Griddle has been an excellent appliance to have installed. I love that we have the lid to keep it protected, but I also love that we can take it off entirely. 

When we use the Le Griddle with guests present, we like to remove the lid so that it becomes more of a social cooking experience.

5. We included bar seating.

Our patio table set only seats 6 people, so we knew we were going to want more space for guests to sit and eat.

Also, if I've learned anything about entertaining, both inside and out, it's that people like to be social and hang out with the chef while the magic is happening. This gives them a place to sit and watch without feeling like they're in the way.

Also, because of the placement of the bar and the direction that the weather usually comes from, these seats are typically kept dry even when it rains.

6-7. We installed an ice maker and outdoor fridge.

Whenever guests come, two of the first things we always point out are the ice maker and fridge. "Welcome! Drinks are in the fridge, and there's ice and cups right there."

Plus, guests often bring a dish to share, like a salad or dessert, that requires refrigeration until it's time. Having the outdoor fridge available makes it so that we don't necessarily need to be sending people in and out of the house.

8-9. We included paper towels and trash drawers.

The next 2 things we always point out to guests are clean up related.

We usually leave our paper towel drawer open when we're entertaining, so it's easily located and accessible. Instead of leaving out a pile of napkins that will inevitably blow away, we just say "paper towels are over there," and our guests can help themselves.

Likewise, when we mention where the trash is, guests know how and where they can clean up after themselves once they've finished eating.

10. We installed a warming drawer. 

The warming drawer may seem like an unnecessary luxury to most, and perhaps that's the case. But it has been the one thing that's exceeded our expectations for how much we've used it. 

Not only do we use it to hot hold our food so we can have most of the cooking done before guests arrive, it gives a place for our guests to do the same. You brought a pan of cheesy potatoes to share with the group, and it's hot now, but we're not eating for half an hour? No problem; stick it in the warming drawer.