When you live on a lake in the North woods the outdoor kitchen plans start with how guests can best enjoy the beautiful lake view during cooking. The lake is where all the entertainment happens, so plan the outdoor kitchen as close to the water as possible. Many lake homes have a boathouse and tall pines or white birch trees that must be considered in the plans. Timber and river rock are abundant, so use them to create grand, dramatic entrances to well-lit outdoor kitchen and patio areas. If you don’t have room for an outdoor fireplace, that's ok. However, every lake home needs a fire pit for easy utility burning as well as fun, late night conversation. Smaller copper or wrought iron fire pits add warmth and ambiance to a patio on cool Northwood’s evenings.

When it is time to set up the outdoor kitchen by the lake, take advantage of the boathouse as much as possible for partial protection from the elements. The cooking station is best when it is under a high cover; take care not to have anything too close to the top of the grill. Many chefs prefer cooking with gas so consider installing a built-in grill with warming burners. No outdoor kitchen is complete without a sink and refrigerator close at hand. When the kitchen is further from the house and closer to the water, there is a little more carrying involved from the indoor kitchen. This problem is solved by having all the utensils and dishes located in the cupboards and drawers built in beside the boathouse. Extra storage in the boathouse makes for less toting all summer. Make a trip or two to bring down the steaks and you're ready to start cooking.

An ideal patio up North is filled with Adirondack style patio furniture. Keep the colors of any seat cushions pleasing to the color of the area. Greens, rusts, copper are ideal for the North woods setting. A rope hammock swinging between two tall pines close to the water is perfect for the hot lazy day. Depending on the size of the patio, a bistro table and chairs next to the cooking area make for intimate dining by the water. Casual dining from a folding picnic table is just right for the kids too. A bar set-up next to the cooking station allows for great conversation. Most people aren't lucky enough to live level to the water so stairs are needed to get down to the patio. Timbers or cut stone are the best material for stairs in the woods. Finish the outdoor kitchen and patio area with terraced perennials for color and foliage. If you need more seating, think outside the box instead of just adding more chairs. Add unusual vintage seating such as a tool chest or old cobbler’s bench for charm. No outdoor kitchen and patio is complete without lights below the trees so the yard is lit in the evening, creating a festive mood for parties. Wow the people boating on the lake with a well-lit lakeside yard. Guests enjoy waving as the boaters go by, and ask how the fishing was for the day. There is so much entertainment on the lake; even if it is just having the loons swim by for an occasional visit.

You do not have to live in the North woods to have a beautiful outdoor kitchen. You can install something right next to your house or close to an above ground pool. There are plans available for every price range, even if you just want a new gas grill. Make your outdoor entertaining experience as elaborate or simple as you wish. Just think about how nice it will be inviting friends over to enjoy your famous barbecue ribs. Relax under the stars or daydream on a warm summer day knowing how good life can get. Beverly Marshall is an online publisher and successful entrepreneur. She has lived the outdoor experience and offers unique perspective on entertaining outside. She offers guidance and suggestions for consumers buying outdoor furnishings for all types of patios and outdoor kitchens.