Don't forget outdoors

As summer sets in, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be entertaining alfresco. So check that your outdoor area is up to scratch. Clean the barbecue (most oven-cleaning services can also tackle this for you) and make sure the gas bottle is full. Scrub moss and mildew from pavers and clean outdoor furniture. Consider how your barbecue area is working for you – whether the old barbecue is still adequate, or if the zone could be expanded into more of an outdoor kitchen. Ilve’s Daniel Bertuccio also suggests looking into a rangehood, which will save you smoking out the neighbours (and your guests).