EATING OUTDOORS

The HOW to series on bbqs and outdoor eating concludes with this article on how to prepare your summer holiday feasts.

Kiwis love to cook and eat outdoors. There's nothing quite like a burnt snarler to bring back memories. But if you want your meals to resemble Master Chef rather than Restaurant Disasters, then you will need to prepare and cook well.

The December issue of HOW to will help you become a legend in your own backyard by giving you all the tips and tricks to make you a master chef this season.

SAFETY OUTDOORS

Summer means outdoors, and if you've got a pool then you've probably already done all the work and the waters are blue, sparking and inviting.

But remember, they are equally inviting to little ones and so safety around the pool is paramount. Not only do pools have to be properly fenced and gated but you also have to look out for slips and spill as all that water can make surrounds dangerous.

Make safety your number 1 priority this summer. Make sure your pool is registered with your local council and ensure all you're safety checks are done. Then you can sit back and enjoy!

PLAYHOUSE 101

You might have noticed that Mitre 10 MEGA stores have recently been involved in 'The Big Little Plunket Playhouse Project'. This initiative helps to raise funds for the Royal NZ Plunket Society.

As well as stores building their own playhouses, an instruction booklet is also available in-store, detailing how you can build your own playhouse.

HOW to comes to the party this month with a step-by-step guide on how to build a playhouse in your backyard. Perfect for the kids and perfect for you this summer.

WALLS OUTDOORS

So summer is here and you're spending more time outdoors. All of a sudden you're spending extended periods of time looking at the outside of your house and there is no way you can avoid it for any longer. You need to paint, and, like all good kiwi DIYers, you're going to do it yourself.

But where to start? Painting the exterior of your house can take weeks, especially if you're restricted to weekends and after work. So take it one side at a time.

As with all painting, preparation is the key so make sure you start your exterior paint job with a wash and a sand and you should get the look you're after in no time. The December issue of HOW to has it all for your outdoor walls this summer.

THE FINE LINE

Getting a professional finish on your paint job relies heavily on your ability to paint straight and clean lines. And it's not just a steady hand that can do it!

There are two techniques to achieving a fine line. You can either mask or cut in. Both techniques are achievable and both are fantastic skills for all DIYers to master.

The December issue of HOW to steps you through both techniques and helps you achieve that professional look at home.

GET A GRIP

We've all seen the makeover shows on TV. They seemed to be all the rage for a while. And nothing was quite as stunning as the kitchen makeover on a budget. One of the greatest tips was that the simple changing of your kitchen cabinet handles can make an awesome difference to the look and feel of your kitchen.

There is a huge range of cabinet handles available out there and the choice can be somewhat overwhelming. Do you choose handles that are the same size so that you can use the same screw holes? Do you need timber, plastic or stainless steel? Not to mention cost, as sometimes the number you will need to fit out your entire kitchen can be upwards of 30 handles.

The December issue of HOW to takes you through all the options available as well as pointing out some important features and benefits of each type.

DECEMBER CHECKLIST

It seems like we have been waiting all year for Summer to come, and now it is here and we are in a mad rush to ensure the garden is ready and thriving.

There is plenty to do for your flowers and vege garden in December, and the checklist ensures you are on the right track for a thriving and happy garden this summer.