Kitchens do not have to be only nestled behind four walls. Jump on the hottest trend of turning your backyard into a place to entertain friends and family with a sit down meal that doesn't even require you to open the doors to your house! The luxury of having an outdoor kitchen has been a way of the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle for years. You can choose to have anything from a wood-burning oven to a grill. In the hot days of summer getting outside to enjoy food is the perfect thing to do.

Still with the modern times of innovation a real outdoor kitchen will have at least one of these three things: wood-burning pizza oven, a wood coal grill and a true wood burning fireplace. These elements will help you keep the true rustic feel cooking outside brings.

To get started you do not want to put your outdoor kitchen too far from your house. Keeping it close will encourage you to use it more on those cooler nights. Like an indoor kitchen, make sure you have ample counter space for food preparation. It will take the fun out of cooking outside if you are constantly running back and fourth from inside to prepare your food.

When choosing any of the materials for your outdoor kitchen you must keep in mind the natural elements. Look for materials that stand up to whatever may blow your way and of course that are easy to clean. There are many options when it comes to choosing outdoor cabinets. The three most popular are concrete blocks, metal frames, and concrete board. A mason can cut and size your cabinets out of theses materials which will withstand all of the natural elements.

Plan on having lots of guests at your outdoor kitchen, it is a feature that attracts many and is a true luxury. You want your guests to feel comfortable and possibly tucked away in a rustic Tuscan village. With the cool summer night breeze and the rich smell of wood-burning ovens, it's hard for your guests not to feel they're on an Italian retreat.

Choosing the proper cooking machine is important. No outdoor kitchen is complete without the wood-burning pizza oven. Don't let the word pizza deter you because you can cook so many things beyond pizza. Also, having a stainless steel propane grill is a mainstay for meats and veggies. And finally, a wood-burning fire pit for roasting marshmallows for dessert is a must.

The last thing to consider is seating. If you are encouraging larger sit down meals outside, look for a table similar to an indoor dining room table that can withstand the outdoor elements. A good choice is oak or granite. Add a couple of outdoor lounge chairs around the fire pit and you are on your way to unforgettable summer nights in your outdoor kitchen.