I like an outdoor fireplace, but have a sunken seating area around it as wind protection. Even if you are in a dry area, as the evening light settles temperature changes can suddenly chill. Or create wind barriers instead.

I think if it is a properly designed fireplace, you would use it even in the summer as a gathering place. Candles in it at night would make it a place to gather even in the heat of summer. Seating is essential to it being used, as well as something underfoot even, such as flagstone or pavers so chairs are not all wonky if you are not doing something built in like ASV suggested.

You could start out with a portable one and see how it goes...we have gone through several and use them a lot!!! Lots of time is spent outside around it...ours is a simple, inexpensive one.

I agree Jayme. We made a firepit using pavers and a metal insert and we use it from spring through fall. I would try something simple before investing in a more "permanent" one. Though I know I would LOVE a nice big stone fireplace! It wouldn't work in our yard because of all the trees either, so that is also a consideration.

Yes, a portable one as suggested above by Jayme, unless you have a perfect setting and are doing a sunken seating area as ASV commented. we have a portable firepit that is used almost year round in New England, and in different parts of the yard, patio, even driveway. I do drool over the built in ones but just cant commit to one place. A portable one will tell you over time if it is worth it to build one fireplace.

Can't help live in Texas it's used all year around

We move our around also! We have bonfires, marshmellow roasting...hand warming up...it's a general gathering place..we almost feel like we r camping in our yard sometimes!