Entertaining friends and family in your garden or outdoor space can be a wonderful way to enjoy the warmer months. With a bit of creativity, you can transform your outdoor area into a stylish space perfect for hosting gatherings. Here are some tips for creating an inviting, fashionable outdoor entertaining area on a budget.
Choose Comfortable, Durable Furniture
The key to a successful outdoor entertaining space is comfortable, durable furniture. Look for pieces made from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminium or synthetic wicker. These will stand up well to the elements. Focus on seating like dining chairs, loungers and sofas. You’ll also need sturdy tables for serving food and drinks. Space things out to allow easy flow for mingling. Top with weatherproof cushions in cheerful colours and prints.
Add Stylish Touches
Once your furniture is in place, add accessories and decor to give your space personality. Outdoor rugs in natural fibres like jute instantly provide softness and style. Garden partition ideas like outdoor curtains on rods or wires can create a focal point. Arrange potted plants and flowers for pops of colour. Stack old crates or boxes to use as side tables. Display candles, lanterns and hurricane vases to create mood lighting after dark.
Create Inviting Ambiance
The right ambiance will make your outdoor area ultra inviting. If the space allows for it, incorporate a small fire pit, chiminea or outdoor fireplace to instantly add cosy warmth. String festive lighting overhead to sparkle above guests in the evenings. Install wall-mounted or standing heat lamps to take the chill off when temperatures drop. Position speakers to play upbeat background music.
Provide Shade and Shelter
Shade and shelter elements will allow you to entertain outdoors more comfortably. A pergola, gazebo or large umbrella creates soothing shade during the day. Erect bamboo screens or plant large shrubs to provide shelter from wind, rain or setting sun. Use potted trees or trailing vines on trellises to add natural shade. Serve food and drinks under the shelter so guests can stay protected.
Build Distinct Zones
Garden zoning is important. Divide your outdoor space into separate activity zones to make it more functional. Have a dining area with a table and chairs for meals. Add a lounge zone with cozy seating around a fire feature. Include open space for lawn games like cornhole or croquet. Build a small wet bar for prepping drinks. Create zones unified by coordinating rugs, pillows and decor.
Take it Inside Out
Bring the comforts of indoor entertaining outside by carrying furnishings and decor outdoors. Place a small console table outdoors to hold beverage service. Arrange artwork and mirrors on garden walls or fences. Use poufs, ottomans and side tables from inside. Carry out trays, serving pieces and barware to create a full outdoor experience.
With some creativity and these useful tips, you can take your outdoor space from simple to stylish. The result will be a fashionable, functional outdoor oasis perfect for warm weather entertaining with friends.
