Create A Luxury Outdoor Entertaining Space For Any Occasion

Spring has sprung, bank holiday season has begun, and we’re ready to entertain the idea of outdoor entertaining! Now is the time to prepare your outdoor space for a summer of socialising.

Whether you prefer a casual coffee morning, daytime dining or a poolside party, read on for the top things to consider when preparing your garden for a season of outdoor entertaining.

What’s the occasion?  

If you’re planning an outdoor event, it’s important you ensure your design matches the occasion.

Eating, drinking and socialising are a given when entertaining outdoors, but your set-up will change depending on what you’re eating and drinking, and who (and how many) you’ll be socialising with.

Coffee catch-up

Here, the priority should be comfort, intimacy – and a surface for mugs! 

Sofas and armchairs paired with an outdoor coffee table is the way to go. 

Dining sets are too formal if food is minimal. Instead, you and your guests want to feel relaxed as you catch up over the morning sun and sip your favourite hot drink. 

Focus on feasting

If eating is the name of the game then space to sit (comfortably) and eat is key – we don’t want anyone with a plate on their lap!

Having a few designated areas of seating around your garden with different sized dining sets means you’re ready to entertain, regardless of the size of the party. 

Alternatively, choose an outdoor dining set with a combination of bench and chair seating so you have adaptable seating space that can cater to a growing group.

Daytime drinks

For daytime drinks (that may or may not extend into the evening…) it’s all about creating places to mingle. 

It’s unlikely anyone is going to sit still for long, so rather than concentrating the party in one area, create pockets of social spaces in your garden that include chairs, stools and pouffes for people to perch, as well as plenty of side tables for those all important drinks.

Pool party

You’ll want to make the pool the star of the show here, but you need to ensure there is space for everyone to relax too.

Daybeds and sun loungers are ideal – to mix it up, consider a floating sun lounger to maximise pool-time!

Create zones for large events

For large outdoor gatherings of multiple generations or that include activities, zone off areas of your garden to make it clear what is happening where.

This can be done with (or without) furniture; for example, spaces for games will require less seating, whilst dining areas require plenty of surfaces for eating.

Accessories, like rugs and outdoor umbrellas, are also a great way to zone a garden, as are plants and lighting.

Materials matter

Unfortunately, summer doesn’t always equal sun and we know how quickly the rain can sneak up on us! That’s why it’s important any uncovered outdoor furniture is weatherproof.

This doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable or ugly though – luxury outdoor furniture can be functional and contemporary too.

Mixing up materials is a key trend in outdoor design and adds variety to your outdoor entertaining space. Include different textures, for example through rugs, cushions and throws, to bring depth and warmth – especially important for any evening entertaining.

Be prepared for extra guests

If word of your outdoor gathering gets out, you want to be prepared for any extra bodies that might show up unexpectedly! 

Modular outdoor seating is great for large events as people can shuffle over to ‘make room for one more’! Daybeds, too, can easily adapt from two comfortable loungers to six sociable sitters.

Consider too, furniture that doubles up as seating – benches and pouffes are extremely universal, switching quickly from table to chair when the occasion calls.

Maximise time outside

Who wants to miss out on their own party because they have to keep going inside? Prep is key to ensure you maximise time with your guests.

Design a fully functional outdoor kitchen and preparation station so you can chat throughout the preparation and cooking of the meal. A well-stocked outdoor bar or drinks trolley removes any need to keep heading to the fridge.

Storage side tables and benches are also a great addition to temporarily house items that normally live indoors, for example, condiments, candles and cutlery. 

Don’t get caught in the dark

It’s easy for time to slip away when summer socialising is in full swing, so ensure you have lots of outdoor lighting options for those daytime gatherings that turn into a soirée!

There is an art to good lighting, so consider the important areas of your outdoor entertaining space that you want to illuminate. Paths and walkways are a must to ensure guests can easily move around.

Whilst you’ll want to avoid plunging social spaces into darkness, don’t blind your guests with bright lights. Instead, consider lamps and candles – which should be readily available outside so you don’t need to hunt for them in the house!

Use focus lighting, instead, to bring attention to beautiful features in your garden, like any accessories, sculptures or water features. 

Make your outdoor entertaining space unique

Every outdoor gathering is different, so if you have a special requirement or want to bring a touch of personality to your outdoor entertaining space, consider bespoke furniture. 

At Juliette’s there are no limitations to our bespoke outdoor furniture services, so you can let your imagination run free and watch as the compliments fly in when your guests enjoy your next outdoor event!