How to Prepare Your Outdoor Area for Summer Entertainment with the Right Furniture.
As the days get longer and the temperature rises, there's no better time to transform your outdoor space into a summer entertainment hub. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a cozy patio, or a small balcony, the right outdoor furniture can turn any space into a stylish, comfortable place for hosting friends, family, or simply enjoying some well-deserved relaxation in the sun.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your outdoor area for summer entertaining by choosing the right furniture, creating inviting spaces, and ensuring your outdoor setup is both functional and stylish.
1. Assess Your Space and Needs
Knowing the size of your space helps you choose the right scale of furniture - whether that’s a compact outdoor setting or one of our larger extension dining tables.
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Size and Layout: How much space do you have? Will you be hosting large gatherings or more intimate get-togethers? Knowing the dimensions of your outdoor space will help you choose appropriately sized furniture that doesn’t overwhelm the area or make it feel too cramped.
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Function: What kind of entertainment do you plan to do? Will you be hosting barbecues, outdoor dinner parties, cocktail evenings, or casual family gatherings? Identifying the purpose of the space will help you select furniture that aligns with how you plan to use it.
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Climate and Environment: Take into account your local weather. Is your area prone to rain or intense sun? This will influence the durability and material choices of your outdoor furniture.
2. Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for Entertaining
Outdoor furniture comes in a wide variety of materials, styles, and functions. To get your space ready for summer entertainment, you’ll need to select pieces that not only look great but are also comfortable and durable. Here’s what to consider:
Seating: Comfort is Key
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Sofas: If you’re hosting groups of people, comfortable seating is essential. Outdoor sectionals or modular sofas are perfect for creating an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. Look for weather-resistant cushions and fabrics, which are durable and fade-resistant.
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Dining Sets: If you plan to host dinner parties or family meals outdoors, a sturdy dining table and chairs are a must. We have a range of dining tables in size and style. If you need to save space but also host a large number of people, one of our extension dining tables will be perfect! Dining sets made from materials like teak, aluminium, or PE wicker are durable and weatherproof, which gives you the most life.
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Bench Seats: For smaller spaces or to create additional seating, consider benches. These can be placed along the edges of your space or near the dining area to provide extra seating without taking up too much room.
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Lounge Chairs: In addition to a sofa, singular lounge chairs maximise the use of your space and create a welcoming conversation space for hosting guests or even sitting back, relaxing and reading a book by yourself.
Tables for Functionality and Style
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Coffee Tables: A low coffee table is essential for creating a cozy and functional outdoor seating area. Opt for one made from weather-resistant materials like wrought iron, teak, or stone. A coffee table is a great place to set down drinks, snacks, or decorative items.
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Bar Carts or Outdoor Bars: If you love hosting summer cocktail parties, an outdoor bar cart or even a dedicated bar area is a great investment. It can help organise drinks and serve as a focal point for socialising.
Materials Matter: Durability and Style
When choosing outdoor furniture, always consider the materials for their durability, comfort, and style. Here are some popular options:
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Teak: Teak is a classic choice for outdoor furniture because it’s incredibly durable and naturally resistant to the elements. Over time, it develops a silver-grey patina, which many people find charming. It requires minimal maintenance, but periodic oiling can help maintain its golden-brown colour.
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Aluminium: Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminium furniture is ideal for areas with high humidity or coastal regions. It’s also easy to move around if you want to rearrange your setup.
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PE Wicker: Resin wicker offers the same classic look of traditional wicker but is more durable and weather-resistant. It’s perfect for chairs, sofas, and even dining sets, and it pairs beautifully with cushions and pillows.
3. Add Comfort and Style with Accessories
Once your furniture is in place, it’s time to add accessories that will make the space feel cozy and inviting:
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Outdoor Rugs: Just like indoor rugs, outdoor rugs help define spaces and add warmth and texture. Choose rugs made from durable, weather-resistant materials like polypropylene or polyester.
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Throw Pillows and Cushions: Enhance your seating with cushions and pillows for added comfort and style. Choose bold, bright colours or patterns that reflect your personal style and create a lively atmosphere.
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Shade Options: If your outdoor area is exposed to a lot of sunlight, provide some shade for your guests. Consider our Lynden umbrella for large spaces.
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Planters and Greenery: Bring some greenery into your outdoor space with plants in stylish planters. Potted plants can add colour and vibrancy, while also helping to create a more inviting, natural atmosphere.
4. Maintain Your Furniture
Once your outdoor area is set up, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your furniture lasts through the summer season and beyond. Clean your furniture regularly, especially after heavy use or inclement weather. Cover cushions and furniture during bad weather or the off-season to protect them from the elements. Take a look at our outdoor Guardsman care products here.
From barbecues to sunset drinks, your outdoor space deserves to shine this summer. With McPhails Furniture, you’ll have everything you need to host in comfort and style.
