Fresh home furnishing ideas and affordable furniture - IKEA
- All products
- Rooms
- Offer & activity
- Inspiration
- What's new
- IKEA for Business
How to create an outdoor entertaining area
Long summer days, delicious food and good times with loved ones – who could ask for more? Maybe a bit of help with patio planning, right? On this page, we break down the most common activities and what to consider when setting up each zone. So, relax and follow our guide – your new outdoor space for entertaining is just around the corner.
Lounge in style with easy comfort and modular seating
Turn your patio into an inviting lounge area with modular, low-profile seating that adapts to the moment. Stools can be used as small tables that keep drinks, chips and dips within reach, as well as for additional guests. Sprinkle in soft cushions and warm throws for extra comfort and add a rug to tie it all together.
A dining area for two, or twenty
Not sure how to build an outdoor entertainment area? Here are a few helpful tips. The key to creating an outdoor space with a coordinated look is to choose furniture from a series with many designs in the same style and materials. No matter how you combine them, they will always look good together. When hosting big family dinners, flexible furniture that can be moved around makes life easier. Two smaller tables rather than one large, plus a mix of chairs, benches, and a children’s picnic table let you create the perfect setup every time. Do you enjoy having coffee in the morning sun? Or are you more of a sunset person? Before deciding the layout of your outdoor space, make a list of your family’s activities and the sun and shade patterns on your patio throughout the day. If you prioritise easy serving and cleaning, it might be a good idea to set up the outdoor dining area close to the barbeque or your indoor kitchen.
Stock, say welcome, and enjoy the party
If you’re planning a dinner party with friends, a shelving unit that doubles as a food, drink, and prep station will make entertaining a breeze. Stock it with oils, vinegar, napkins, and serveware one day ahead, and add bread, finger food, and antipasti right before everyone arrives. When you make it easy for guests to help set the table or find what they need, it creates a relaxed and spontaneous atmosphere – and frees up more time for you to have fun.
A spot for chatting and co-cooking
Plan for a generous outdoor kitchen with a grill, a food prep area, and plenty of storage. Guests love to chat and give a hand, so why not add a bar desk with stools to the layout? Self-serve summer drinks and a decorating rod draped with a string of cute LED fairy lights are all you need to create a bubbly party vibe.
Messy patio? Design unique zones for every activity.
Does your outdoor space feel cluttered and confusing? The solution is to create clear, distinct zones within your patio by adding finishing touches that act as informal walls. Craft “rooms” around activities and use a specific type of lighting or decor idea for each area. Frame every setting with a rug, a well-placed bar table, storage unit, bench, or tall plants. The result will be an inviting, organised outdoor setup where floor elements such as grass, gravel, and decking, plus a consistent furniture style, tie all rooms on your patio together.
Create wiggle room with versatile furniture
Multi-functional furniture sets the stage for a patio that adapts to any occasion and number of guests. For example, a long bench can work as a space divider, extra seating, or a spot for storing and displaying plants and mood lighting. Need a few side tables? Foldable stools add extra seats and double as small surfaces for drinks and snacks, while portable outdoor lamps bring a warm glow anywhere you want.
