How to Transform Your Patio Into an Entertaining Haven

Transforming your alfresco space into an entertaining dream should be on every host’s spring checklist.

Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining bright, and festivities are steadily migrating outdoors – spring has, at long last, made its grand debut. With this blossoming change of season comes the opportunity to translate your hosting skills outdoors, and if you’re lucky enough to have an open-air entertaining space, it’s the perfect time to ensure you’re prepared for the warm months ahead.

Transforming your outdoor space – balcony, patio, backyard, or otherwise – into an entertaining haven should be on every host’s spring checklist. Rather than scrambling to assemble a soiree at the last minute, having a go-to vignette of furniture, lighting, decor, and tableware will make gathering your loved ones for an outdoor party as easy as sending out a group text.

Ahead, find six ways to prep your patio for a dreamy alfresco gathering.

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Comfortable (and cute!) furniture

It goes without saying, but furniture is the bread and butter of any outdoor entertaining space. Ensuring there’s plenty of seating for your guests (and their plus-ones) is essential, and will avoid the scramble of grabbing indoor chairs at the last minute. A sofa, a couple of side chairs, wicker pouf, and small table or two offer a nice mix. Alternatively, you can bring in a long wooden table as the dining centrepiece with mix-and-match chairs to complement.

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Lights to set the tone

If your patio party is going to run into the later hours of the evening, you’ll want to have a lighting plan that goes beyond a simple porch light. Whether it’s delicate strands of string lights draped above a long outdoor dining table or box lanterns with flickering candles, a little thoughtful lighting goes a long way when setting the perfect ambience.

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Tall plants to create an enclave

Anyone who has ever referred to themselves as a ‘plant parent’ knows the power of lush greenery. Even though you’ll be outside, investing in a few tall outdoor plants can help to define the entertaining space. Options like Norfolk pines, rubber trees, and fiddle leaf figs all have their own personality and, it just so happens, make for a great photo.

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Soothing sounds for the backdrop

Awkward conversation lulls happen. But the antidote? A lovely layered backdrop of sounds to keep the rhythm going. Of course, music helps here and investing in an outdoor speaker works wonders. But beyond a playlist, think about other natural sounds that can enhance the experience, like a freestanding water fountain or a Kiva fireplace for crackling wood and hissing embers.

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Get Playful With Your Tablescape

While nature’s palette tends to be an earthy mix of neutrals and greens, your tablescape doesn’t need to be. In fact, this is the perfect place to embrace colour. Begin with a tablecloth that speaks to your personality. From there, bring in a mix of colourful cutlery, glasses, and plates – even better if they’re mix-and-match because if anything breaks, replacing it is a piece of cake. This is also a great time to set out a beautiful candelabra or interesting ceramic vases to showcase freshly-cut flowers. The bolder and brighter the table, the better.

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Opt for stylish shade

While being outdoors in the sun is one of spring and summer’s primary perks, it’s good to give your guests the option to duck in the shade from time to time. Invest in a patio umbrella that feels right for your patio. For some, this may be a tangerine-and-white striped option that evokes a Positano-inspired mood. Others may prefer a sand-hued canvas pick that will complement everything else. Whichever aesthetic direction you go, the umbrella will be a gathering spot for your guests, so find one you’ll love for many years to come.

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Make drinks and snacks easily accessible

Unless it’s a small enough group where you’re able to attend to each of your guest’s needs, it’s not a bad idea to display your drinks and snacks in a way that’s easy for everyone to graze on. Find a pretty vintage pitcher to fill with water and mint leaves, invest in a cute cooler for cold beverages, and if you’re particularly smitten with your wine collection, why not place an outdoor wine fridge in your entertaining space? As for nibbles, large wooden cutting boards and playful ceramic dishware are perfect for placing veggies, cheeses, and other small bites on to keep the party going.