Create a comfortable and inviting outdoor entertaining area that you can enjoy all season. When choosing accessories for your patio, pick outdoor versions of your favorite indoor things to make your favorite room the one just outside your door.

Start with Seating

To create an inviting dining area, find a table that fits your needs. For a more formal dining, choose a long rectangular table. For a more intimate experience try a round or square table. Choose chairs that match your style and comfort needs. Most guests will lounge in dining chairs long after the meal is over, so choosing comfortable seating is essential. When shopping, consider a complete set that includes the table and 4 to 6 chairs to make the process simple, or create a unique look by mixing and matching different style chairs.

If you’re looking for a conversational area, consider a lounge set. These come in several sizes and shapes, so select pieces that fit your patio. Options include sofas, love seats, chairs, rockers, coffee tables, end tables, fire tables, and come in rounded and square configurations. Mix and match pieces to maximize relaxation and comfort.

Also consider material. Choosing wrought iron or all-weather wicker will increase the longevity of your set so you can use it year after year. These materials can withstand heat, rain and sun and still look great.

Creating Shade

Shading your patio during the day is a must to fully enjoy your outdoor space. A large cantilever umbrella is the perfect solution to protect you from the sun’s rays. These large umbrellas can cover your entire patio and can be easily repositioned to block the sun at any time of day. When the sun goes down, so does the umbrella. Cantilevers fold up nicely so they are out of the way in the evening.

Table umbrellas are another option. Use these umbrellas to protect your guests during meal times, and then fold away to enjoy the evening.

Lighting

Use solar LED lights to keep your patio inviting all night. String lights are a versatile solution to outdoor lighting. They can be strung under umbrellas to create an intimate atmosphere, or along your home or deck to light your entire space.

Use solar stakes in your landscaping or along patios and walkways to keep your entire yard lit.

Candles are another lighting option. Use candles in place of bulbs in an outdoor chandelier, or add them to your dining table as a centerpiece. Be creative with your lighting: Mix and match solar stakes, string lights and candles.

Add Living Decor

Bring your house plants outdoors and create a tropical retreat. Use palms and ficus to add some height. Ferns make great hanging plants, and sansevierias, crotons, and philodendrons will add some height and texture variation. Add pops of color with bromeliads, succulents and container gardens filled with annuals.

Finishing Touches

Add pops of color with accessories. Outdoor rugs are a great way to bring the feel of the indoors out. Go bold and choose something brighter than you would for the indoors.

Accessorize your dining table with outdoor tableware. Melamine is a durable and stylish option. Choose saucers, plates, and bowls in your favorite color or theme to add a personal touch to your patio.

Add coordinating cushions and pillows to your dining or lounge area to complete your patio as the ultimate outdoor living area.

With these tips, you’ll make the best room of your home the one right outside your backdoor.

For help creating your outdoor living space, come by any English Gardens location to see our full selection of patio furniture and accessories or browse our Patio Shop.