1. Home
  2. Style

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Good, better, best: Outdoor entertaining solutions your patio needs

By

There’s still plenty of time left this summer to enjoy family gatherings and neighborhood barbecues on the patio before the cold winter months settle in. While all you really need to enjoy the outdoors is a comfortable chair and a good book, if you love to entertain, you likely need a little more functionality.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your existing setup or completely remodel your space, there are a few solutions you’ll definitely need, like lights, heating lamps, and tables to hold snacks and drinks. Most importantly, however, your guests will need somewhere to sit. Sectionals, love seats, and lawn chairs give you plenty of space to entertain, and your guests will be comfortable all night through. Not sure what set to pick? We did our research and ranked them below: Here are our good, better, and best options for stylish outdoor seating.

Recommended Videos

Good: Latitude Run Wicker/Rattan 8 Person Seating Group

>

No available offers.

  • Easy to rearrange
  • UV and rust-resistant
  • Made with powder-coated steel and handwoven PE rattan

This 7-piece wicker set is great for multi-use spaces. This set includes a large sectional that separates into three smaller sofas, a huge dining table, and three ottoman chairs. The pieces are all movable, so you can keep the couches together for family brunch, then separate and rearrange them so they’re face to face, perfect for double dates under the stars. This set is also UV and rust-resistant, so it can certainly handle the elements and last you and your family years to come.

Better: Christopher Knight Home Illona Acacia Wood Sofa Set with Square Fire Table

$1600 from Target $1814 from Walmart

  • Seats up to 6
  • Weather-resistant
  • Features a contemporary look

For a large outdoor space, we recommend this Illona outdoor 6-seater acacia wood sofa set that comes complete with a fire pit and tank holder. The set includes a sectional-style couch that seat up to five people, one chair, a side table, and a fire pit, all with clean lines and a minimalist style that is simple yet striking. The square fire pit contributes to the contemporary look, and it’s large enough to warm up all your guests, even during the colder fall months. The set is now available in a shade of lime green or teal, so you have flexibility in picking a style that best suits your aesthetic.

Best: Sol 72 Outdoor Almyra 4 Person Seating Group

$1780 from Wayfair

  • Available in two neutral colors
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Water-resistant

For a luxurious outdoor entertaining space that will be the talk of the neighborhood, check out this Almyra 6-piece rattan sectional set. This set, available in either charcoal or natural concrete, is ergonomically designed with sloped back cushions for maximum comfort and back support. The cushions have commercial-grade fabric so they protect against mold and mildew and are completely water-resistant. They are also removable, so you can quickly detach them from the wicker and wipe them clean after a spill. The whole set comes with a two-seater love seat with cupholders, two oversize chairs, and a huge 34″ x 34″ rectangular fire pit for cold nights.

While you’re shopping

While the furniture is the anchor of your space, don’t forget the small details. Consider adding a bright-colored outdoor rug, pillows, throw blankets, candles, and space heaters to keep things warm while your guests enjoy the outdoors. As you move into fall, replant your planters with fall-friendly options like mums to bring the colors of autumn into your backyard. It can also be quite buggy in the fall, so make sure you have copious amounts of bug spray and insect repellant candles or torches.

To round out the entertainment space, string lights across the fence or awning to deliver a softer light than the overhead porch lights can provide. If you plan to entertain for lengthy periods of time, consider investing in a mini-fridge so you can keep snacks and drinks handy. This way, your guests aren’t constantly moving in and out of the house for refreshments. If there’s still space in your budget after the remodel, we recommend adding an outdoor TV. While they can be expensive, they’re durable enough to survive the elements, and they bring game days and movie nights to the next level.

All of the entertainment spaces above are perfect for large gatherings and offer plenty of room for people to sit back and relax. Whether it’s a party with the whole family or an adults-only cocktail night, having plenty of rearrangeable outdoor seating is the key to a successful get-together. With the right decor and a little prep work to bring lights, drinks, and blankets outside, your celebration will certainly be a memorable one.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
This is the addition your bathroom absolutely needs this winter to help keep everyone warm
Warm up this winter with the luxurious comfort of warm towels

A warm towel when you step out of the shower is something you can expect at a spa or in a fancy hotel, but most people don’t have that luxury every day. However, thanks to modern technology, you can find a good towel warmer for home use and bring that spa day feeling into your bathroom whenever you wish.

Home towel warmers come in a few styles and are good for more than just added comfort. Towel warmer racks and towel warmer buckets also help reduce loads of laundry, cut down on harmful bacteria that grow on damp surfaces, and provide you with warm, dry towels each time you need one. And since the weather is colder, now is the perfect time to consider adding a towel warmer to your bathroom.

Read more
Round vs. square dining table: Which is best for your dining room?
Which one works for your eating space

Deciding what table shape is best for your dining room may seem like a choice based on personal style and aesthetics, but there are some practical design elements to consider if you want to get it right. Since a round vs. square dining table is a choice based on both form and function, it's essential to consider all the right design elements. This includes the shape of your dining room, which plays a major part in the table you choose to spend your money on. Here is a simple guide to the best tables for every shape of room and table.

Round tables
Great for small spaces
Round tables go well with square-shaped dining rooms, and they're also great for smaller spaces or a combined living/dining room area. However, the average round table can only seat two to four people (though some circular tables do have extension leaves if needed). If you are not regularly hosting dinner parties, round tables are a practical option for your space, so long as you know you can accommodate the space restrictions.
Easy to socialize
Another benefit? Everyone can see each other around the table, making conversations easier to share.
Friendly alternative: Oval tables
If a circular table appeals to you, but you need to seat more people, opt for an oval-shaped table. This shape of table works best with a spacious rectangular-shaped dining room and offers the same round edges as a circular table, but with way more space for entertaining. There's really no hard and fast rule for choosing the best size for a round table, so use your best judgment; ideally, you'd have at least 18 inches around each side of the table so guests can push their chairs back without scraping a wall.

Read more
Maximize your tiny apartment: Creative Christmas tree solutions for small spaces
Ideas to try this season for your smaller space that still needs a Christmas tree

Small apartments introduce many problems, but nothing is more frustrating during the holiday season than trying to find space for your Christmas tree. No matter how much you seem to maneuver your decorations, fitting a traditional tree in your home can feel impossible. So, whether you lack the additional space or you’re simply looking for more apartment-friendly ideas this holiday season, we have some creative Christmas tree solutions for small spaces that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Decorate with mini trees
One of the best ways to decorate your small apartment this holiday season is to use mini trees. Skip the giant Christmas trees that take up your entire living room, and instead, opt for miniature solutions.

Read more