Summer: the much-anticipated season of socialising, hosting, and spending time outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or hosting for the first time, the secret to turning a casual gathering into a truly special one is a well-designed backyard space.
If you’re wondering how to prepare your garden for summer, we’ve got you sorted with outdoor entertainment ideas to help make this season’s at-home events the most memorable yet, from clever layout and flow tips to stylish furniture upgrades and finishing touches. Read on for a few things to keep in mind for your next gathering.
Plan a layout that encourages connection
A crucial but often overlooked prep step is a thoughtful layout. Aim to balance the spaces between dining, relaxing, and cooking, ensuring all outdoor living areas connect naturally rather than feeling awkward or detached. Make it easy for guests to move between your BBQ, outdoor dining table, spa pool, kids' table, projector screen setup, or any other features of the occasion, so the flow feels seamless.
Your outdoor seating should support flexibility and mingling without overcrowding the space, and it should match the occasion. For example, sun loungers are perfect for daytime drinks by the pool, but they probably won’t suit mealtime as well as an outdoor dining table will. If you’re entertaining multiple guests over the course of a whole night, consider whether your outdoor lounge suite needs an upgrade or if adding a couple of extra chairs will make it more functional.
Think of optimal flow as the foundation of a great outdoor entertainment area. Once you have it mastered, everything else starts to fall into place!
Cook, dine, and celebrate outdoors
Al fresco dining is always fun, but cooking outdoors takes it to the next level. A BBQ gazebo, outdoor pizza oven, or outdoor kitchen setup can be the focal point of your gathering, adding practicality, keeping everyone together, and making it all feel effortless. Reducing the need to run inside also helps you stay in the moment with your family and friends, just as you should be.
If space is limited or you prefer to keep the cooking indoors, an outdoor adult cocktail bar or drinks station can still elevate the atmosphere. A simple layout with a drinks bucket, bar cart, or outdoor buffet drawers makes serving easier and keeps everything neatly within reach, from cold drinks to plates and cutlery.
Set the mood with lighting and warmth
Entertaining in the garden comes with its own challenges, but a little planning can help keep everyone comfortable and relaxed well into the evening. Thinking ahead about lighting and warmth ensures your gatherings don’t have to end when the sun goes down.
Get creative with your lighting; it sets the tone and adds personality to your space. String and festoon lights look beautiful in the garden, amongst greenery, and when placed above an outdoor dining table. Have a swimming pool? Coloured pool lights bring your outdoor area to life and add a touch of elegance. Solar path lights can guide guests naturally around your garden while adding an eco-friendly element, and a few well-placed spotlights enhance both ambience and safety.
Warmth is just as important as lighting. To keep guests cosy, consider adding a gas heater, outdoor fireplace, or even a fire pit to gather around. It always pays to have a few outdoor blankets on hand, too!
Add greenery and privacy with landscaping
If your outdoor entertaining area is missing plants, it’s also missing colour, texture, and life. The good news is you don’t need to go overboard or create extra work for yourself. Low-maintenance options like flax, lilies, carex, hosta, and clivia can instantly liven the look of your deck or patio, adding a touch of freshness and vibrancy.
Lush greenery can also double as a natural privacy screen, creating a sense of seclusion in smaller backyards. If space or time is limited, a decorative privacy screen or trellis works just as well, helping define zones and keep guests where you want them.
Entertain in every season
While we’re more inclined to host and entertain in the heart of summer, you don’t have to wait for the warmest day to pull off a fun time with friends and family. A pergola or umbrella is a great investment for year-round enjoyment. These smart additions are versatile for any season, providing shelter from wind and light rain, protecting you and guests from the harsh New Zealand sun, and keeping you outdoors for longer. Win, win, win!
For wild winter days when hosting just isn’t on the cards, keep gear like outdoor cushions and blankets neatly packed away outside in a durable, weatherproof storage box — it saves you from having to cart everything inside. If you have an outdoor kitchen or bar setup, materials like resin or powder-coated metal mean you can leave them outside without worrying about rust, rot, or peeling.
Quick décor wins for style and impact
Now that you have the fundamentals of outdoor living down, here’s where your personal taste in design can really shine. Furnish your outdoor area with cosy cushions, non-slip outdoor rugs, table planters, candles, and other accessories. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly options available, making it easy to refresh your look whenever the mood strikes or for festive occasions.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate colour. Even small complementary pops, like earthy green and burnt orange, can tie your whole space together and mimic nature's palette. If you prefer to keep your colours neutral, rugs or cushions with geometric shapes add texture. Style your table with candles, mixing and matching LED, candlelight, and taper styles for depth.
These finishing touches elevate your garden entertainment area and make it uniquely yours!
Let’s get your backyard party-ready
Summer entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, some smart design upgrades, and an eye for what turns a good space into a great one, you’ll be set to enjoy endless good times with loved ones right at home.
Whether you’re grilling for the whole family or lounging around with friends in the sun, Keter has all your backyard entertaining needs sorted. Get a head start on summer today and check out our collection now.
