With the summer season in full swing, you may be thinking about playing host of an upcoming backyard gathering. This can often bring up feelings of being overwhelmed with the thought of creating an inviting and memorable experience for your guests. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered no matter the size or theme of your outdoor space!

Here’s the trick, treat your outdoor space like any other room in your home and start layering from the ground up.

One thing most outdoor spaces are missing is soft textural elements that help create a cozy and relaxing environment. Our team recommends investing in a good outdoor rug to help influence the colour story for the rest of your decor. The area rug will also help provide a sense of identity to anchor the space as its own area.

The next challenge could be identifying the best fit dining set for your space. This ultimately comes down to personal preference but here are a few things to consider:

How Many People will use it?:

Is this a small area exclusively for your immediate family or is this the central gathering space where you will be accommodating your guests?

What shape do you prefer?:

Rectangular is classic but we are seeing round and oval make their way to the forefront of top stylish looks. Note: round tables tend to encourage social engagement.

Does the size fit your outdoor dining area?:

Consider using painter’s tape to map out your desired size based on the space before you shop.

Are you looking for comfort?:

If your dining chairs will be the primary seating for your outdoor space, consider a cozier chair with added cushions.

Is there a style you want to match?

To achieve a cohesive look from your home's interior or exterior, pay attention to the colour and texture used throughout the main areas of your home, then mimic this in your outdoor space.

Place settings:

When it comes to indoor place settings, we normally play it safe and lean into neutral colours, but with your outdoor space it is the perfect time to lean into colour! Be adventurous, play with bold colours, layered textures, or even mix up some patterns to really add an element of excitement into your area. Pro tip: pull a colour from your area rug to carry onto your tabletop for place settings… or grab something that simply just catches your eye!

So, you're probably wondering how to add that extra “WOW” factor to your setup, our tip is to play into your environment. Nothing screams patio party like a large floral or green plant as the centerpiece for your table. Our team says go big and bold with this tabletop decor, make it a show stopper!

Lighting:

Now is the moment to create some ambiance and the BEST way to do this is by playing with light. Whether you have the ability to add an overhead fixture or not, it’s all about options! Consider draping string lights along the fence or railings and keeping a collection of candles nearby. Take it from our team, using candles outdoors is romantic and beautiful but do not leave them out during the day in the summer months or you may end up with a wax puddle on your hands…

Entertainment:

Lastly, a beverage/entertainment station is a must have! If you have a large outdoor space you could have a full kitchen or bar area but if not, a simple bar cart will do! Stage this with your favourite beverage pitcher and complimenting glasses finished with some fun garnish your guests can choose from. Then use the extra shelving to hold party games that everyone can enjoy.