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How to create an outdoor entertaining area

Long summer days, delicious food and good times with loved ones – who could ask for more? Maybe a bit of help with patio planning, right? On this page, we break down the most common activities and what to consider when setting up each zone. So, relax and follow our guide – your new outdoor space for entertaining is just around the corner.

A patio with light brown stained outdoor NÄMMARÖ lounge seating and a seat section for a modular sofa doubling as a table.

Lounge in style with easy comfort and modular seating

Turn your patio into an inviting lounge area with modular, low-profile seating that adapts to the moment. Stools can be used as small tables that keep drinks, chips and dips within reach, as well as for additional guests. Sprinkle in soft cushions and warm throws for extra comfort and add a rug to tie it all together.

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A NÄMMARÖ 3-seat modular outdoor corner sofa in solid acacia seen from above on a patio with grey-beige KUDDARNA cushions.
A lit in/outdoor ÄDELLÖVSKOG LED block candle and a battery-operated table lamp on a light grey saucer on a wooden table.
A lounging zone on a patio with a grey VAPPEBY outdoor Bluetooth speaker lamp on a NÄMMARÖ acacia stool next to a plant.
A patio with an outdoor corner sofa, grey-beige cushions and a pillow with a black outdoor/indoor TOFTÖ cushion cover.
A lounging zone on a patio with a light grey/brown in/outdoor FLODBJÖRK plant pot in rattan working as storage for blankets.
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A dining area for two, or twenty

Not sure how to build an outdoor entertainment area? Here are a few helpful tips.

  • The key to creating an outdoor space with a coordinated look is to choose furniture from a series with many designs in the same style and materials. No matter how you combine them, they will always look good together.
  • When hosting big family dinners, flexible furniture that can be moved around makes life easier. Two smaller tables rather than one large, plus a mix of chairs, benches, and a children’s picnic table let you create the perfect setup every time.
  • Do you enjoy having coffee in the morning sun? Or are you more of a sunset person? Before deciding on the layout of your outdoor space, make a list of your family’s activities and the sun and shade patterns on your patio throughout the day.
  • If you prioritize easy serving and cleaning, it might be a good idea to set up the outdoor dining area close to the BBQ or your indoor kitchen.

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A patio dining area with light brown stained NÄMMARÖ outdoor furniture: a table, two chairs and a bench prepped for lunch.
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Stock, say welcome, and enjoy the party

If you’re planning a dinner party with friends, a shelving unit that doubles as a food, drink, and prep station will make entertaining a breeze. Stock it with oils, vinegar, napkins, and serveware one day ahead, and add bread, finger food, and appetizers right before everyone arrives. When you make it easy for guests to help set the table or find what they need, it creates a relaxed and spontaneous atmosphere – and frees up more time for you to have fun.

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A light brown stained NÄMMARÖ outdoor shelving unit on a patio. It stores dinnerware, napkins, oil bottles and seat cushions.
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A spot for chatting and co-cooking

Plan for a generous outdoor kitchen with a grill, a food prep area, and plenty of storage. Guests love to chat and give a hand, so why not add a bar desk with stools to the layout? Self-serve summer drinks and a decorating rod draped with a string of cute LED fairy lights are all you need to create a bubbly party vibe.

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Two light brown stained NÄMMARÖ outdoor bar stools next to a BÅTSKÄR outdoor kitchen and bar table with a decorating rod.
A patio in evening light and a pizza baking on a BÅTSKÄR outdoor kitchen with gas barbecue next to herbs and tomatoes.
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Messy patio? Design unique zones for every activity.

Does your outdoor space feel cluttered and confusing? The solution is to create clear, distinct zones within your patio by adding finishing touches that act as informal walls. Craft “rooms” around activities and use a specific type of lighting or decor idea for each area. Frame every setting with a rug, a well-placed bar table, storage unit, bench, or tall plants. The result will be an inviting, organized outdoor setup where floor elements such as grass, gravel, and decking, plus a consistent furniture style, tie all rooms on your patio together.

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A patio dining area at dusk with three lit SOLVINDEN pendant lamps over a NÄMMARÖ outdoor table with LED candles and chairs.
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Create wiggle room with versatile furniture

Multi-functional furniture sets the stage for a patio that adapts to any occasion and number of guests. For example, a long bench can work as a space divider, extra seating, or a spot for storing and displaying plants and mood lighting. Need a few side tables? Foldable stools add extra seats and double as small surfaces for drinks and snacks, while portable outdoor lamps bring a warm glow anywhere you want.

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A patio dining area with a plant, a light brown stained NÄMMARÖ outdoor foldable stool and bench with two floor lamps on top.
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