50 Great Designs for a Garden Party
Pergola, patio, deck, hearth or rooftop — find the outdoor party room for you
If you’re anything like me, the weather report has been your BFF of late. Yes, warm weather is truly here! What better way to celebrate the high temps than with a party outdoors? Give the grill a good scrub, bust out the patio furniture, stock up the cooler and get inspired for throwing your own alfresco fiesta with this look at 50 of Houzz’s most inspiring spots for an outdoor party.
More: Browse photos of outdoor kitchen designs
More: Browse photos of outdoor kitchen designs
A pergola draped in clematis (or any vine for that matter) turns a piece of yard into an outdoor room where guests can linger over lunch without getting a sunburn.
Pull up a mix of seating pulled from inside the house to blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
More secrets to creating a beautiful outdoor room
More secrets to creating a beautiful outdoor room
Give your garden party a sense of occasion by skipping the paper plates and instead using real table linens and dinnerware. Your guests will definitely notice the attention to detail, and it's easier on the environment, too.
A bouquet of flowers works well too for prettying up your outdoor table — just snip a few from a nearby bush and you're good to go!
A mix of seating options, from dining chairs to loungers, gives guests options for lingering long after the meal is over.
Hang lights from a pergola or other outdoor structure to lighten up an evening soiree. Designer Sandy Koepke recommends getting antique fixtures rewired for outdoor use.
You don't need a garden for this kind of party. Instead, dress up a rooftop deck or balcony for outdoor entertaining.
Tip: Paint a deck or patio with a rug-like design to give the area a sense of place. And unlike a real rug, this floor is a breeze to clean up.
Tip: Paint a deck or patio with a rug-like design to give the area a sense of place. And unlike a real rug, this floor is a breeze to clean up.
Salvaged finds fashioned into a repurposed pergola and a mix of potted plants can turn a city deck into a hip spot for after-work apéritifs.
It's a truth universally acknowledged: You simply can't have an outdoor party without a grill. Position near a dining area so you can serve guests and stay in the conversation.
Invest in comfortable patio furniture to make the most out of your outdoor space. I'd be willing to bet more meals and get-togethers end up outside of this home then anticipated thanks to the inviting setup right outside the glass doors.
A lightweight dining set has its upside too: It's easy to move around to get that right mix of shade and light as the sun travels across the sky. See more of this house.
Treat your outdoor space like an extension of the indoors by adding lots of overhead fixtures. That way, no party will ever have to end early due to insufficient light.
This rustic structure needs little more than a picnic table to make for a cozy gathering.
Tip: Candles are an entertaining necessity both indoors and outside. Not only does everyone look better in the flickering light, they also add a sense of intimacy to any gathering.
Tip: Candles are an entertaining necessity both indoors and outside. Not only does everyone look better in the flickering light, they also add a sense of intimacy to any gathering.
These portable LED lamps are another easy option for upping the mood lighting in your exterior without having to install any wiring.
Wide banquettes offer plenty of seating for a big party — or lots of room for lounging for a select few.
Curve a banquette around the perimeter of a patio to ensure lots of space to hold your guests.
And make sure to include some obvious gathering points, like a fire or dining area.
Get creative with your patio furnishings: A lounger can become a banquette when placed against a wall — just add a few extra pillows for back support and pull a side table up to hold drinks.
A smattering of lanterns and low-slung seating makes for a moody, lounge-like poolside party.
A fireplace makes a wonderful focal point around which the party can revolve.
As long as there are seats nearby and the sun's not blazing, guests will want to gather here.
It's also the perfect place for guests to warm up after a day spent in the pool.
A fireplace needn't be built-in to draw a crowd. Arrange a few chairs around a portable pit to entice guests once the sun goes down.
A fire can even hold court in the center of the dining table! (All the easier for a dessert of roasted s'mores.)
This setup ensures guests will be comfortable in any type of weather, with a shade overhead for hot days and a fireplace nearby for cooler nights.
Insert a fully-functional outdoor kitchen and no one will ever want to leave!
If your outdoor space needs a little quick sprucing before company calls, just throw out some pillows usually used inside. The color will liven things up immediately.
Recreate an indoor living room on the deck using outdoor fabrics and weatherproof materials. The look is relaxed, comfortable and just right for easy entertaining.
See more of this gorgeous outdoor makeover.
See more of this gorgeous outdoor makeover.
Chance of rain? Move seating under a veranda and plans won't need to be canceled.
On the other hand, a roof can also be a relief for guests when the sun is particularly brutal. This setup provides shade from the heat while still letting everyone enjoy the outdoors.
A permanent outdoor structure also makes a great place for items that can't stand up to incremental weather. Here you can have friends over to watch a game or movie in the fresh air.
Perhaps the most versatile "structure" of all, an outdoor umbrella is a must for hot days. Like a beacon, it instantly signifies the center of action.
Keep an umbrella close at hand during brunch in case your warm morning turns into a hot afternoon.
Set a dining set close to glass doors to invite impromptu outdoor entertaining whenever the mood strikes.
A white dining set takes the focus off the table and places it instead on the surrounding flowers and plant life.
Fake a yard on your rooftop deck or balcony with artificial grass. If you run out of chairs, guests will still have a comfy seat on the ground!
Art works wonders on indoor and outdoor spaces alike. These green stars really stand out against the brick background.
Tip: Scour flea markets and thrift stores for inexpensive decorative pieces. As long as you don't spend much, it won't matter how roughly the weather treats them. Sometimes they can even end up looking better with a little wear.
Tip: Scour flea markets and thrift stores for inexpensive decorative pieces. As long as you don't spend much, it won't matter how roughly the weather treats them. Sometimes they can even end up looking better with a little wear.
A coat of paint can take a space from boring to fiesta-ready without a huge investment.
Designer Sandy Koepke used Portola Paints for this vibrant outdoor kitchen.
Designer Sandy Koepke used Portola Paints for this vibrant outdoor kitchen.
Go for whimsy with planters and candles hung overhead.
Investing in a sturdy canopy or outdoor tent could be worth your while if you live in a climate where you can entertain outside most of the year. This setup seems particularly good for transitioning from a warm day to a cooler night — just close a few flaps and stock the fire and you'll be toasty in no time.
On the other hand, if things get too hot or muggy, a built-in fan above will help cool guests down.
A wood patio set can easily be dressed up with a showstopping tablecloth (like this suzani) and plant or flower arrangement.
For frequent outdoor party hosts, a patio with multiple seating areas seems ideal. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, eat at the dining area...
...Then head over to the sofa and armchairs for a little after dinner R & R.
Even if you're just entertaining for two, make sure to make time to enjoy the warm weather this season!
More outdoor living ideas:
Out in the Yard: 10 Private Retreats
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Awe-Inspiring Outdoor Kitchens
More: Browse patio furniture products
More outdoor living ideas:
Out in the Yard: 10 Private Retreats
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Awe-Inspiring Outdoor Kitchens
More: Browse patio furniture products