'I'm so excited for summer - here's how I'm styling my own backyard oasis,' says Livingetc's shopping editor

Get your backyard ready for the months ahead with these essentials for the perfect backyard entertaining space

A backyard space with entertaining set-up
(Image credit: Adam Potts Design: Susan Skornicka)

When it comes to backyard entertaining, there are furniture essentials you can invest in to help an outdoor gathering feel effortless and natural. Whether you have a backyard with plenty of space for outdoor gatherings, or just a slither of outdoor space, there is always a way to create an al fresco entertainment area. It's about those thoughtful, decorative touches that will impress your guests. 

For architect and landscape designer, Paul Moon, creating a backyard space with a focus on entertainment is about creating an outdoor room. 'With a focus on gathering, there should be plenty and comfortable seating, spaces for drinks and food to rest, and could be anchored by a firepit,' he says. 

Read on for my favorite shopping picks that will transform an everyday backyard into a space that is ripe for hosting.

Best for outdoor coffee tables

You might not consider a outdoor coffee table as a backyard outdoor furniture essential, but just like it does indoors, a coffee table can help create a cozy corner or smaller nook within a larger space, where guests are encouraged to take a seat around a focal point. These are three of my favorite from some of the best outdoor furniture brands.

Outdoor coffee table

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)

Best for firepits

There is something about the natural elements that give your backyard a focus, and the addition of a firepit will bring a warming and beckoning feel. 'There is no denying there is something hypnotic about staring into the embers of a log firepit and the warmth you get from it generally exceeds anything you would get from a gas or bio-ethanol firepit,' says landscape designer Simon Orchard. Perfect for creating those balmy summer evenings, I'd welcome any of these into my backyard.

Firepit ideas

(Image credit: Simon Orchard Garden Design)

Best for backyard dining tables

The perfect outdoor dining table is a hosting essential. From material to durability to shape, there is a lot to think about to make sure it withstands the test of time. I like wood, but you have to be aware of how the elements will effect the material. Any of these will help create a beautiful tablescape for an al fresco feast.

An outdoor dining table

(Image credit: Lulu and Georgia)

Best for outdoor chairs

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Best for outdoor chairs

You want your guests to be comfortable, so the perfect outdoor chair is a must. These three are all a good look, but remember to add those soft furnishings, giving a sense of an outdoor luxury space that helps your backyard look more expensive

An outdoor dining table

(Image credit: Studio Mcgee & Co)
Oonagh Turner
Livingetc content editor and design expert

Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com and an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. Writing a mix of everything and everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces on the website, as well as frequently featured in the monthly print magazine, she's the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors.