12 design pieces for an ultimate backyard entertaining space

A backyard space with entertaining set-up

(Image credit: Adam Potts Design: Susan Skornicka)

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Best for outdoor coffee tables
Best for firepits
Best for backyard dining tables
Best for outdoor chairs

last updated 31 May 2023

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.

Arely outdoor coffee table

I quite like this plinth look. It's solid, sculptural, and in a beautiful cool grey stone it will make quite the statement in your backyard.

Lubek grey coffee table

This coffee table is quite low to the ground, bringing a relaxed feel to a seating area. In light wood, make sure you bring it inside after use to avoid exposure to the elements.

Nobleboro patio coffee table

Made from wicker, this coffee table works for all weather and has a rust-resistant design. It's a simple box shape that will help tie an entertainment space together.

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.

Cast iron wood burning firepit

The rustic and simple bowl cast iron wood fire pit is fit for any backyard or cabin. The fire pit bowl is made from durable cast iron and is aged using an oxidation process for a rustic look.

Weathering steel obelisk chiminea

A strikingly modern addition to the patio, this sculptural and chiminea from Anthropologie features a storage space for wood below the firebox.

Geometric steel firepit

Designed by Plodes Studio, this firepit has a beautiful geometric shape in a rust color. The steel grate top can turn the firepit into a grill.

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.

Steel slat dining table

For a more budget-friendly option, this dining table has a unique design with umbrella hole. Made from steel, it's suitable for the backyard.

Metal outdoor dining table

Made for chic alfresco entertaining, the design of Crate & Barrel's outdoor table is made from durable aluminum with a grey finish.

Atra polystone dining table

Go for a stone, industrial look with the Atra outdoor dining table. This simple design has wooden legs and a interesting polystone top.

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.

Outdoor woven chair

A contemporary-style patio chair with a woven finish and deep seat, perfect for relaxing and striking in jet black.

A set of water-resistant chairs

A pair of patio dining chairs, with water-resistant cushions and made from teak wood . Dot these around your outdoor coffee table.

Haviland outdoor dining chair

Crafted from woven wicker around an elegant metal frame, these chairs offer an organic aesthetic, with weather-resistant soft furnishings.

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.