May 04, 2025
There is much to look forward to over the coming months, with a multitude of major sporting, music and cultural events lined up across the country – closer to home, it’s almost summer and that means long, beautifully warm, relaxed days to enjoy by the pool, at the beach or simply quietly at home.
If you’re a frequent entertainer – or perhaps a budding entertainer having recently moved into a home with outdoor space for the first time – this part of the year is extra special.
Entertaining at home is one of life’s simplest joys. The chance to catch up with family and friends, no dress codes to adhere to, your own choice of music, drinks, and food, plus everything on your own timetable. It’s a chance to create memories, to catch up with friends old and new and to let off some steam after a long, cold winter.
Before we hit the peak of summer, now is the ideal time to inventory your patio and party supplies and invest in a few new essentials to see you through endless impromptu gatherings and special occasions.
Even though it’s summer, not every evening is going to have the same balmy, tropical temperatures we associate with vacations. Having a heat lamp or a fire pit is a quick, convenient way to raise the temperature and keep your guests comfortable. Most heat lamps are gas powered so they are fast to heat up, allowing you to stay outdoors longer.
If you prefer the rustic charm of a real fire, a fire pit is decorative and practical. Just ensure you have a decent supply of firewood so you can stay warm and toasty when the temperature drops.
Even if you’re someone who loves to be bathed by the sun’s rays, having ample shade is a non-negotiable, especially if you have pets, children or expect to have guests through the summer. If you’re happy with a permanent option, a pergola is beautifully chic and elegant. Plus, it can be dressed up with climbing plants and string lights to add a very Mediterranean touch to the space.
If you’d like a little more flexibility, a large umbrella or parasol is practical and easily moved when necessary.
If you’re planning on spending a significant period of time outside over the summer months, it makes sense to have outdoor entertainment in place, too. Our multi-purpose outdoor TV lift cabinets give you the very best outdoor entertainment in one stylish, convenient package.
Our designer-inspired units are available in an array of styles, colors and materials. Fully weatherproof they keep your outdoor TV protected from the elements year-round. With a powerful telescoping TV lift, they’re also super convenient because you can immediately raise or lower your TV with the click of the included remote.
Some of our designs go a step further – if you’re serious about entertaining at home, our outdoor TV lift cabinets with bar couple the TV cabinet with a fully functional bar complete with refrigerator, storage and lighting.
Our Night and Day Outdoor TV Lift Cabinet with Full Service Bar is the perfect example of just how versatile one piece of outdoor furniture can be. It packs in a whole host of features including a functional bar top, chopping board, 40-pound ice holder, three-bottle holder, condiment holder, storage and lighting. Plus it has a USB charging point and adjustable lighting.
Lighting adds a great deal of ambience and is another way you can get creative with décor. String lights add a delicate, soft lighting and romantic feel. They’re perfect for dinners and drinks in the early evening.
Outdoor lanterns are also a wonderfully atmospheric addition and can be arranged in groups in an array of sizes. They look classically stylish when filled with pillar candles but, if you’d rather not go for the real thing, there are some very good battery-operated dupes which will give the same aesthetic.
If your patio is especially large, you could also consider adding other mood lighting or pathway marking to create a sense of distinct zones.
It goes without saying that you’ll need somewhere to lounge and to dine – forget the formal seating and fancy table and instead look for comfortable seating where you – and your guests – can linger. Opt for sofas with sumptuously padded seating, bean bag chairs, a bench or two – even a hammock – all help to provide a place where you can enjoy lunch, gather for dinner, host cocktail hour or simply relax with a book.
When the sun sets, citronella candles are essential if you plan to stay outside. They’ll help to keep bugs like mosquitoes away but also help to create a soothing, relaxing ambience. Try groupings of candles to double up on their potency and to create an attractive focal point.
If you don’t want to light candles, you’ll also find citronella oil online which is just as effective.
No one can relax if they’re terrified of breaking expensive crockery. Invest in a high-quality set of picnic or outdoor dinnerware including platters, bowls, glasses and cups.
The sound of running water is calming and soothing – but if you live in a hot climate, adding a water feature can also help to keep your patio cool. The water effectively absorbs some of the heat from the sun, helping to make the space feel less swelteringly hot. When the sun is particularly strong, the presence of a water feature or two can therefore help to keep your patio at a more comfortable temperature.
A bar or outdoor kitchen brings additional functionality to your patio and is the true definition of indoor-outdoor living. An outdoor kitchen is an incredibly versatile addition – especially if you’re a family of foodies. If a kitchen is out of budget a grill or pizza oven still adds the wow factor for outdoor dining. A standalone bar – like our Outdoor Movable Serving Bar – is likewise a great investment for anyone who loves to entertain.
Have we inspired you to make your dream patio a reality? If you’re in a hurry to get your summer started, we have a limited supply of in-stock cabinets ready to ship to your door.
Don’t worry if you don’t see your preferred design – we’ll make it for you exactly to your specifications. Check out all our backyard TV lift furniture designs here or contact us to discuss your project.
