If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space, you should consider optimising it for summertime celebrations and autumnal evenings under the stars. And you don’t necessarily need an enormous budget to make the most of your outdoor party spots.
We’ve gathered a collection of the best patio ideas for BBQs and entertaining that will fit every pocket – from outdoor kitchens fit for royalty to the simplest touches with lights and candles that make your outdoor space special enough for celebrating sunny days and starry evenings.
This striking open-plan summer house welcomes the warmth of wood into this uber-modern structure; making this outdoor space a versatile venue for summertime parties.
Via Contemporist
This semi-permanent BBQ is a great idea and a simple fix for a summertime gathering at short notice. No cement required. Just add steak.
Via Pinterest
This little pavilion is the perfect solution to BBQing in the rain, while bringing a stylish feel to this outdoor kitchen; complete with gable roof.
Via Gazebo
This super-stylish covered backyard lounge/diner offers year-round entertainment space, complete with closable privacy screens for a little outdoor intimacy.
Via Contemporist
Sometimes all you need is a distinct sense of style for a makeshift outdoor haven for entertaining. The teal colour-scheme contrasts against the rose pink of the circular walkway, elevating this floral hideaway into something very special indeed.
Via Emily May Designs
This rustic kitchen outbuilding is perfect for family gatherings that stretch into the night: shelter from the sun during the day and protection from the weather when rain threatens to ruin a get-together.
Via Bobvila
Who needs a budget when you have bottles and flowers? This beautifully simple idea really does lift a fairly ordinary back yard into a haven for celebration.
Via Ranker
This built-in BBQ cum outdoor kitchen is stylishly simple for all-year-round gatherings. The colour scheme borrows from the green of the artificial lawn, creating a fitting space for food prep in the back garden.
Via OneKinDesign
This superb patio is clad in local stone and zoned perfectly for intimate evenings by the fire and family gatherings around the table. The gazebo features a closable slatting for shelter and shade.
Via Instagram
Never underestimate the value of string lights, paper lanterns, and candles when transforming a garden zone into the romantic setting for an evening’s proposal.
Via Lights4Fun
We tend to save our patterns for the indoors, but this fabulous outdoor dining area is lifted into something very exotic with Victorian decorative tiles in hues of grey and a granite worktop. A lovely juxtaposition against the ugly pebble dash.
Via Apartment34
This super-stylish pavilion is spacious and primed for entertaining all night long; complete with zoned areas for dining and lounging, and even a recessed hot tub for spicing things up a little.
Via Contemporist
This gorgeous outdoor kitchen uses higgledy-piggledy paving, organically rustic stone and beautiful, Mediterranean tiling to frame this fabulous BBQ range and entertainment space.
Via Brit.co
This boarded gazebo is an inexpensive way to bring the comforts of home into your outdoor space. The pond is a clever way to give this great BBQ dining room a real feel of genuine escape from urban settings.
Via Pinterest
This cute, outdoor cinema is a great, Bohemian way of throwing a Glastonbury party with friends and family. All you need is a few ethnic rugs, some over-sized cushions, and the obligatory string lights and you have comfort as well as style.
Via IdealHome
For something that little bit more stylish, this geometric screening provides shelter, privacy, and an Eastern vibe to this lovely outdoor living space; complete with firepit. Just add fire, wine and friends.
Via InspireASpaces
This beautiful space is architecturally satisfying, making use of multi-level design and a striking contrast between stained wood and stone paving. Superb.
Via Japanese Furniture
This simple gazebo is lifted into the heavenly with string lights and curtains; bringing a homely feel to this welcoming spot for memorable entertaining that could go on till the early hours. Fabulous.
Via CabinLife
When you’re looking for something a little special to lift your tiny patio space, look no further than these tumbling string lights and ethnic table runners; lifting the ordinary into a dazzling space for intimate gatherings.
Via Livabl
Elevate your garden party by bringing your guests down to earth with this Boho, makeshift feasting table built from rustic palettes; decorated profusely with summer blooms to lift the celebratory vibe for summertime merrymaking.
Via TheMummyFront
