Outdoor Entertaining Area Ideas

The best outdoor entertaining areas are designed around people rather than features.

A successful garden entertaining space should make it easy to:

• Cook

• Serve food

• Dine

• Sit comfortably

• Move around

• Socialise

• Use the garden into the evening.

At Kirman Design, we design gardens for entertaining throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley.

The strongest outdoor entertaining areas usually combine:

good layout + comfortable seating + outdoor dining + planting + shelter + lighting + easy circulation.

Start With How You Entertain

Before deciding whether you need:

• Outdoor kitchen

• Pergola

• Fire pit

• Large terrace,

think about how you actually entertain.

Do you usually host:

• Two or four people?

• Family lunches?

• Large summer gatherings?

• Evening drinks?

• Formal dinners?

• Informal barbecues?

The right garden will be different for each.

Garden Design for Entertaining

For the broader design principles behind gardens planned specifically for hosting, see Garden Design for Entertaining.

This page focuses more strongly on:

ideas for the individual spaces and features that can create a successful entertaining garden.

Outdoor Living Garden Design

For the wider lifestyle-led approach to using a garden as additional living space, see Outdoor Living Garden Design.

Garden Design Ideas

For broader inspiration across the whole garden, see Garden Design Ideas.

Garden Landscaping Ideas

For construction-led inspiration, see Garden Landscaping Ideas.

Create More Than One Entertaining Space

A good entertaining garden does not necessarily need one enormous patio.

It may work better with:

main terrace — dining

secondary lounge — drinks and conversation

fire area — later evening

lawn — larger gatherings or children.

This creates a more interesting and flexible garden.

Think in Zones

Different activities need different types of space.

Possible zones include:

• Cooking

• Dining

• Lounging

• Drinks

• Fire

• Play

• Circulation.

These should feel connected without becoming one enormous hard-landscaped area.

Outdoor Dining Area Ideas

Dining is often at the centre of an entertaining garden.

Our Garden Design for Outdoor Dining page explores:

• Table position

• Space

• Access

• Shelter

• Lighting.

Position Dining Close to the House

For regular outdoor meals, being close to the kitchen usually makes life easier.

Think about the route for:

• Plates

• Food

• Drinks

• Clearing away.

A beautiful dining terrace becomes frustrating if every meal involves a long walk through the garden.

Allow Enough Space Around the Table

The dining area needs more than the dimensions of the furniture.

Allow room for:

• Chairs to pull back

• Guests to circulate

• Serving

• People to pass behind seated diners.

Garden Patio Ideas

For terrace sizing, materials and layout, see Garden Patio Ideas.

Do Not Make the Patio Bigger Than Necessary

Entertaining space should feel generous.

But excessive paving can make the garden:

• Hard

• Exposed

• Less intimate.

Use planting to balance the terrace.

Create a Secondary Lounge Area

Dining furniture and lounge furniture serve different purposes.

A second seating area can provide somewhere for guests to move after eating.

Our Garden Seating Area Ideas page explores:

• Lounge seating

• Benches

• Secondary terraces

• Informal seating.

Use Softer Furniture for Conversation

A lounge area may use:

• Sofas

• Armchairs

• Low tables

• Built-in benches.

The arrangement should encourage people to face:

each other

rather than:

all facing the same direction.

Design Around the House

The main entertaining spaces should relate to:

• Kitchen

• Dining room

• Living space

• Glazed doors.

Indoor Outdoor Garden Design

Our Indoor Outdoor Garden Design page explores the relationship between internal and external living spaces.

Seamless Transition House to Garden

For levels and thresholds, see Seamless Transition House to Garden.

Creating an easy flow between house and terrace can make entertaining feel much more natural.

Outdoor Entertaining Around Bifold Doors

Large folding doors can connect:

kitchen + terrace + garden.

See Garden Design Around Bifold Doors.

Patio Design Outside Bifold Doors

For the immediate terrace, see Patio Design Outside Bifold Doors.

Entertaining Around Sliding Doors

For contemporary homes, see Garden Design Around Sliding Doors.

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

An outdoor kitchen can make entertaining easier by bringing cooking into the social space.

Our Outdoor Kitchen Ideas page explores:

• Grills

• Work surfaces

• Refrigeration

• Storage

• Layout.

Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen

For the relationship between:

• Cooking

• Dining

• Seating

• Pergola

• House,

see Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen.

Keep the Cook Part of the Party

A poorly positioned outdoor kitchen can isolate the person preparing food.

Ideally, the cook should still be able to:

• Talk to guests

• See the dining area

• Be part of the gathering.

Give the Outdoor Kitchen Enough Worktop Space

Outdoor kitchens often need room for:

• Preparation

• Serving

• Drinks

• Cooking utensils.

A barbecue squeezed into a corner is not the same as a properly planned outdoor kitchen.

Include Useful Storage

Storage can reduce trips back into the house.

Consider space for:

• Tools

• Serving equipment

• Outdoor crockery

• Cushions.

Add a Drinks Area

A drinks station can be useful when entertaining larger groups.

This might include:

• Fridge

• Sink

• Worktop

• Bar seating.

Outdoor Bar Ideas

An outdoor bar can become a social focal point, but it should support the wider layout rather than dominate it.

Consider:

• Who will sit there

• How drinks are served

• Relationship to dining

• Evening lighting.

Pergola Ideas for Entertaining

A pergola can make an outdoor entertaining space feel more like a room.

Our Pergola Ideas page explores different approaches.

Use a Pergola for Shelter

North West weather makes shelter particularly valuable.

A pergola may help protect against:

• Strong sun

• Light rain

• Wind

depending on its design.

Pergola Over a Dining Area

A pergola can make dining feel:

• More intimate

• More architectural

• Better defined.

It can also support:

• Lighting

• Heaters

• Climbing plants.

Pergola Over a Lounge Area

For a softer outdoor room, use:

• Sofas

• Planting

• Lighting

• Screening

beneath or around the structure.

Pergolas for Privacy

If upper windows overlook the entertaining area, see Pergolas for Privacy.

Create an Outdoor Room

Our Creating an Outdoor Room page explores how structures and planting can create stronger enclosure.

Fire-Pit Entertaining Area Ideas

Fire can extend the use of a garden into cooler evenings.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores:

• Fire

• Seating

• Planting

• Layout.

Use a Fire Area as the Second Destination

A particularly effective entertaining layout can be:

dinner close to the house

followed by:

drinks around the fire further into the garden.

This creates movement and gives guests a reason to experience more of the landscape.

Built-In Fire-Pit Seating

Low walls or built-in benches can create a more permanent entertaining space.

They can also provide additional seating when larger groups visit.

Use Fire to Create a Focal Point

The fire area can become:

• Evening destination

• Visual focus

• Social centre.

But it should still relate to the wider garden geometry.

Evening Entertaining Ideas

For gardens used primarily after dark, see Garden Design for Evening Entertaining.

Garden Lighting Ideas for Entertaining

Lighting determines how the garden feels once daylight disappears.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explores:

• Trees

• Planting

• Paths

• Steps

• Seating

• Features.

Use Different Types of Lighting

A good entertaining garden may need:

task lighting

for cooking,

ambient lighting

around dining and seating,

and:

landscape lighting

beyond the immediate terrace.

Do Not Make the Dining Area Too Bright

Bright overhead lighting can make outdoor dining feel harsh.

Use softer:

• Wall lighting

• Pergola lighting

• Candlelight

• Planting illumination.

Light the Garden Beyond the Guests

If only the terrace is lit, the rest of the garden disappears.

Lighting:

• Trees

• Planting

• Water

• Distant focal points

creates depth.

Light Routes Between Entertaining Areas

Where guests move between spaces, paths and steps need to be:

• Legible

• Safe

• Subtly illuminated.

Water Feature Ideas for Entertaining Gardens

Water can provide:

• Sound

• Movement

• Reflection

• Atmosphere.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores broader options.

Position Water Near Lounge Seating

The sound of water can work especially well around:

• Sofas

• Quiet seating

• Drinks areas.

Use Water as a View From the Dining Table

A feature can also sit further away and become a focal point across the garden.

Bespoke Garden Features

Entertaining gardens often benefit from custom elements such as:

• Built-in seating

• Planters

• Screens

• Storage

• Water features.

See Bespoke Garden Features.

Outdoor Entertaining Privacy Ideas

Guests are more likely to relax when the main entertaining area feels private.

Our Garden Privacy Ideas page explores:

• Trees

• Screens

• Hedging

• Pergolas

• Planting.

Target the Important Sightlines

Focus privacy measures around:

• Dining

• Lounge seating

• Hot tub

• Fire area.

Do not necessarily block every outward view.

Overlooked Entertaining Gardens

For broader overlooking issues, see Overlooked Garden.

Screen an Overlooking Window

For one particularly intrusive neighbouring window, see How to Screen an Overlooking Window.

Garden Screening Ideas

For more options, see Garden Screening Ideas.

Screen an Ugly View

If guests look towards:

• Garage

• Extension

• Service area

• Unsightly boundary,

see How to Screen an Ugly View.

Hide an Ugly Fence

For unattractive boundaries, see How to Hide an Ugly Fence.

Use Planting to Create Atmosphere

Planting is what stops an entertaining area feeling like a commercial terrace.

Our Garden Planting Ideas page explores wider planting inspiration.

For professional planting planning, see Planting Design.

Bring Planting Close to the Guests

Use planting beside:

• Dining

• Lounge seating

• Paths.

This can provide:

• Fragrance

• Texture

• Movement

• Seasonal colour.

Use Fragrant Plants Near Dining and Seating

Fragrance is most valuable where people spend time.

Choose appropriate plants for the site and position them close enough to be appreciated.

Use Ornamental Grasses

Grasses can add:

• Movement

• Sound

• Softness.

They work particularly well around contemporary entertaining spaces.

Use Trees Around Entertaining Areas

Trees can provide:

• Scale

• Shade

• Privacy

• Shelter.

They also help an entertaining terrace feel part of a mature garden.

Multi-Stem Trees

Multi-stem forms are particularly useful close to seating because they can create filtered enclosure without a solid visual barrier.

Use Trees to Frame the Space

A pair or group of trees can help define:

• Terrace

• Lawn edge

• Outdoor room.

Create Shade

Entertaining areas can become uncomfortable in strong summer sun.

Shade can come from:

• Trees

• Pergola

• Canopy.

Consider Wind

A garden may be sunny but unpleasant if it is exposed.

Use:

• Hedges

• Walls

• Screens

• Trees

• Shrubs

to create shelter where necessary.

Hot-Tub Entertaining Areas

A hot tub may form part of a broader entertaining garden.

Our Garden Design Around a Hot Tub page explores:

• Privacy

• Seating

• Access

• Shelter.

Provide Dry Seating Near the Hot Tub

Guests may not all be in the water at the same time.

Nearby seating can create a more social space.

Swimming Pool Entertaining Areas

For larger properties, see Garden Design Around a Swimming Pool.

A pool entertaining area might combine:

• Loungers

• Dining

• Outdoor kitchen

• Shade

• Planting.

Avoid Turning the Garden Into One Pool Terrace

Keep enough:

• Trees

• Lawn

• Planting

to retain the character of a garden.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for Small Gardens

Small gardens can still be excellent entertaining spaces.

Our Small Garden Design page explores compact layouts.

Make One Space Work Hard

In a small garden, the same terrace may need to work for:

• Dining

• Drinks

• Relaxing.

Flexible furniture can help.

Use Built-In Seating

Built-in benches can save space and create extra seating around the perimeter.

Keep Circulation Simple

Avoid breaking a small garden into too many tiny zones.

One generous multifunctional area may work better.

Medium Garden Entertaining Ideas

For medium-sized plots, see Medium Garden Design.

These gardens may support:

• Dining terrace

• Lounge seating

• Lawn

• Fire area.

Large Garden Entertaining Ideas

Large plots can accommodate multiple entertaining destinations.

Our Large Garden Ideas page explores larger-scale planning.

Create a Sequence of Spaces

A large entertaining garden might move from:

house

to:

dining terrace

to:

lounge area

to:

fire pit

to:

wider landscape.

This creates a much richer experience than placing everything beside the house.

Large Rear Garden Ideas

For substantial back gardens, see Large Rear Garden Ideas.

Half-Acre Entertaining Garden Ideas

For larger plots, see Garden Design for Half an Acre.

At this scale, entertaining can sit alongside:

• Meadow

• Orchard

• Lawn

• Woodland planting.

One-Acre Garden Entertaining Ideas

For larger landscape-scale properties, see Garden Design for an Acre.

Very Large Gardens

For estate-scale landscapes, see Very Large Garden Design.

Contemporary Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Contemporary gardens can integrate:

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Large-format paving

• Architectural planting

• Fire features.

For broader inspiration, see Contemporary Garden Ideas.

Modern Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Modern gardens may use:

• Clean geometry

• Restrained materials

• Simple planting structure.

See Modern Garden Ideas.

Luxury Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Luxury entertaining is not simply about adding expensive appliances.

It should feel:

• Comfortable

• Private

• Cohesive

• Effortless.

For broader inspiration, see Luxury Garden Ideas.

Luxury Outdoor Living

For premium lifestyle-led garden design, see Luxury Outdoor Living.

Family Garden Entertaining Ideas

Family entertaining may need to combine adult spaces with:

• Lawn

• Play

• Trampoline.

Our Family Garden Design page explores this balance.

Keep Children Connected but Not Dominant

The main entertaining terrace may need clear views towards play areas without making:

• Toys

• Trampoline

• Play equipment

the primary focal point.

Garden Design With a Trampoline

For integrating trampolines, see Garden Design with a Trampoline.

Hide the Trampoline

For screening ideas, see How to Hide a Trampoline in a Garden.

Sunken Trampoline Ideas

For a lower visual profile, see Sunken Trampoline Ideas.

Dog-Friendly Entertaining Gardens

Dogs should be considered when planning:

• Routes

• Lawn

• Boundaries

• Planting

• Outdoor dining.

Our Dog-Friendly Garden Design page explores this in more detail.

Accessible Outdoor Entertaining Areas

Accessibility should be integrated into the design from the beginning.

Our Accessible Garden Design page explores:

• Routes

• Levels

• Seating

• Surfaces.

Level Access From House to Entertaining Area

For step-free connections, see Level Access from House to Garden.

Wheelchair Accessible Entertaining Gardens

For wheelchair users, see Wheelchair Accessible Garden Design.

Accessible Garden Paving

For route and terrace surfaces, see Accessible Garden Paving.

Accessible Garden Seating

For seating-specific considerations, see Accessible Garden Seating Ideas.

Entertaining Areas on Sloping Gardens

Sloping sites can create dramatic entertaining spaces.

Our Sloping Garden Ideas page explores:

• Terraces

• Steps

• Retaining

• Views.

Use Terracing to Create Outdoor Rooms

Different levels might accommodate:

• Dining

• Lounge seating

• Fire pit

• Lawn.

For broader design, see Garden Terracing.

Retaining Walls Around Entertaining Areas

Retaining walls can sometimes incorporate:

• Seating

• Planters

• Steps.

See Garden Retaining Walls.

Garden Steps

Where guests move between levels, step design becomes important.

See Garden Steps Ideas.

Drainage Around Outdoor Entertaining Areas

Large paved terraces need properly considered drainage.

Our Garden Drainage page explores:

• Surface water

• Clay soils

• Poor levels.

Drainage Around Patios and Extensions

For hard landscaping close to the house, see Drainage Around Patios and Extensions.

Garden Drainage Installation

For professional construction, see Garden Drainage Installation.

Clay Soil and Entertaining Areas

Heavy clay can affect:

• Drainage

• Foundations

• Planting.

Our Clay Soil Gardens page explores these conditions.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for New-Build Gardens

New-build gardens often start with:

• Small developer patio

• Lawn

• Fencing

• Little privacy.

Our New-Build Gardens page explores broader improvements.

Create Privacy Early

Trees, planting and screening can make a major difference to how comfortable an entertaining space feels in a new development.

Garden Design for New-Build Homes

For property-specific guidance, see Garden Design for New-Build Homes.

Entertaining Gardens After an Extension

A new extension can transform the relationship between house and garden.

Our Garden Design After House Extension page explores:

• New doors

• Views

• Terraces

• Levels.

Garden Levels After an Extension

For the level relationship between house and entertaining terrace, see Garden Levels After an Extension.

Landscaping After Building Work

For gardens affected by construction, see Landscaping After Building Work.

Outdoor Entertaining for Period Properties

Contemporary outdoor living can work with older architecture when handled carefully.

Our Garden Design for Period Properties page explores this relationship.

Victorian Garden Entertaining Ideas

For Victorian properties, see Garden Design for Victorian Houses.

Edwardian Garden Entertaining Ideas

For Edwardian homes, see Garden Design for Edwardian Houses.

Country House Entertaining Ideas

Large country properties may allow entertaining to spread across:

• Terrace

• Lawn

• Garden rooms.

See Garden Design for Country Houses.

Barn Conversion Entertaining Gardens

Barn conversions can work particularly well with:

• Large terraces

• Outdoor kitchens

• Natural materials

• Contemporary planting.

See Garden Design for Barn Conversions.

Low-Maintenance Entertaining Area Ideas

An entertaining garden should not require extensive preparation every time people visit.

Consider:

• Durable planting

• Integrated storage

• Appropriate paving

• Simple furniture layouts.

Build Storage Into the Design

Useful storage may be needed for:

• Cushions

• Furniture covers

• Fire accessories

• Outdoor kitchen equipment.

Keeping these hidden helps the space look organised.

Avoid Too Many Moveable Pots

Containers can provide useful seasonal colour, but large numbers may create:

• Watering

• Moving

• Maintenance.

Permanent planting is often easier around larger entertaining spaces.

Renovating an Existing Entertaining Area

An existing patio may be improved through:

• Better planting

• Additional seating

• Privacy

• Pergola

• Lighting

rather than necessarily replacing everything.

Our Garden Renovation page explores intelligent retention.

Garden Remodelling

If the entertaining area is fundamentally in the wrong place, see Garden Remodelling.

Complete Garden Transformation

For substantial redesign, see Complete Garden Transformation.

Hard Landscaping for Entertaining Areas

Terraces, walls, steps and built-in features form part of the wider structural landscape.

See Hard Landscaping.

Garden Construction

For the physical implementation of the design, see Garden Construction.

Bespoke Landscaping

For individually tailored outdoor entertaining spaces, see Bespoke Landscaping.

High-End Garden Landscaping

For a stronger focus on workmanship, detailing and construction quality, see High-End Garden Landscaping.

How Much Does an Outdoor Entertaining Area Cost?

Cost depends on:

• Size

• Groundworks

• Paving

• Outdoor kitchen

• Pergola

• Fire feature

• Lighting

• Planting.

For terrace-led costs, see How Much Does a Patio Cost?.

For outdoor kitchens, see How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?.

For pergolas, see How Much Does a Pergola Cost?.

For the wider garden, see How Much Does Landscaping Cost?.

Set the Budget Around the Whole Experience

A strong entertaining space depends on more than:

• Paving

• Kitchen

• Furniture.

Budget should also consider:

• Drainage

• Planting

• Trees

• Lighting

• Privacy

• Construction quality.

Our How to Set a Budget for Garden Landscaping page explores broader prioritisation.

Do Not Spend Everything on the Outdoor Kitchen

A very expensive kitchen on an:

• Poorly proportioned terrace

• Exposed site

• Under-planted garden

will not automatically create a successful entertaining space.

Prioritise:

1. Layout

2. Groundworks and levels

3. Main terrace

4. Planting and trees

5. Shelter and privacy

6. Kitchen and specialist features

7. Lighting.

Outdoor Entertaining Area Ideas for North West England

Outdoor entertaining in North West England should be designed around the reality of the climate.

Consider:

• Rainfall

• Wind

• Cooler evenings

• Wet ground

• Seasonal use.

The goal is to increase the number of occasions when the space feels comfortable.

Include Shelter

Shelter may come from:

• Pergola

• Walls

• Trees

• Planting

• Screens.

Create a Sunny and a Sheltered Option

Where space allows, having more than one seating area can give flexibility when conditions change.

Design for Evening Use

Lighting, fire and shelter can considerably extend how often the garden is used.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for Lancashire

Lancashire gardens may particularly benefit from:

• Shelter

• Good drainage

• Evening lighting

• Robust planting.

Larger rural gardens can also use:

• Countryside views

• Secondary destinations

• Fire areas.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for Cheshire

Cheshire properties may support:

• Larger outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Swimming pools

• Multiple terraces.

The design challenge is to integrate these elements into one coherent landscape.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester gardens often need to solve:

• Privacy

• Overlooking

• Restricted space

• Urban boundaries.

Trees, screens and planting can make outdoor entertaining feel much more secluded.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for Merseyside

Merseyside gardens range from:

• Urban plots

• Suburban gardens

• Larger period properties

• Coastal locations.

Shelter and planting should respond to each site's exposure.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for the Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley gardens can combine entertaining with outstanding landscape views.

A successful scheme may use:

a defined terrace and outdoor living area close to the property

with:

trees, planting, lawns and framed countryside views beyond.

The wider landscape can become part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Entertaining Areas

What should an outdoor entertaining area include?

It depends on how you entertain, but common elements include dining, lounge seating, lighting, planting and shelter. Some gardens may also benefit from an outdoor kitchen, pergola or fire pit.

How large should an entertaining patio be?

It should be sized around the actual furniture, guest numbers and circulation space rather than an arbitrary dimension.

Should an entertaining area be next to the house?

The main dining area often benefits from being close to the kitchen, but secondary seating and fire areas can work further into the garden.

Can I have more than one entertaining area?

Yes. Multiple spaces can create greater flexibility and make a larger garden more interesting.

Is an outdoor kitchen worth having?

It can be if outdoor cooking is an important part of how you use the garden. It should be integrated into the dining and seating layout.

Do I need a pergola?

No. A pergola is useful where it improves shelter, shade, privacy or spatial definition.

Is a fire pit good for entertaining?

Yes. A fire feature can create a strong evening destination and encourage people to use the garden for longer.

How do I make an outdoor entertaining area feel private?

Use targeted combinations of trees, hedging, screens, planting and pergolas around the most important sightlines.

What plants work well around entertaining areas?

Appropriate trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials and fragrant plants can all contribute depending on the site's aspect and soil.

Should I have trees close to the entertaining area?

Appropriately selected trees can provide shade, scale, privacy and atmosphere.

How should an entertaining garden be lit?

Use layered lighting for cooking, dining, circulation and selected planting or trees rather than relying on a single bright source.

How do I make an outdoor entertaining area usable in the evening?

Consider lighting, shelter, fire features and protection from wind.

Can a small garden have an outdoor entertaining area?

Yes. A single well-designed multifunctional terrace can work very effectively.

Can a family garden also work for entertaining?

Yes. Adult seating and dining can coexist with play and lawn when the garden is planned as a whole.

Can an accessible garden include an entertaining area?

Yes. Level routes, suitable surfaces, appropriate seating and thoughtful circulation can all be integrated.

Can I create an entertaining area on a slope?

Yes. A terrace can be created using careful levelling, retaining and steps while other parts of the garden retain their existing landform.

How much does an outdoor entertaining area cost?

Costs vary according to the terrace, groundworks, structures, kitchen, planting and lighting. See How Much Does Landscaping Cost? for the wider picture.

Should the entertaining area be designed before construction starts?

Yes. Furniture, circulation, levels, services, lighting and planting should ideally be coordinated before the landscape is built.

Can Kirman Design design and build a complete garden for entertaining?

For suitable projects, an outdoor entertaining area can be incorporated into a complete landscape and delivered through our Garden Design & Build service.

The Best Outdoor Entertaining Areas Make Hosting Feel Easy

A successful entertaining garden is not defined by:

the largest terrace

or:

the most expensive outdoor kitchen.

It is defined by how naturally everything works together.

The:

kitchen should connect with the dining space.

The:

dining area should have enough room.

The:

lounge seating should encourage conversation.

The:

planting should make the space feel like a garden.

The:

privacy should help guests relax.

The:

lighting should create atmosphere after dark.

And:

the wider garden should offer somewhere to move, explore and enjoy.

That is the difference between:

having somewhere to put garden furniture

and:

designing a garden for entertaining.

At Kirman Design, we approach outdoor entertaining areas by combining:

layout + outdoor living + landscape structure + planting + privacy + lighting + high-quality construction.

If you are looking for outdoor entertaining area ideas for a property in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere across North West England, begin with the way you actually like to host. Once the dining, cooking, seating and circulation are right, the individual features can be designed around them.