Design an Outdoor Entertaining Area You Can Use Year-Round

Outdoor living is part of the Kiwi lifestyle - there’s nothing better than gathering friends and family in your own backyard. Whether it’s a casual BBQ, a long summer lunch, or an evening under the stars, a well-designed outdoor entertaining area makes all the difference.

At Groundcover Landscaping, we’ve been creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces in the Waikato for over 20 years.

Here are our top tips for designing an outdoor entertaining area you’ll love all year round:

‍1. Start with a functional layout

A successful entertaining area starts with a clear plan. Consider how people will move through the space, where the sun falls at different times of the day, and how close you want your dining or lounging zones to be to the kitchen.

Using paving or decking to create defined zones works well - a dining area, a lounging space, and perhaps a separate cooking zone. Clear walkways between these areas keep the space feeling open and welcoming.

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2. Choose comfortable and durable seating

Seating is more than just somewhere to sit - it’s where conversations happen and memories are made. Consider a mix of styles:

• ‍Outdoor  sofas or lounge chairs for relaxed gatherings.
• ‍Dining tables and chairs for sit-down meals.
• Built-in benches along decks, patios or garden edges for extra seating without clutter.

Materials matter here. Look for weather-resistant timber, aluminium, or all-weather wicker that can handle the Waikato's changing conditions.

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3. Layer your lighting for ambience

‍Lighting transforms a garden after dark and allows it to be enjoyed long after the sun has set. While the electrical wiring itself is handled by a qualified electrician, lighting can be thoughtfully integrated into your landscaping design for maximum impact.

• Built-in garden lighting features such as recessed deck lights or path lighting provide both safety and style.
• Strategic placement of planting and structures allows for striking up-lighting and subtle accent lighting.
• When planned as part of the overall design, lighting enhances the mood of the space and draws attention to key features.

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4. Make your entertaining area weather-ready

Waikato’s climate can be unpredictable, so incorporating weather protection into the design ensures your entertaining area is usable year-round. Pergolas or gazebos provide shade and shelter, retractable awnings offer flexibility, and outdoor heaters or fire pits extend the entertaining season into cooler months.

Windbreaks, whether in the form of timber screens or tall hedging, help create a more comfortable and private space while adding to the overall look of the garden.

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5. Incorporate outdoor cooking options

Outdoor cooking is often at the heart of Kiwi entertaining. Whether it’s a classic BBQ, a pizza oven, or a full outdoor kitchen, the cooking zone should be positioned so it’s close enough to be part of the social space, but far enough to keep smoke and heat away from guests.

Surround cooking areas with durable surfaces such as stone, brick, or timber decking, and allow for enough bench space for preparation and serving.

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6. Bring your garden into the design

Planting plays a big role in how an outdoor entertaining area feels. Lush greenery can frame the space, provide privacy, and soften hard landscaping materials.

Low-maintenance shrubs and perennials keep the area looking tidy, while seasonal potted plants can be swapped out for instant colour. Herbs and edibles planted near the cooking area add fragrance and fresh flavours to outdoor meals.

For established gardens, regular garden maintenance can assist in making your entertaining area a pleasant space to be, year-round.

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7. Add personal touches

The details are what make an outdoor entertaining area truly memorable. Consider adding an outdoor rug to define a lounge zone, cushions and throws for comfort, or a statement piece such as a water feature, sculpture, or decorative screen.

These finishing touches help the space reflect your personality and can turn a standard patio into a place family and friends want to linger.

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A stunning outdoor entertaining area balances function, comfort, and style. By thinking about layout, seating, lighting, weather protection, and planting, you can create a space that’s ready for summer BBQs, evening drinks, and everything in between.

For inspiration, immerse yourself in Groundcover Landscaping’s exclusive Showcase of Landscape Design - Expert ideas to lay the groundwork for your dream project.

Inside you'll find:

      🍃 Inspiring photos of beautifully landscaped spaces in the Waikato

      🍃9 innovative ideas to bring fresh life to your outdoor area

      🍃Expert tips to help you lay the groundwork for your dream project

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Ready to create your dream outdoor entertaining area?

At Groundcover Landscaping, we work alongside your landscape designer or architect to make your vision and their design come to life. We can build a stunning outdoor space tailored to your style, needs, and budget. From elegant paving and lush planting to custom-built seating and weather protection, we’ll help you make the most of every moment outdoors.

Book your on-site consultation today and get ready to entertain in style this summer.

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If you need recommendations for Landscape Designers, we work alongside some of the Waikato’s best, so get in touch today for our recommendations Ph 07 847 0780

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