How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space at Home This Summer

Outdoor Entertaining: What’s It Really All About?

It’s summertime. The days are long, the grill is calling your name, and that dusty patio has been giving you judgmental side-eye since April. Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of spontaneous backyard picnics or a designer pulling together a jaw-dropping outdoor entertainment center for a client, one truth remains: outdoor entertaining is about connection.

Before we dive into cushions and covered pergolas, let’s remember what really matters: laughing around a firepit, kids running barefoot in the grass, sipping something cold while someone tells a great story. Don’t stress over perfection, focus on making a space where people want to be.

At KNACK., we believe every outdoor entertaining area should feel just as intentional as your indoor spaces. And yes, we can help you craft custom statement pieces that turn heads and start conversations.

1. Start with the Why: Function First, Fancy Later

Before you start browsing al fresco entertaining inspo boards or pinning photos of six-figure outdoor kitchens, pause and ask yourself: What kind of entertaining do I actually want to do this summer?

Are you hosting intimate dinners for friends?
Big family reunions with all the cousins and the dog?
A solo wine night under the stars?

Function determines form. If your gatherings revolve around food, invest in an outdoor kitchen or entertaining bar. Love lawn games? You might prioritize an open, level lawn (or KNACK. can help you add built-in game space!).

Designing around your life ensures your space actually gets used and that makes it worth it.

Need Help Defining the Function of Your Space?

Whether you’re designing a space for dinner parties or summer sleepovers under the stars, KNACK. can help you turn yours or your clients’ entertaining goals into thoughtful, functional layouts. Talk to us about layout ideas and creating one-of-a-kind functional pieces that define your backyard spaces.

2. Choose a Theme or Color Scheme

Here’s the truth: without a plan, your outdoor living area can start to look like a garage sale on a windy day. Mixing themes (nautical-meets-desert-farmhouse, anyone?) is risky. Start with a vibe.

Try these color scheme ideas:

Modern minimal: black, white, soft greys
Tropical chic: deep greens, bright coral, crisp white
Earthy boho: terracotta, olive, cream, and woven textures

Whether you’re adding a custom outdoor bench from KNACK. or a quirky planter shaped like a pineapple (no judgment), a cohesive palette ties it all together. Think of it as dressing your backyard for a party. A well-dressed guest always gets compliments.

3. Seating Around a Fire Pit, Coffee Table, or Conversation Starter

Nothing brings people together like a literal circle. It invites eye contact, conversation, and yes, marshmallow roasting.

Build your outdoor entertaining area around a central point:

A firepit (wood-burning or gas)
A large coffee table (we make some beautiful ones, if we can say so ourselves)
A sculptural water feature that murmurs in the background

Surround it with comfortable chairs or built-in seating. If you work with KNACK., we can help you design modular seating or custom outdoor furniture that suits your space and style.

Tip: Add some footrests, a blanket basket, or even low stools for kids or furry guests. A layered, flexible seating zone says, “Everyone’s welcome.”

Want a Show-Stopping Centerpiece?

From concrete firepits to sculptural water features, KNACK. designs and builds custom focal points that set the stage for meaningful connection and a beautiful backyard.

4. Layer in Comfort: Rugs, Cushions, and Weather-Friendly Fabrics

Let’s make one thing clear: outdoor entertaining doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. If it feels like you’re sitting on a rock in a parking lot, your guests won’t linger.

Invest in:

Outdoor rugs to define the space and soften hard surfaces
Plush cushions and weatherproof throws
Upholstery fabrics that resist fading, mold, and mildew

You can find rugs that look like indoor Persians, but laugh in the face of rain. It’s magic. Or, let KNACK. help you craft custom cushion sets that fit your built-in benches exactly.

Also: don’t forget storage. A chic outdoor storage box keeps your space looking tidy between parties.

5. Add Mood Lighting

Lighting sets the tone for evening hangs. You want that soft, “golden hour” glow, not stadium spotlight vibes.

Great options include:

String lights draped above the seating area or pergola
Lanterns with LED candles for a flicker without the fire code
In-ground uplighting to show off landscaping or statement pieces

Solar lights are great for low-maintenance sparkle, but if you’re building a full outdoor entertainment center, hardwired lighting can elevate the whole experience.

KNACK can incorporate integrated lighting into built-in structures, planters, or outdoor bars. Custom design for max ambiance.

6. Go Big or Go Backyard: Large-Scale Features That Steal the Show

You don’t need a mansion to make a statement, but let’s be real, everyone loves a backyard showstopper.

Most-wanted outdoor features include:

A pool (bonus if it’s saltwater)
A hot tub for year-round bubbles
A tidy vegetable garden that doubles as decor
An outdoor kitchen with prep space, grill, and drink fridge
Mature trees or a pergola for natural shade

These features turn a good space into a destination. And if you’re looking for a unique, custom outdoor statement piece (like a concrete water wall or modern fire bowl), KNACK. does that. We’ll help you design something totally yours.

Ready to Go Big?

From outdoor kitchens to showpiece structures, we design and fabricate large-scale features that become the heart of your space.

7. Design for Pets, Kids, and Real Life (aka Controlled Chaos)

Real talk: outdoor entertaining often includes more than just adults sipping spritzes. There are pets, kids, and that one neighbor who always brings a plus-one.

Make your space inclusive:

Add a fenced-in yard or section to keep pets safe
Create a game area (think cornhole, bocce, even a giant Jenga stack)
Include a shaded zone with seating for parents to supervise while still socializing

If you’re designing a high-end space, these don’t have to look juvenile. KNACK. can help integrate multi-use areas into your layout, keeping things functional and beautiful.

8. Low-Maintenance Landscaping That Looks Like a Million Bucks

A well-manicured lawn screams “I have my life together,” even if you’re Googling “how to revive grass” at 2am.

Low-effort, high-reward landscaping ideas:

Use native plants that thrive with less water and fuss
Define beds with mulch or gravel (bonus: fewer weeds)
Go for large statement planters instead of dozens of tiny pots

KNACK. can work with your landscaper or help design built-in planters that blend seamlessly with your furniture and flooring. Let the space flow and feel organic.

9. Don’t Forget the Bar: Outdoor Entertaining Bar Ideas for Every Style

Even if you’re not a mixologist, a good outdoor entertaining bar makes life easier (and so much funner – yes, we know that’s not a word, but it’s true). Fewer trips inside = happier hosts.

Bar setup tips:

Add a prep counter and sink if you have plumbing access
Include closed storage for glasses and supplies
Consider a rolling cart or wall-mounted fold-down bar for smaller patios

If you want something that doubles as a conversation piece, we can design and build a custom bar setup with KNACK.’s signature materials: concrete, wood, steel. Functional and fabulous.

10. Final Touches: Quirky Add-Ons and Personality Pieces

This is where the magic happens. The part of your outdoor entertaining area that makes guests say, “Wait, where did you get that?”

Ideas to finish strong:

A vintage surfboard mounted on the fence
A firewood storage nook that looks like modern art
An oversized concrete planter shaped like a whale (we haven’t made that yet, but we support it)
Sculptural furniture or wall hangings that express your vibe

KNACK. loves working on custom pieces that reflect your personality and tie your whole vision together. If you can dream it, we can help you design it.

Looking for Something Uniquely You?

Whether you’re looking for that final piece for yours or your client’s backyard, we create one-of-a-kind outdoor items that reflect your personality and make your space unforgettable.

Entertain With Intention, Laughter, and Just Enough Shade

At the end of the day, your outdoor entertaining area doesn’t have to win awards or go viral. It just has to work for you. Whether it’s a rowdy barbecue, a quiet garden tea, or a hot tub night under the stars, it’s about building moments

Let your design reflect your real life. Keep things intentional. Build connection. And don’t forget to laugh if someone spills guac on the rug, it means they were comfortable.

And if you need help creating a space that looks amazing and lives even better, KNACK. is here. From custom outdoor furniture to full design-build services, we help bring your vision to life.

Let’s build something worth gathering around.

Let’s Bring Your Backyard to Life

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy seating, a custom bar, or a full outdoor transformation, KNACK. is here to design and build something that fits you (and all your entertaining goals). Let’s create a space worth gathering around.

Hello!

At KNACK., we’re not just creating spaces or products – we’re building legacies. With roots in three generations of design and construction, we blend heritage and refined skills with innovation to create homes and custom pieces that tell a story.

Imagine Your Dream Home

What does your custom home look like? Ready to bring that vision to life? Our custom home-building team works with you to create spaces that reflect your unique style and needs so you can have the home of your dreams!

Make a Statement with a KNACK. Custom Creation

Looking for a bold, lasting piece? Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor firepit or handcrafted live edge table, our team brings your ideas to life with quality materials and artistry.