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The Best Outdoor Furniture for Wine Country Entertaining
If you ask me, outdoor spaces should feel like an extension of your home. They are meant to be fun and welcoming environments, where your kids can play without a care in the world, and you can unwind during an evening of much-needed drinks with friends. I can tell you from firsthand experience that northern California’s warm, sunny days and cool, starry nights just hit differently at home when your space has been thoughtfully designed. In fact, thoughtful furniture choices alone can turn a simple outdoor space into an entertainment haven. Below, I’ve shared the best outdoor furniture for wine country entertaining. Take a look to learn how you can create an unforgettable backyard setup that’s sure to foster some of your greatest memories!
Seating Solutions
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big backyard bash, comfort is key when it comes to choosing outdoor furniture for wine country entertaining. Versatile seating options will allow you to cater your setup to a variety of activities and preferences. Furniture with removable covers is a win for easy cleaning, and durable materials, like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker, will perform best in outdoor conditions.
For pool parties, I love a comfortable chaise lounge. Adjustable features? Even better! The Laguna chaise lounge has 5 adjustable positions and plush foam cushions upholstered in Sunbrella fabric for long-lasting comfort. The frame is made of scratch-resistant powder-coated aluminum, but it has been expertly hand-brushed to look like real driftwood for a natural aesthetic. It is even available as a double chaise for families to share seating.
Sectionals, sofas, and armchairs can be arranged to form groupings for socializing. You can go with a furniture set, such as the Alda outdoor set, for effortless coordination, or mix and match chairs and sofas to create your own unique aesthetic. For a fun spin on classic seating arrangements, I suggest pairing an outdoor sofa with a few swivel chairs. Don’t forget to add throw pillows, too! Striped or patterned pillow covers are a great way to add additional comfort, color, and visual interest to a neutral setup.
Bench seating is also a useful solution to accommodate multiple guests. The Granton five-piece living set includes four separate benches that can be reconfigured to suit your needs, along with a coffee table in a beautiful natural Eucalyptus wood finish.
Dining Areas
One of my family’s favorite ways to spend time outside is by enjoying a meal together. Perhaps even more than seating, outdoor dining is all about functionality. A well-planned outdoor dining area sets the stage for countless memories to be made!
To create a dynamic setup, it’s important to first determine how you plan to use the space. Will you be having weekend brunch with your significant other, weekly family dinners or big backyard parties? A bistro set or a dining set that fits in the corner of a balcony is perfect for enjoying conversation over a quick breakfast when outdoor space is limited. For small family gatherings, a table that seats 4 to 6 people should suffice. I recommend a round table to create a welcoming, laidback setting that encourages conversation. Most outdoor tables are made of concrete or teak, so try pairing your table with woven chairs to introduce some texture into your design.
For large parties, I suggest a long outdoor dining table that accommodates 8 to 10 guests or more. This type of table works well with benches or woven dining chairs. Benches allow you to maximize space, as they fit under the table when not in use and they can usually seat more people side-by-side than individual chairs. On the other hand, chairs set the tone for a more traditional dining experience, which may be a better fit for a formal wine country dinner party that includes name cards and place settings.
Luxury Features
While your seating and dining choices should be thoughtfully coordinated, remember that the best backyard and patio designs are not just pretty pictures. They’re also meant to be enjoyed to the fullest! You can take your outdoor space up a notch by including features to keep your guests entertained all evening long. Luxury amenities, like an outdoor kitchen, a water feature, or a fire pit, provide a high-quality experience and add that extra wow factor that will make you and your guests feel like you never want to leave.
An outdoor kitchen lets you grill and chat with guests at the same time, all while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the wine country landscape. For wine lovers and fans of mixed drinks, you can complement your cooking skills with a bar counter or cart to serve up signature cocktails. Personally, I love a portable bar cart because it’s easy to wheel around and quickly deliver drinks to guests. I stock it with my favorite beverages and drinkware for a stylish touch. When the weather cools down, a fire pit makes for a cozy and functional focal point. The Donovan fire table is ideal for roasting marshmallows or sipping wine on a chilly evening.
My clients are sometimes surprised to hear this, but the absolute best thing you can do to elevate your outdoor entertainment space is to invest in a solid piece of storage. Not only will it help to keep clutter organized and out of sight, but it will also protect your belongings from the elements. For example, a teak sideboard that is strategically placed next to an outdoor bar will keep drinkware clean and dry. You might also consider a bin or a trunk with a lid to store even more entertainment options, such as games, sporting gear, and pool toys. With a silicone sealed lid for weather protection and a hydraulic closing mechanism for safety, this cushion box ranks high on my list!
By filling your space with smart storage options, luxury entertainment features, and comfortable outdoor furniture for wine country entertaining, you can transform your backyard into an exclusive retreat that is perfectly suited to you and your guests’ favorite outdoor pastimes. Be sure to check out my full collection of hand-picked outdoor furniture and decor for more ideas and inspiration!
Just remember to keep in mind that great design takes time. If you don’t have the time to take on a new project right now, we’re here to help! We’ll do the concept design, space planning, drawing, sourcing, purchasing, project management, and more, so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Contact us at hello@revelryinteriordesign.com to schedule a time to chat and learn more about our services.
Cheers,
Dana Feagles, Principal Interior Designer