There's something about eating outdoors in summer that makes even a simple meal feel like an occasion. A properly set up outdoor dining area turns your backyard into the best restaurant in the neighbourhood, and it's where some of your favourite summer memories will happen. Whether you're hosting a big family Christmas lunch, a casual Friday evening BBQ, or just want somewhere nice to eat dinner on warm nights, getting your outdoor dining setup right makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through everything you need to consider, from choosing the right table and chairs to setting the mood with lighting and shade, so your outdoor dining area works as hard as you want it to.
Choose the Right Table for How You Entertain
The table is the centrepiece of any outdoor dining area, so it's worth getting this decision right first. Think about how many people you typically host and how you like to entertain.
For regular family dinners of four to six people, a standard outdoor dining set is the most practical choice. The Nastro Outdoor Dining Set features a lightweight aluminium frame that's easy to move around the deck or patio. Aluminium is a smart choice for New Zealand conditions because it won't rust in coastal areas and stays cool enough to touch even on hot days.
If you prefer a more classic look, the 5-Piece Cast Aluminium Dining Set has a timeless style that suits both modern and traditional homes. Cast aluminium is heavier and sturdier, which means it won't blow around in the wind and feels more permanent in your outdoor space.
For smaller balconies, courtyards, or when you want a second dining spot in the garden, a bistro set is ideal. The Enkel Outdoor Bistro 5-Piece Set gives you a compact table with four chairs that's perfect for morning coffee or a relaxed lunch for two. The Naturlig Outdoor Bistro Set and the Messina Bistro Set offer similar versatility with slightly different styles, so you can pick whatever suits your space best.
Add a Bar Area for a More Social Setup
If your entertaining style leans more towards casual drinks and grazing platters than sit-down dinners, consider adding a bar-height setting to your outdoor area. Bar settings encourage people to mingle and move around, which creates a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
The 3-Piece BCP Outdoor Bar Set in PE Wicker gives you a bar-height table with two stools in a compact footprint. It works brilliantly next to the BBQ, giving the cook somewhere to set drinks and plates while they work. It also doubles as a morning coffee spot or a place to sit and watch the kids play.
A bar setup also pairs well with a traditional dining table. Position the bar set near the BBQ or drinks area and the dining table further out on the lawn or deck. This creates natural zones that encourage guests to flow between eating, drinking, and socialising throughout the evening.
Create a Lounge-to-Dining Flow
The best outdoor entertaining areas blend dining and lounging together. After a big meal, people naturally want to shift somewhere more comfortable for dessert, drinks, or conversation. Having both options available means nobody has to go back inside.
The 4-Piece Outdoor Sofa Set in PE Rattan is a great lounge option to pair with your dining setup. Position it nearby but separate from the dining table, perhaps under a shade sail or next to a fire pit, and you've got a natural second zone for your outdoor entertaining area.
For larger gatherings, the Ettaro 6-Piece Outdoor Set provides plenty of seating for everyone to spread out after dinner. The Messina Conversation Set is another solid option that creates a cosy spot for after-dinner chat without taking up too much space.
If you have a covered porch or a quiet corner in the garden, a Cannes Rocking Chair with the matching Cannes Footstool adds a relaxed, resort-style feel that guests always gravitate towards.
Shade Is Essential for Daytime Entertaining
If you're hosting lunch or an afternoon gathering, shade is non-negotiable. Nobody wants to sit in full sun trying to eat while squinting at their plate, and your food won't last long in direct sunlight either.
A Cantilever Patio Umbrella (3m) is the most popular choice for shading a dining table. The offset design means the pole doesn't sit in the middle of your table, which gives you more room and looks much cleaner. You can also tilt it to follow the sun throughout the day.
For larger dining areas or when you're hosting a crowd, a gazebo gives you more substantial coverage. The Gazebo with Silver-Coated Roof (3m x 3m) reflects heat and provides enough shade for a six-person dining table. If you need even more room for a buffet table or bar setup alongside your dining area, the Xclusive Gazebo (3m x 6m) covers a generous area and comes in white, black, and navy to match your style.
Shade sails are a more permanent option that look fantastic in any backyard. A Shade Sail (4m x 5m) can cover your entire dining area, and because they're angled rather than flat, they create interesting shadow patterns that add to the atmosphere.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Outdoor dining really comes alive in the evening, and the right lighting transforms the experience. The goal is warm, ambient light that lets people see their food and each other without feeling like they're sitting under a floodlight.
Festoon lights are the gold standard for outdoor dining. The Suspended Socket Festoon Lights with LED Bulbs (12m) are perfect for stringing above a dining table. For larger areas, the 17m Festoon Lights with LED Bulbs give you more length to work with. If you prefer a warmer, more traditional glow, the Tungsten Bulb Festoon Lights have that classic warm tone that flatters food and faces alike.
String your festoon lights in a zigzag pattern above the dining area, running from the house to the fence or between posts. Hang them at about 2.5 to 3 metres high so they create a canopy effect without anyone walking into them.
Add Warmth for Those Cooler Evenings
New Zealand summer evenings can turn cool surprisingly quickly, especially once the sun drops behind the hills. Having a heat source nearby extends your outdoor dining well into the night and adds another element to the atmosphere.
A Camping Fire Pit BBQ 2-in-1 Grill Smoker pulls double duty. You can use it to cook on during dinner and then keep it burning for warmth and ambience once the meal is over. It's portable, so you can position it wherever you need it and pack it away when the season's done. Pair it with the Fireplace Tool Set for safe and easy fire management.
Don't Forget the Finishing Touches
The small details are what separate a nice outdoor dinner from a really memorable one. Here are some simple extras that make your setup feel complete.
A 2-Person Picnic Basket is perfect for those evenings when you want to take dinner down to the garden or the beach. It comes with an insulated blanket and has a vintage look that adds charm to any summer outing.
An Outdoor Foam Bag Chair or two creates extra casual seating for when the chairs are full and latecomers need somewhere to sit. They're lightweight, easy to move, and add a relaxed vibe.
An 80L Outdoor Storage Box keeps cushions, tablecloths, candles, and other entertaining essentials tidy and dry between uses. No more hunting through the garage for the festoon lights when guests are arriving in twenty minutes.
Your Outdoor Dining Setup Checklist
Here's a quick summary of what makes a complete outdoor dining area for summer entertaining.
Dining table and chairs: Match the size to your typical guest count. A standard dining set for family meals, or a bistro set for smaller spaces.
Bar setting (optional): A bar-height table and stools near the BBQ creates a casual, social hub.
Lounge seating: An outdoor sofa set or conversation set for post-dinner relaxation.
Shade: A cantilever umbrella over the dining table, or a gazebo or shade sail for larger areas.
Lighting: Festoon lights strung above the dining area for warm evening ambience.
Warmth: A fire pit or outdoor heater for cooler evenings.
Storage: An outdoor storage box for cushions and entertaining accessories.
Ready to Set Up Your Summer Dining Area?
The best outdoor dining setups grow over time. Start with a good table and some shade, then add lighting, lounge seating, and extras as you go. Before long, you'll have an outdoor entertaining space that your family and friends look forward to visiting all summer.
Browse the full range of outdoor furniture, gazebos, and outdoor dining sets at TSB Living. With Afterpay and Zip available, you can build your dream outdoor dining area without paying for everything upfront.
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