Throwing an epic party outside requires more than just some space and a cooler. If you really want to stage events to remember, then you’ll have to think beyond the menu. Furniture, lighting, and even hardscaping can take backyard entertaining from just okay to amazing. If the idea of updating your patio feels overwhelming, don’t give up! We asked five (over)qualified hospitality experts for tips on executing their ideal outdoor event—from a chic block party to a laid-back dinner—and we also recommend a few new products to set the scene, whether you’re game for a major renovation or just sprucing things up for the season.
Clockwise from left: Fatboy x Dusen Dusen Paletti Set Two-Seat Sofa for MoMa, Dune Table Lamp by In Common With, and Folia Stool by Ethimo.
A Backyard Chill
For Natasha Pickowicz, a New York pastry chef turned writer and recipe developer, the season for outdoor entertaining starts early. "A lot of people in the Northeast think that eating outside is a summer thing," she says. "I love a March-April moment.… If it’s above fifty-two degrees, I’m having people over for brunch." Thanks to her small Brooklyn home, Pickowicz has no choice but to move the party outdoors. "I treat my backyard as a sort of dining room, living room, and everything room—an extension of my apartment," she says. "All the entertaining that I do happens outside."
Natasha Pickowicz is a New York pastry chef turned writer and recipe developer.
Channeling the coziness of a café keeps things comfortable even when it’s chilly. "Even if I’m doing just a barbecue in my backyard, I kind of approach the setup as if I were building out a little pop-up restaurant," she adds. Pickowicz tends toward the colorful and the mismatched for tableware and linens, in lively shades of red and pink, but her one essential is unexpected and practical: "I bought a Slim Jim—they’re tall, skinny trash cans you usually see at a bar," she says. "It’s always good to have a place for trash outside."
FSC®-certified teak teams up with powder-coated aluminum to bolster your backyard activities. With smartly spaced teak slats that allow water to drain and wood to expand or contract, Hold Tight was designed for hot days and rainy nights.
Folia is the stool that. If needed, becomes a side table, an outdoor accessory born out of a desire to design a shape to be used either as seating or as a table, to create a practical, versatile piece of furniture that offers simple, fluid, multiple uses, adapting to any situation or setting.
The Italian Herringbone Throws are cashmere-soft and sophisticated with a decorative fringe. Light-weight, this versatile throw is good for all seasons, and is the perfect addition to bedrooms and living spaces. With a wide range of colors, there is a throw for every household.
MoMA Design Store Exclusive: A collab made in design heaven, created exclusively for our customers. Ellen Van Dusen brings her trademark colors and patterns to Fatboy, a lifestyle brand known for their innovative furniture.
This set includes a flat frying spatula, wok spatula, slotted spatula, spaghetti pasta server, serving spoon, mixing spoon, soup ladle spoon, skimmer spoon, seasoning/oil spoon and salad fork. Woodenhouse kitchen utensils are made of one piece 100% Natural Teak Wood.
A stylish table lamp that brings soulful whimsicality—and indoor-outdoor flexibility— to the ritual of gathering. Among its clever details: a dim-to-warm LED, a decorative dimmer, and a rechargeable, 10-hour battery.
Inspired by the rocking chairs found on the front porches in the Carolinas where there is nothing more peaceful than a light rocking motion in a warm breeze while enjoying the great outdoors, the Fredricksonn Rocker, like our Modern Adirondack Rocking chair, is a new take on a classic outdoor...
Inspired by Spanish design and intended for coastal projects, Stepstone’s Wave Pavers reflect the beauty and motion of the sea. These distinct and uniquely different pavers enhance any landscape project and inspire the creativity of architects, designers, and homeowners to install them.
Clockwise from left: Embrace Outdoor Lounge Sofa by EOOS, Carl Hansen & Søn; Asti Ice Bucket by Heller, and 36" Rockwell Grill by True Residential.
Cooking With Fire
If you can’t get a table at Norma Listman’s Mexico City restaurant, Masala y Maíz, perhaps the chef’s vision for an outdoor dinner party at her home will tide you over. For Listman, a crucial component of any event is fire. "I have a passion for anything corn, anything done with masa," she says, "so when I entertain, there always has to be that element of either tortillas or sopes or something that I cooked in the fire."
Norma Listman is the co-chef and cofounder of Mexico City restaurant Masala y Maiz.
Her outdoor space mirrors her home’s kitchen and includes a "fire kitchen," designed by architect Carlos Hernandez and made from volcanic rock—big enough to accommodate a pot of beans, some mole, and whatever her husband decides to grill. And the scene on the patio for Listman’s ideal outdoor event is casual, comfortable, and colorful, with bougainvilleas and estrella de Belén decorating an otherwise unfussy place setting. "I don’t like tablecloths," she says, "but I love fabric napkins." All the better to keep the focus on the fire, the true star of the show.
From the experience of LA FABBRICA AVA, part of the Italcer Group, comes AVASTONE — the brand specialized in the production of large-format thick porcelain slabs in 12 mm and 20 mm thicknesses.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the True® Undercounter Refrigerator gives you complete cooling flexibility wherever you need it. A testament to the quality of this line, the glass door version of the True Undercounter Refrigerator is the only glass door model in the industry that is also UL rated for...
Contrée is a range of low tables, designed as an invitation to travel. The lines appearing on the top evokes the topographical representations of territories, like abstract landscapes.
The Thorvald dining table offers ample space for al fresco meals and evenings under the open sky, making it ideal for larger gatherings. Available in all three signature colorways – warm black, bronze green, and ivory – this expansive design has been crafted to sit in harmony with the natural world.
The Embrace Outdoor Lounge Sofa is a flexible, modular design featuring a solid FSC-certified untreated teak frame and soft upholstery. A hand-woven flat rope back and armrests support soft upholstery in a range of earthy colors.
Make a bold statement with Fireclay's darkest brick glaze. Bitterroot’s glossy finish and rich black color add a sophisticated feel that’s effortless and on trend. Listed price is per square foot.
Elevate your entertaining with the timeless elegance of the Asti Ice Bucket from Heller. Crafted from 100% recycled plastic and fully compostable, this sustainable design by Sergio Asti is a true work of art.
Entertaining should always be this simple. Enjoy the convenience of a glass rack, removable try, adjustable bottle holder and smooth-rolling wheels to go wherever your guests are.
The OVA soft series (design patented) blends the classic fire bowl profile with the added ambiance of our signature Dynamic Glowing Effect, creating an innovative fire feature that complements both traditional and modern spaces.
Clockwise from left: Carolina Wren Matt Tiles by Fireclay Tile, Smol Rainbow Bounce House by West Elm, and Harpen Metal Chaise Lounge by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel.
A Venetian Block Party
For DeVonn Francis, a chef and founder of Yardy World, a culinary events company, a block party is right up his alley. His ideal one has an unexpected reference: Carnevale in Venice. "When it comes to a party, I love a theme," he says. "I think it allows people to explore another side of themselves." Francis’s vision is precise, from the food ("coast adjacent, beach adjacent") to the music ("I want to hear Italian disco. I want to hear Sly and the Family Stone") to the dress code ("silks and taffetas and volume") and, of course, the decor, which relies heavily on the architecture of his brownstone Brooklyn neighborhood.
DeVonn Francis is a chef and founder of Yardy World, a culinary events company.
Highlighting the beauty of buildings with draped textiles is a dramatic way to soften things up. "I love the idea of soft spaces to sit and land so you could sit down and have a picnic," Francis says, citing Fellini’s Satyricon as a reference. And a block party wouldn’t be a block party without a crucial element for the kids: a bouncy castle. "They do ’em all monochrome," says Francis. "So you’re like, Oh my God, what’s this black, beautiful, onyx castle?"
Rectangular table with a 4-leg metal base and a 78 5/8 x 39 1/4" top made of folded and painted steel sheet (1/8" thick). The base and the top are available in a single-color combination. Height 35 3/8".
Make every day more exciting with the colorful Spotted Double Old Fashioned Glass in Orange. The bright orange spots overlay a clear glass to make an effortlessly fun look that will brighten up any table. Use these glass to match, or contrast, your color scheme and make every meal better.
The Sunset Stripe rectangular cushion is thoughtfully conceived for a summer refresh in your home. Its quietly bold shades of Mandarin & Pink will bring a dash of vibrancy to your bedroom, sitting room or conservatory.
Meet the Rainbow — where playtime is beautiful and gravity is optional. Whether you're hosting the sweetest playdate or keeping the kids entertained on a rainy day, this bounce house is pure joy in every jump.
The Pantheon pot pays homage to the iconic dome that soars into the sky with timeless grandeur at the Pantheon in Rome. Just as the Pantheon dome captivates with its geometric coffered ceiling, the Pantheon pots feature symmetrical rows of coffers delicately carved into the surface.
Screen-Pot is a contemporary take on the classic flower pot with a trellis for climbing vines. Its design was inspired by the shapes of nature itself: like a leaf among leaves, the trellis softly closes in on itself to embrace the plant.
Clockwise from left: Drum Stool by RAD, Amami Linen Napkins With Seaweed Decoration by Artemest, and Jolly Trolley Portable Lighted Bar Cart by Lightology.
Rooftop Club
If the names Telfar or Luar ring a bell, chances are it’s because of the effervescent New York PR maven Gia Kuan, who helped make the brands as well known as they are cool. "We connect people together," Kuan says of her work, and this ethos permeates her party philosophy, which is all about using her skills to set a scene that everyone will be talking about. "I like the idea of a hidden rooftop with greenery, or a tucked-away courtyard that no one knows about," she says. "I love a long linen tablecloth…lots of blue and dark-purple flowers as table centerpieces," Kuan says.
Gia Kuan is the New York City–based publicist and creative consultant behind her influential namesake global agency.
While this initial setup could come off as staid, there’s nothing boring about what she’d serve: "I do love a rolling trolley of food prep," she says. "Maybe it’s the crème brûlée, or maybe it’s a cheese wheel." But the menu isn’t the only star. "This is a debaucherous, family-style food tasting followed by dancing." If a flaming food trolley of any sort is out of the realm of possibility, though, bring in some of Kuan’s flair with her two must-haves for any must-attend event: "A good producer friend and a killer guest list."
The simple and monochromatic design of the Mainland Planter offers a nod to contemporary design roots. Available in eight powder coat finishes, it can be comfortably situated as a complementary architectural feature in a classic setting.
The Aurora Sofa may not guarantee you a light show, but it will always be the right place to enjoy the outdoors. It’s durable stainless-steel frame with a rust-proof powder coat creates a solid foundation for this airy collection.
The '70s Are Calling—And They Want More Disco! Need a giant disco ball to take your party to the next level? Look no further! Introducing our new BIG Disco Balls by Big Shiny Balls®.
The Jolly Trolley Bar Cart is a functional and stylish piece perfect for entertaining guests in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The trolley is built from durable powder-coated aluminum for outdoor use, and it supports a rechargeable LED lamp with built-in dimmer to provide lighting wherever it goes.
This set of six different napkins, inspired by the Amami Islands, off the coast of Japan, is a tribute to the coral reefs and the splendid fauna that inhabit them, now increasingly at risk of extinction.
Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the Kodo 4 Piece Plate Setting is meticulously crafted for both. Its bespoke edges add an element of sophistication to your dining experience.
The 0749 LED Mast Light is a classic marine design that has been especially adapted to allow for an easy connection to a mains voltage circuit without a transformer.
Clockwise from left: 14p Light by Bocci X Aesop, Dine Out 477 Table by Rodolfo Dordoni by Cassina, and Modo Sofa by Pininfarina x Green House.
Domestic Drama
You’d think that living somewhere akin to paradise would make entertaining a breeze; if the scenery is breathtaking and the temperature magic, then the party should come naturally. But James Wyndham, the managing director of Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia, understands that what makes a good party is more than just the atmosphere. "When you’re hosting a party or an event, you’re looking for theater," he says. "I love a live cooking station, so…you’ve got your ceviche, you’ve maybe got salads, you’ve got a grilled section, you’ve got a wok station. And I think that it brings the theater."
James Wyndham is the managing director of Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia.
You might not have the space (or the budget) for multiple cooking stations, but there’s an easy way to translate that vibe for a party at home. "I love grazing stations that are situated around," Wyndham says. "You have a loungy environment where people can move." Other essentials for an outdoor fete redolent of the tropics include warm lighting, luscious florals, and music. "You’ve got to have a little bit of reggae in the background," he says—a nice bit of set dressing that will transform any backyard into a theatrical paradise—if only for a night.
Precision-crafted from stainless steel, the Ground Bottle Opener features two opposing twists that guide the hand into a comfortable hold. A simple yet effective tool that turns an everyday task into an effortless motion.
Made in collaboration with Green House, Brazil’s leading expert in outdoor living and high-performance furnishings, MODO is more than just furniture – it is a statement of Pininfarina’s commitment to enhancing living experiences.
Designed in collaboration with Stockholm-based Note Design Studio, the Pelagus High Table (105 cm height) features a round, center-based design that pairs a solid teak tabletop (Ø62.5cm) with a powder-coated aluminium frame, available in Light Ivory and Hunter Green.
Elevate your outdoor living space with ORTAL's Outdoor Vent Free Fireplaces. Designed for elegance and built for performance, ORTAL's outdoor fireplaces create a stunning focal point that adds warmth and ambiance to any setting.
The concept of the Daylight outdoor seating system inspires the design of an entire family of coffee tables with cylindrical legs and a natural teak frame housing an embedded top in Ceppo di Gré – a natural ornamental stone typical of Lombard architecture.
Bocci’s first light, the 14 series, has been rendered in amber glass specially for their collaboration with Aesop, and hangs in abundance in the windows and ceilings of three Aesop stores.
Sophisticated style is the hallmark feature of the Dine Out family of tables designed for the outdoors by Rodolfo Dordoni. The round table comes with top and conical base in concrete or terrazzo; alternatively, the conical bases in terrazzo or concrete can come with a round top made of teak...
Bryce is available in four colors in a 48”x48”, 24”x24”, 24”x48”, and 12”x24”. Also offering a mosaic chevron, in a 10”×12,4/5”. Designed to enhance your floors and walls, this collection is available in three finishes; Matte-Pro, C2 GRIP, and Strutturato.
The Outdoor Collection represents yet another pioneering achievement for Hydro Systems. The collection of four tubs blends the transformative power of the outdoor experience with the ability to personalize hydrotherapy to suit individual wellness needs.
Low-glare path and steplights provide soft yet punchy illumination for walkways, stairs, nightlights, theaters, and patient rooms. Available for wet and dry locations.
Hinoki cypress wood (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a native species to Japan prized for its natural aromatics, rot-resistance, and blonde color. Nakamoto Forestry offers rough-sawn and dried moulder blanks ready for your local millwork shop.
Megan Reynolds is Dwell’s senior home guides editor. She’s previously worked at Jezebel, The Billfold, and many others. She feels strongly about neon as a neutral and loves a good lamp. Holler: megan.reynolds @ dwell dot com.
