Summer brings longer, warmer evenings and opportunities to enjoy a drink or a relaxing moment surrounded by nature. But what if you could elevate those moments with a garden room specifically designed for summer entertaining? Whether it’s relaxed family barbecues, elegant dinner parties, or impromptu weekend get-togethers with friends, a bespoke garden room creates the perfect outdoor space.
Below, Horto explains how to design the ultimate garden room for summer entertaining, blending indoor comfort with outdoor living, all while delivering style, practicality, and year-round usability.
Why a Horto garden room?
A garden room isn’t just an extension of your home; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It gives you a dedicated space away from the main house, designed entirely around how you like to live and socialise. With a clever design from the team at Horto Everyday Spaces, your garden room can become a multifunctional hub for hosting, relaxing and escaping! Below are some things to consider when choosing the perfect garden room for your home.
1. Open, flowing and flexible layout
Layout is everything when it comes to garden room entertaining. An open-plan design ensures space for guests to mingle freely, whether you’re hosting a sit-down dinner or a cocktail night. Some key layout considerations include:
- Create zones: Consider separate areas for dining, lounging, and prepping drinks or food.
- Use flexible furniture: Stackable chairs, or extendable tables make it easy to adapt the room for different occasions.
- Indoor-outdoor flow: Position bi-fold or sliding doors to open the room right onto your patio or garden, creating one seamless entertaining space.
2. Style that sets the mood
The interior of your garden room should feel inviting and stylish, with a design that reflects your personality. Think of it as your own private bar, sunroom, or hosting haven.
- Summer colour palette: Go for airy, light tones, soft neutrals, warm wood, and pops of colour in cushions or artwork.
- Feature lighting: Statement pendant lights over the dining area or fairy lights woven around the room create a nice ambience.
- Natural materials: Rattan, linen, wood and greenery all help tie the space to its garden surroundings.
3. Built-in bar or drinks station
Nothing says summer entertaining like a designated bar! From casual cocktails to morning coffees, a built-in bar or a stylish drinks area is a standout feature. Some of Horto’s key bar must-haves include:
- Countertop space for mixing drinks
- Storage for bottles and glassware
- Mini fridge or wine cooler
- Decorative glassware and accessories
For extra style and flair, why not install open shelving with LED backlighting, or a fold-down bar hatch that opens to your garden.
4. Dining that works indoors and out
Whether you’re hosting an al fresco dinner or a Sunday brunch, having the right dining setup is key. You may wish to consider the following:
- Extendable dining tables that work for both intimate dinners and larger parties
- Bench seating: to maximise space
- A portable BBQ or pizza oven that allows you to prepare food without leaving the party
- Outdoor-friendly crockery and tableware that doesn’t compromise on style
Placing your garden room near your existing patio or decking also helps link things together.
5. Kitchenette or prep area
While your main kitchen might be nearby, having a small prep space in your garden room can make life much easier, especially for drinks, snacks, or light meals. A compact kitchenette could include the following:
- A sink for quick rinses
- Worktop space for preparing food or garnishes
- Cupboard storage for essentials
Even without plumbing, a countertop, some clever storage, and a mini fridge go a long way.
6. Audio and entertainment set-up
No summer gathering is complete without music. Integrate a sound system into your garden room design, whether it’s a wireless speaker or a full built-in setup. You could also consider:
- A smart TV for movie nights or watching sports outdoors
- Hidden storage for board games or party supplies
- USB charging ports for additional devices
Discreet tech integrations add to the overall appeal and stylishness of your Horto garden room.
7. Ultimate comfort, all night long
The key to successful entertaining is comfort. Even when the sun sets, your garden room should remain welcoming. Some cosy additions we’d recommend include:
- Soft throws and plenty of cushions
- A freestanding fan for daytime heat, and a compact heater for cooler evenings
- Layered lighting: combine overhead lights, wall lights, and table lamps to set the right mood
You can even include a pull-out sofa bed or daybed for overnight guests.
8. Outdoor integration to extend the space
Make your garden room part of a wider entertaining area by linking it with your outdoor space. Think of your room as a base for:
- Outdoor dining on the patio
- Fire pit or chiminea for evening warmth
- Garden games or lawn lounging
- Mood lighting along paths, planters, and around the outside of the room
Outdoor rugs, waterproof cushions and shade sails can make the space feel just as luxurious as the interior.
9. Storage and clean-up
Having a dedicated garden room for entertaining is also a great way to keep your main home free from party chaos. You could include the following:
- Discreet built-in storage for folding chairs, tableware and supplies
- Hidden bins for quick tidy-ups
- Easy-to-clean surfaces and flooring
By planning for clean-up in the design stage, you’ll be more likely to use the space often and with less stress.
10. All-year usability
Though this blog focuses on summer entertaining, a Horto garden room works well all year-round.
- Add insulation and heating for winter dinner parties
- Decorate seasonally to keep it feeling fresh and exciting
- Include blinds or curtains for both privacy and shade
It’s an investment that goes well beyond a few sunny months—delivering joy, comfort and functionality every day of the year.
Ready to create your perfect summer entertaining space? Get in touch with Horto to start designing a garden room that’s perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.