Tiny Patio? No Problem – Designers Share 9 Ways to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Entertaining Space
Rediger Design was featured alongside other designers in Homes & Gardens' roundup of small-space outdoor entertaining ideas. Founder Brittany Rediger contributed expert guidance on using bench seating to maximize a tiny terrace, along with styling tips on cushions, rugs, and lighting to create a warm, welcoming hosting space.
Opt for Picnic-Style Bench Seating with Tactile Touches
Bench-style seating invites everyone to squeeze in, get cozy, and come together over conversation and good food. Interior designer and founder of Rediger Design, Brittany Rediger, says, 'When you're working with a small terrace, bench seating is one of the smartest moves you can make. It doesn't require the same pull-out clearance as a chair, which immediately gives you more flexibility around the dining table. You can also seat three people on a bench in the same footprint that two chairs would occupy.'
It's not always the most comfortable if you're sitting for a while, though, so providing some cushions (like this long outdoor seat cushion from H&M Home) and blankets will make it feel more welcoming. As Brittany adds, 'The comfort concern is easy to solve. A good cushion changes everything, and layering in outdoor pillows and a throw softens the whole space without adding bulk.'
Other elements like an outdoor rug bring softness underfoot, and a pergola with optional shade or rain cover will mean the gathering can go ahead whatever the weather. 'An outdoor rug grounds the space the same way it would indoors. Overhead lighting, whether pendant fixtures or string lights, creates an anchor point above the table and extends the space well into the evening,' concludes Brittany.
