For
the past few years, patios have been booming. In 2014 alone, over
one-fifth of
all U.S. houses sold included a patio. But if you own one of those
homes with a coveted patio included, are you making the most of the
outdoor dining space?

A
patio, at its best, can become like another room in your house. With
the right design, it will be primed for daily use as long as the
weather allows. But at its worst, it can become a neglected feature
that you usually forget about.

The
key to getting the most out of your patio is to arrange it as a cozy
area that's prime for outdoor dining and other activities. Not sure
where to start? Read on for our favorite backyard dining design
ideas!

How
to Set up the Perfect Outdoor Eating Area

Think
of your patio as like a second dining room -- and much more. It can
also serve as a reading nook, a bar area, and anything else you can
dream up. But when in doubt, start with a simple dining space. Here
are some ideas to get you inspired!

Create
a Grill Station

Grilling
and patios pair perfectly together. To ensure you don't neglect your
grill or your outdoor dining area, why not set up a grilling station?
Position your grill conveniently near a prep area, and you can even
add an outdoor fridge if you have space.

The
grill station ensures that you won't have to run back and forth to
the kitchen to get dinner ready. Plus, everyone else can hang out
comfortably at the table and still socialize with the person in
charge of grilling.

Revive
Old Furniture with New Paint

Maybe
you've had your patio furniture for years and it's looking a little
worse for the wear. Or maybe you picked up a secondhand set that you
love -- except for the color. Either way, a fresh coat of paint can
give patio dining new life.

When
you love the furniture design, you'll want to spend more time with it
and show it off to your friends. Plus, adding paint lets you update
your furniture anytime you want to switch up your decor. This simple
decorating step can suddenly make you crave al fresco dining on the
daily.

Create
Storage Space

If
you have a small home or a small yard, storage can be a big issue.
However, you can easily put your patio to work by getting furniture
that doubles as storage space.

Look
for block-shaped seats that have hidden storage inside. Your guests
won't need to see your clutter, and you'll maximize the use of your
outdoor space this way.

Place
Your Table Carefully

The
placement of your table might be the biggest thing that affects your
outdoor dining space. If you're setting up your patio for the first
time (or rearranging it), give some care to where you put this focal
point.

Of
course, if your patio is small, you won't have many options. But on a
bigger patio, just moving the table around can make a huge difference
in how you feel about it.

For
example, if you don't have outdoor cooking options, you may want to
place your table so it creates an easy passage to the kitchen. If you
do have an outdoor grill or smoker, you'll want to put the table
conveniently near it, but not so close that smoke gets in everyone's
eyes.

If
your home has large windows, you may want to put the table near them,
to blur the distinction between your indoor and outdoor space.

Finally,
try to make sure it's easy for people to walk all the way around the
table. This will promote mingling and socializing at your next
backyard hangout.

Build
a Bar or Buffet Table

To
keep things fun and casual, a long bar or buffet table setup can also
work nicely.

Few
things are more appealing than an ice-cold drink outside on a warm
night. A pretty bar stocked with all the essentials puts that drink
in easy reach. And with a buffet table, you can take some of the
pressure off of hosting by letting guests serve themselves.

In
fact, if you have a very small patio space, this bar or table might
become the sole dining area. Just add a few bar stools, and you have
a lovely outdoor dining space that requires minimal room.

Add
the Right Accessories

The
basic furniture may build your outdoor dining area. However, it's the
accessories and small touches that really make it feel like part of
your home.

Take
some time to select the accessories that will make your patio
shine. Different
types of patio umbrellas can
help lend a different vibe to the space. Throw blankets can help
everyone stay cozy even on cool nights.

Even
the right lighting, like a pretty string of fairy lights, can elevate
your outdoor dining area. How you decorate is up to you, but make
sure to take the time to add these personal touches! You can even do
it on a budget: try repurposing things from inside the home, or
picking up some secondhand or handmade decor.

Create
a Bistro Space

To
use a small patio area wisely, you can also set up a bistro table
that's the perfect size for two people. It will be cozy and romantic.
Plus, you can always store some extra folding chairs in case you have
a few more guests drop by.

Build
a "Room" with Plants

To
make your patio feel even more like its own room, you can use plants
and planters to wall off the space. Plus, all the lush greenery
nearby will make dining outside feel even more luxe.

Ready
to Enjoy Your Outdoor Dining Area?

Whether
you serve beers and burgers or iced tea and salad (or all of the
above!) these ideas will set your outdoor dining space up for
success.

Our
main takeaways: add personality, use small spaces wisely, and prepare
for guests. If you invest a bit of effort in your patio, all the
neighbors will want to stop by on summer evenings!

What
will you do for your first patio get-together: grilling, board games,
cocktails, or something else? Leave a comment and let us know!