Organising Outdoor Spaces for Entertaining
Summer in the UAE means longer evenings, al fresco dinners, and friends popping round for spontaneous catch-ups. If you’ve got a garden, balcony, or even a small outdoor nook, it’s the perfect time to get it in shape. But before you start styling, you’ll need to do a bit of a declutter.
I see so many outdoor spaces used as dumping grounds for things that don’t fit inside the home — old gym gear, broken furniture, random boxes. Let’s change that and turn your outdoor area into a little oasis.
Clear What Doesn’t Belong
Start by scanning your space and asking: does this really belong outside?
Items that can go include:
Empty boxes (especially from deliveries)
Unused gym equipment
Rusty tools or broken pots
Faded or mouldy cushions
Random clutter that’s migrated from indoors
If it’s broken, dirty beyond repair, or has no purpose, it’s time to let it go.
Clean As You Go
While you’re removing things, give the area a basic clean. A quick sweep, a hose down, or wiping dusty furniture makes a world of difference. You don’t need to deep clean the entire space — just clear enough so it feels fresh and usable.
Group and Store Intentionally
Once you’ve decluttered, think about how you actually use the space.
Entertaining: Keep a small storage box with citronella candles, tablecloths, napkins, or outdoor games.
Gardening: A crate or small shed space for gloves, tools, and pots will keep everything contained.
Relaxing: Create a seating area with your comfiest chairs, a side table, and maybe a little tray for drinks and snacks.
Group items by use and store them in baskets or waterproof boxes if needed. IKEA, ACE, and Home Centre have great outdoor storage solutions that still look stylish.
Style Simply
You don’t need to go full Pinterest-perfect. Just a few thoughtful touches make a difference:
Clean cushions or new covers
A soft outdoor rug
String lights or lanterns
A small plant or herb pot
An ice bucket or drinks tray for entertaining
Don’t overcrowd the space — keep it functional but welcoming.
Plan for the Weather
Remember it gets very hot here, so consider where the shade will be in the evening. You might need a parasol or a fan if you plan to entertain regularly. Also, store soft furnishings away during the day to avoid sun damage.
Prepping your outdoor space before summer means you can relax and enjoy it, rather than stressing about mess when guests pop by. Whether it’s for dinner parties or solo evenings with a good book, an organised outdoor area can quickly become your favourite summer “room.”