Credit: Getty


Bring an expert-approved upgrade to your backyard or patio

Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty

Having a comfortable outdoor space is essential for relaxing and entertaining guests.

So, to help get your patio, deck, or backyard ready for hosting season, PEOPLE spoke with Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio to get her space-upgrading recommendations. “If I had to name the one thing most backyards are missing right now, are shared gathering experiences,” says Kelly. “The best outdoor spaces in 2026 aren’t just furnished — they’re designed around moments that bring people together.”

Whether you’re looking to update your patio seating or add a dining table, her picks make it easy to create a welcoming space for everything from laid-back brunches to evening get-togethers. Keep scrolling to check out her patio furniture recommendations from Amazon, with prices starting at $63.

Interior Designer-Recommended Patio Furniture

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TlGreen Propane Round Fire Pit Table

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$260 $240 at Amazon

The perfect summertime backyard should include a few elements, and one of those is a fire pit. Kelly recommends this option for its classic round shape, noting it “offers a circular design so everyone can gather comfortably around the fire.” The design naturally encourages conversation, making it feel more like an outdoor living room than standard patio furniture. Plus, the fire pit comes with a waterproof cover so it doubles a table. 

Shop More Fire Pit Tables: All Under $200

Vongrasig 5-Piece Outdoor Sectional Set

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$380 $275 at Amazon

A sectional instantly creates an outdoor living room where friends and family can relax together, and Kelly points to this modular option. “It can be easily rearranged for conversation, movie nights under the stars, or casual entertaining,” she says. The set also includes a matching coffee table with a tempered glass top that offers plenty of room for drinks and snacks.

Shop More Outdoor Sectional Sets: All Under $300

Shintechi 7-Piece Patio Dining Set

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$410 $369 at Amazon

An outdoor dining table is still one of the most important gathering pieces you can add to a backyard,” Kelly tells us. This set includes a spacious table and cushioned seating, creating a comfortable setup for both everyday meals and hosting. She adds that larger setups like this encourage people to linger over meals and treat the patio like an extension of the dining room.

The table is spacious, and each chair has a supportive backrest and deep seat, making it a comfortable setup for barbecues and dinner parties in the backyard.

Shop More Outdoor Dining Sets: All $260 or Less

Related: This Outdoor Side Table Doubles as a Cooler That ‘Stays Cold for Hours’ — and It’s on Sale for $49

Keter Modern Outdoor Cooler

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$90 $63 at Amazon

Kelly says multifunctional furniture is key for relaxed entertaining, and this table is a great example. It doubles as a cooler, so drinks stay cold while everyone gathers around. The top lifts to hold ice and beverages, then closes so you can use it like a regular side table. As she puts it, “it’s simple, clever, and keeps hosts from constantly running back inside.”

Shop More Outdoor Coolers: From $50

Best Choice 3-Piece Outdoor Bistro Set

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$170 $160 at Amazon

Kelly notes that “not every gathering space needs to be large.” She says a small bistro set creates a cozy spot for morning coffee, evening drinks, or quiet conversations, making your outdoor space feel more usable. This set includes a table and two chairs, and its compact, stackable design makes it easy to move or store when not in use.

Shop More Bistro Tables: For $120 and Under

Dwvo Outdoor Bar Cart

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$110 at Amazon

Kelly suggests an outdoor bar cart like this that combines storage, prep space, and serving all in one for “effortless” entertaining. With weather-resistant wicker, a glass tabletop, and built-in storage including a cabinet and shelves, it keeps drinks and essentials organized and within reach. Rolling wheels make it easy to move around your patio or yard so guests can serve themselves and the conversation can keep flowing.

Shop More Outdoor Bar Carts: $170 and Under

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