Table and chairs: This can be anything from a standard table with four or more chairs, depending on the length of the table, or something like a picnic table with a bench on each side. Which is best for your home? Decide if you’ll be using it mostly for you and your family, or if you plan to have many guests and host parties once you have your outdoor setting ready to go. A standard table seats 4 people unless you want to pull up more chairs and risk crowding. A picnic table can hold at least a few people on each side, comfortably. And think outside the 4-person setting. There are long tables available now that are more like dining room tables than patio furniture, that are perfect for gatherings.
Chaise lounges: These aren’t just for poolside relaxing. Properly cushioned, these can be comfortable places to rest, read or socialize. Whether you plan to use them yourself or you plan to have parties, you’ll want one or preferably two with a table between.
Other seating: Adirondack chairs are a wonderful cross between a chair that sits up to a table and a chaise lounge, and are probably as close as you can get outdoors to an easy chair. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra chairs, whether they’re metal or even plastic, that you can pull out in case you have more guests than seats.
Other considerations: People need to be able to see if you plan for them to stay after dark. Have some patio lights that make it easy for people to see where they’re walking, and help them clearly see things like the sides of paths and steps. And consider installing a fan or two, or even an outdoor ceiling fan above your patio to make it a cooler, comfy place to be.