Hosting on a small property? Here’s how we turned our small backyard into a cozy outdoor hosting space–complete with a fire pit, string lights, and more. Proof that you don’t need a big house to gather with family and friends.
Why we needed an Outdoor Hosting Space
The reason we wanted to create an Outdoor Hosting Space was because we lacked the space to host inside our home. We live in a 900 sqft little blue house and while it has its cozy charm, one challenge quickly became clear–we had no space to host gatherings inside. Family birthdays, dinner with friends, or even a morning coffee visit felt impossible within our small space.
That’s why we decided to turn our focus outside. Our backyard, while small, held so much untapped potential. By transforming it into an outdoor hosting/gathering space, we created a space where our family could sit around a fire, celebrate birthdays, cozy dinners and create memories (without the stress of squeezing everyone into our living room)
The goal was creating connection without needing a large home.
There is also the added joy of gathering around an outdoor dinner, underneath string lights, that just feels so magical.
How we made our Small Backyard Hosting Space
Our outdoor gathering space is truly the heart of our home now but believe it or not, this space was just a side yard that held junk before we converted it into this dreamy patio space.
When dreaming up this space, I found myself drawn to French Courtyards. I love how courtyards in Europe often take small yards and turn them into intimate areas full of charm. Full of timeless beauty, potted herbs and climbing plants. I knew I wanted to capture that same feeling–cozy corners, dreamy, rustic charm–the kind of atmosphere you’d never want to leave! It was reminder that even a small side yard can feel like private retreat with the right touches.
Getting started
I noticed most french courtyards had a rock bottom. So, we started by adding gravel rock (budget friendly and an easy DIY) then bringing in a fire pit, string lights and seating. The fire pit instantly became the heart of the space. String lights added warmth and charm, making the space feel magical. We later brought in outdoor furniture. A table for gathering and dining, a bistro set for an intimate and personal dining experience (perfect for morning coffee with a loved one) and a small fountain for peaceful background noise (next to the chickens, ducks, and goats, lol)
Although, the space has grown in charm since, I have a step by step guide on exactly how we created this outdoor area in one weekend in a separate blog post, you can find it here.
You’ll find that we later added a stock tank pool to the space. Such a fun decision! We use the stock tank pool to swim under the string lights on long summer nights,. We even plan to use it as a hot tub during the fall season and winter.
Another thing we did when creating this outdoor entertaining area was to break it into stations to create multiple functional spaces. We have a grill station, a dining station, the outdoor fireplace with adirondack chairs for resting, the bistro set (not pictured) for morning coffee or date nights, and now the swimming station for the kids (and us too.)
Making the most of a Small backyard
One of the biggest lessons we learned was that small doesn’t mean limited. Small home, Big love is what I like to say.
Instead of focusing on what we couldn’t fit, we thought creatively about what we could. Vertical gardens like climbing ivy, window boxes, wall-mounted planters, and potted herbs and flowers helped us add greenery to the space without taking up too much precious floor space. Multipurpose furniture like repurposed wood and brick pavers used as a potting bench (or extra seating) made the area both practical, pretty and full of rustic charm.
Instead of trying to replicate a large backyard setup, we leaned into the charm of a smaller hosting space. The result? A backyard that feels intentional, personal and perfectly ‘us’.
It’s a place where the whole family loves to gather together and create memories.
Outdoor hosting Essentials
When it comes to outdoor gathering, it’s the little things that make a space feel dreamy and inviting. For us, that meant:
- Cozy Seating Areas (blankets/outdoor pillows during the cooler months)
- Outdoor lighting for cozy ambiance (String lights, lanterns, candles)
- A table for food and drinks
- A fire pit for gathering (perfect for stores and cozy movie nights)
- Water features (small fountains, bird baths, etc)
- Outdoor kitchen area (pizza ovens are a must have)
- Bug repellent or citronella candles for those summer nights (Louisiana is known for mosquitos!)
These are just our must haves but I’ve also seen people add outdoor projectors, retractable awnings, full outdoor kitchen setups (on our list of one days), a coffee table, outdoor rugs and so much more to make their small outdoor space feel like an extension of their home–like an outdoor living room.
Hosting in any season
We didn’t want our backyard hosting space to be useful only in the summer. With a little creativity, it works year round.
In the fall and winter, the fire pit and (soon to be) stock tank hot tub keep everyone warm, while the string lights bring in a cozy ambiance.
We love to sit around the fire, roasting marshmallows or watching outdoor movies on cozy movie nights. Hosting in the fall is like a big warm hug.
Every halloween, after trick-or-treating, we gather in the courtyard with our family and friends for a warm bowl of white chicken chili soup, candy and smore’s. The adults get their candy tax and all is well! Shhh, don’t tell the kids.
In the spring and summer, we keep things simple and fresh by bringing in fresh flowers, new plants and hosting outdoor BBQs and potlucks. We hosted 4th of July in our outdoor gathering space and it was the best time! Fireworks, hot dogs, watermelon and freedom! Nothing like it. All of the kids splashed around in the stock tank and I served red, white, and blue snow cones using a snow cone machine! It was fun for all.
Making your backyard the heart of your gatherings
Your backyard doesn’t just have to be a outdoor entertainment space–it can become the heart of your home. Since our home is only 900 sqft, we don’t have much room to host indoors.
The courtyard has naturally became the place where we gather and memories are made. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows by the fire, evening gatherings laughing under the string lights, or sharing homemade meals around the table, our backyard has turned into more than just a space, it’s a feeling. An extension of our home.
It’s proof that your the size of your home doesn’t mater as much as the love and hospitality you pour into it.
Tips for creating your own Outdoor Hosting Space
If your dreaming of creating your own backyard into a place of gathering, here a few tips to get you started:
- Start Small. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once–let it naturally fall into place. Simple seating and string lights can make a big difference.
- Work with what you have: A patio, deck, or even a small patch of grass can be turned into a cozy outdoor living space. Cultivate your space with found items such as: vintage or thrifted items for added charm.
- Add ambience: Lighting goes a long way in making a space feel inviting. Candles, Lanterns, String lights are all excellent ways to make a space feel cozy.
- Make it personal: Use inspiration from places you love–like courtyards, gardens or cozy cafes to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Make the area feel like a true extension of your home.
Inspired by Cozy French Courtyards, we’ve learned that it doesn’t take a big house to host well.
At the end of the day, creating an outdoor hosting space on a small property isn’t about square footage-it’s about heart, connection and community. Our little outdoor gathering space has become our dream backyard. A place where laughter lingers, meals are shared, and memories are made.
If you’ve been dreaming of making your own backyard the heart of your gatherings–Start small, add your personal touches, and watch it grow into something beautiful.
Because the best hosting spaces aren’t perfect, they’re full of slow, warmth, and connection.
Want more inspiration? I’ve created a free guide to 10 outdoor hosting tips help get you started!
More ideas:
How we started a backyard homestead on 1/4 of an acre!
How to make a stock tank pool for your backyard
How to make a DIY small gravel patio area for your backyard
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