Spruce up the porch or balcony for summer entertaining

The season’s warmer months herald the beginning of summer entertaining for people who live in small homes. Now is the time to think about ways to maximize outdoor space and do more expansive entertaining than you’re able to do inside. Fire up the barbecue grill and pull out the umbrella tables and chairs. If you’re lucky enough to have a little bit of yard, start now to get the lawn and flower beds in shape.

No matter how small your area for outdoor entertaining, an array of equipment choices can help you outfit your exterior party space. The same flexible design qualities that we look for in interior furniture are increasingly available for outside furnishings: items that roll, fold or stack away.

If a small balcony or porch is all the space you have to use, search for a comfortable all-weather folding chair and a bistro-size dining table. Outdoor seating made of aluminum is noted for being lightweight, yet it features design details that are traditionally found on solid wrought-iron furniture.

Being able to move the seating easily in order to stack or store it is important. Provided that you have a sheltered area where the furniture won’t be constantly exposed to moisture and harsh sun conditions, you also can consider indoor wooden folding dining chairs as a practical option.

In the photo shown here, an ingenious all-weather bar folds flat for easy storage. The piece is useful as a traditional bar or for serving a buffet meal. Made of solid mahogany with an all-weather wicker material on the front, it weighs a manageable 50 pounds and measures 48 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 40 inches high when opened. When folded up, it needs only an amazing 3.5 inches for storage at the end of your porch or balcony without cramping the space for other uses. The cost is less than $300.

If serving dinner is not a priority, you might look for an all-weather recliner. Much more petite than a typical chaise lounge, an outdoor version of your favorite indoor recliner operates on a hydraulic system. If you have room for two of these chairs and a tiny table, the comfort of a spa will be yours.

Closed up, such a chair is only 29 inches wide by 30.5 inches deep. It conserves space because you virtually eliminate the need for an ottoman. Another comfortable solution for two people might be old-fashioned rocking chairs. Not only are they relaxing, but a rocker takes you back in a romantic way to a slower-paced time and encourages relaxation.

Remember that the sound of water helps to create calm by masking the sounds of the city or regular street traffic. Most garden centers offer dozens of faux-stone wall-mounted water fountains in a variety of colors and styles. With limited space you probably don’t want a fountain eating up precious floor area, so the wall-hung type is a good option.

Another way to capture more entertaining area is to establish an indoor feeling for the outside room. Look for area rugs with colorful designs that are made of 100 percent olefin for exterior use. Generally you can hose off the rugs for a good cleaning and the elements won’t fade or diminish the colors. Use such an area rug as the base for your arrangement of outdoor furniture to help to establish a cozy ambience.

Soften your area with planter boxes that hang off railings, pots and saucers that sit on the floor, or fence-hung planters bursting with colorful blooming plants. They deliver texture, color and softness to your outdoor room and help make it charming, comfortable and welcoming.

Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of “Big Ideas for Small Spaces.” Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at cbaintdes@hotmail.com.