Prepare your outdoor area by imagining how you would want it to perform its functions. Do you want it to be used as a dining area on hot summer nights? If so, what size table do you want? If so, do you intend to use the area to hold your next dinner party or a birthday celebration for your child? Alternatively, can you picture a tranquil reading nook hidden away in your outdoor room? Make a list of the activities you want to perform in the area and use that list as a guide to decide what kind of patio furniture you'll need. It is not necessary to have a dining table on your 12x16-foot patio if the space's primary purpose is to entertain informal evening drinks. Instead, choose a space with plenty of comfy seating, numerous side tables, and a fire pit as your centerpiece.