Martha Stewart's outdoor zoning method is the secret to seamless hosting for summer 2025 – it's changed how I arrange furniture on my patio

The best design tips are those that don't have an expiry date, as Martha Stewart proves time and time again. Recently, we've enjoyed a newfound hobby: Watching archival Martha Stewart footage – and it's consistently as relevant today as it was when it first aired.

The most recent case in point: Her outdoor zoning method, which first surfaced in 2014, but it's just as impactful this summer as it was over a decade ago. In the footage, Martha explains the importance of organizing your patio into distinct 'rooms' or 'zones' that each serve a purpose.

According to Martha, one area should be reserved for cooking (especially when using a barbecue), while another section should be exclusively for socializing, and a third for dining.

‘I love to entertain, and I especially like entertaining outdoors. Finding the right spot in your backyard, setting a pretty table, and making appropriate seating, it all takes a little bit of organization,’ Martha says. So, how should we zone our outdoor space?

‘Divide a patio space into rooms, one section just for dining, so you would have a large table and enough chairs to go around that table,’ she says. ‘Another space should be just for seating and talking. And of course, where are you going to put the barbecue? Make sure that you have room for the barbecue that isn't in a prevailing windy spot.’

Shop Martha Stewart's outdoor essentials

After sharing her patio layout advice, Martha shared tips for finding the best outdoor furniture for your yard. 'Choose a set that's made out of materials that weather well, won't rust, won't corrode, won't fall apart. It's very important to get a well-made construction,' she says.

This is why we love Martha's furniture collection on Wayfair. Every piece stands by her durable ideology, while upholding a classic aesthetic that will transcend fleeting trends.

Many pieces are inspired by the homes in Martha Stewart's property portfolio, including these wooden chairs (available at Wayfair) that pay homage to her Bedford retreat. Speaking of Cantitoe Corners, Martha expands on her favorite outdoor space in her home.

'My favorite outdoor space in my home is a sunken garden that I put right outside my kitchen door. It's a very nice spot. It's shady, protected, and rarely windy. It looks up at the sky. There are no trees obstructing the view, so at night you can see the stars,' she says.

One final hosting tip? Always be prepared to bring the party inside. 'Outdoor entertaining can be a lot of fun, but always be prepared, be able to move the party indoors,' Martha says. 'You don't want to be caught in the rain.'