This Outdoor Shelf From IKEA Might Be Meant for Plants, but I'm Turning It Into a Hosting Station – It's the Perfect Size for My Tiny Patio
Outdoor hosting, simplified. This plant shelf-turned hosting station is just what you need to host a stress free summer party outside
I love outdoor hosting in the summertime, but what I don't love is all the back and forth that comes with it – running inside to grab a missing component (more napkins, an extra glass, cutlery, the list goes on), hurrying back out, and not even five minutes later, having to do the same thing again for something else.
Inside the home, this kind of problem has long been solved with hosting closets and cabinets, as they keep all hosting essentials right where you need them and in close proximity. However, I've yet to find a suitable alternative for my small patio that sees a lot of use over the summer. That is, until I came across IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit.
Though designed to be a gardening shelf for plants and pots, the LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is coming into my patio as a makeshift outdoor hosting station – in my style editor's opinion. Between its height, its spacious shelves, and its attractive look, I'm convinced that it's the hosting helper you need on your patio this summer.
Made from powder-coated steel, this shelving unit is a durable choice for outdoor use. It features four shelves that are just over 14" apart and just under 11" deep, with the top shelf measuring just over 7" in depth. This unit can be fastened to outdoor walls for extra stability, plus its feet are adjustable in case of uneven ground surfaces.
Size: 63" H, 24" W, 14 1/8" shelf height, 10 5/8" shelf depth
I cross-checked all the measurements so you don't have to, and as it turns out, the LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit's size is on par with that of a traditional hosting cabinet. Each shelf is spaced far enough apart so that a standard wine bottle can comfortably fit. Plus, each shelf is deep enough to hold a standard dinner plate, too.
Size aside, the stylish appeal of this shelf is bound to enhance your existing outdoor furniture setup. Inspired by traditional wrought iron pieces, it can bring a classic and charming look to your patio scheme, all while providing a designated zone for hosting must-haves.
While the LÄCKÖ Shelf is perfect for holding plants on your patio, I'd rework it to become a makeshift hosting station – swap pots and planters for ice buckets and wine bottles, and fill its shelves with extra plates, utensils, napkins, and any other outdoor hosting necessities you might need.
What I like most about IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is that it can benefit any outdoor area – from small backyards and tiny terraces to sprawling exterior set-ups with fully equipped outdoor kitchens. This shelf will provide a convenient resting place (and even extra outdoor storage space) for all sorts of outdoor hosting necessities.
Consider it the easy and instant outdoor upgrade you didn't know you needed. As long as you have it on your patio, you'll never have to dart back inside to grab something again. And from now on, you'll actually be able to enjoy hosting guests on your patio – all thanks to this handy plant shelf-turned hosting station.
How I'd Style IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit for Summer Hosting
Of course, IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit can only do so much on its own. In order to make it work for you, fill it with the hosting elements you need most frequently. See how I'd style it, below.
It's always a good idea to have outdoor-safe dinnerware for summer hosting. These four plates are made from melamine, meaning they won't crack or break if accidentally dropped. Pair them with their complementary dessert plates and style them on IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit before dinner is served.
There's nothing better than an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day. Rather than running into your kitchen to fetch ice, keep some outside in an ice bucket on your outdoor shelving unit-turned hosting station. Because of this ice bucket's double-constructed walls, it'll keep ice frozen, even on the hottest days of the season.
The last thing you want to worry about is broken glass on your patio. That's why it's important to keep outdoor-safe glassware handy when hosting outside. These six acrylic glasses are durable for outdoor use, but they're also so chic in style. Keep them stacked on your outdoor hosting shelf for quick access.
When dining outside, keep extra spoons, forks, and knives in close proximity with this utensil caddy. Its handle makes it easy to carry from the kitchen to the patio, and its multiple compartments keep things organized. After setting your outdoor dining table, rest this caddy on your makeshift hosting shelf in case more utensils are needed.
Wind gusts are inevitable, so in order to keep napkins from blowing away when dining outside, keep them in this lidded napkin tray. It can act as a chic addition to your tablescape, and when not needed, simply place it on your outdoor hosting shelf to free up space on the table.
This outdoor-safe serving dish can fit perfectly on one of the shelves of IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit. I love its natural look – from its light finish to its subtle wood grain. Keep it on the shelf to hold extra bread slices or a dessert while you enjoy a meal outside with friends.
Clearly, IKEA's LÄCKÖ Shelving Unit is a versatile outdoor furnishing – fit for holding plants, wine bottles, serveware, and everything in between. I think it makes the most sense for outdoor hosting, but if you think a traditional serving station is a better fit for your patio, then check out our collections of some of the best outdoor bar carts and stationary bars on the market right now.
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