Measure twice, squeeze once

Before you buy anything, spend five minutes with a tape measure. A tiny patio can feel surprisingly generous if you plan the footprint. You need enough room to pull a chair out and sit down without scraping your knuckles on the fence. As a rule, allow at least 60cm of clear space around the table for each person, plus a little breathing room to walk past. If your space is 1.2m by 1.2m, you can comfortably fit a two-seater bistro set. Check door swings, drain covers, washing lines and bin stores. Mark the table and chair positions with chalk or canes, then live with it for a day. You will quickly see whether you are trying to fit a quart into a pint pot.

Think about the sun, too. A spot that bakes at noon may be perfect at 6pm. Watch where shadows fall and put your table there. If the only level patch is by the back door, that is fine. A tiny dining space is about convenience, not grandeur.

The bistro table: small but mighty

A bistro table is the cornerstone of a compact outdoor eating area. Look for a round or square top around 60cm to 70cm across. That is big enough for two plates, two glasses and a bowl of salad. Folding versions are ideal because you can collapse them when the space is needed for bikes, boots or drying washing. Metal mesh tops are light and dry quickly; slatted wood or rattan-effect resin feels warmer under the elbow. Avoid heavy cast iron unless you never plan to move it.

Budget-wise, you can find a decent second-hand bistro table for £20 to £50 at a car boot sale, charity shop or online marketplace. Check for wobbles, rust bubbles and missing feet. A squirt of penetrating oil and a touch of metal paint can revive a tired frame. If your patio is truly postage-stamp sized, consider a wall-mounted drop-leaf table. It folds flat against the wall and gives you a proper table when you need it.

Folding chairs and flexible seating

Folding chairs are your best friend in a small garden. Wooden bistro chairs with slatted seats are classic and can be left out in a shower, though they benefit from a wipe and a coat of oil once a year. Metal folding chairs are cheaper and stack neatly behind a shed. Expect to pay £10 to £25 each new, less second-hand. Test the hinges and check the weight limit. If you are handy, a simple wooden stool can double as a side table or a plant stand.

Cushions make a hard chair comfortable, but they also soak up rain. Choose quick-drying foam pads with removable covers, and bring them inside after use. A small plastic box with a lid lives under the table and keeps them dry. If you have a bench, a couple of tie-on cushions transform it into a dining seat. Remember to leave a clear path for carrying plates.

Pots that work harder than they look

Pots are the easiest way to turn a bare patio into a green room. They also define the edges of your dining space without building anything permanent. Use tall pots to create privacy: bamboo, black bamboo or a climbing jasmine on an obelisk. A pair of matching pots either side of a doorway frames the area. For scent, plant lavender, rosemary or mint near the table. Mint is best in its own pot, or it will take over.

Mix heights by standing small pots on upturned crates or a stack of bricks. Group pots in odd numbers and repeat one colour or material for a pulled-together look. Terracotta is cheap and breathable; glazed pots hold moisture longer. Always use saucers to protect paving and stop stains. If you are away a lot, self-watering pots or a simple wick made from an old cotton T-shirt can keep plants alive. Herbs and cherry tomatoes in grow bags give you something to pick while you eat.

Lighting, shade and comfort on a shoestring

Once the sun goes down, a few cheap lights make the space feel special. Solar string lights draped along a fence need no wiring, and jam jar lanterns with tea lights cost pennies. A citronella candle keeps midges at bay. For shade, a parasol with a weighted base is the simplest option, but check it does not block your only sunny spot. A triangular shade sail fixed to a fence and a wall can be cheaper and more flexible. Always take it down in high winds.

Comfort is about small touches. An outdoor rug or a few deck tiles warm up cold paving. A waterproof blanket in a basket is ready for chilly evenings. A small side table or an upturned crate holds drinks. If noise from neighbours is an issue, a pot with a bamboo screen or a trellis with climbers softens the sound. Keep a dustpan and brush nearby for crumbs.

Storage and pack-away tricks

The secret to a tiny outdoor dining space is that it can disappear. Folding chairs hang on wall hooks or lean behind a shed. The bistro table folds and slides into a gap beside the wheelie bin. A weatherproof storage box doubles as a bench and hides cushions, candles and a tablecloth. Look for one with a lockable lid and a raised base to keep contents dry. A wooden bench with lift-up storage is another good investment if you have the floor space.

• Hang folding chairs on galvanised hooks.
• Slide the bistro table behind a shed or bin store.
• Use a lidded storage box as a bench and a home for cushions.
• Store metal furniture indoors or under a breathable cover.

In winter, bring metal furniture inside if you can. If not, clean it, dry it and cover it with a breathable tarpaulin. Wooden furniture benefits from a yearly coat of Danish oil. Stack pots on a trolley or in a corner, and empty saucers to avoid cracked pots. Come spring, you can set up your tiny dining space in five minutes and be eating outside by lunchtime.