Think of it as an extension of your home.

set up a conversation area(s) just as you would indoors. even designate areas with outdoor area rugs.

get some outdoor wall art, and string lights on the tree for ambient light. or tape lights on the ground or top of fence.

same with a dining spot. grill, dining table with chairs

Do you have any exterior lighting sources? outlets? outdoor lamps with batteries.

Why the black gravel?

This would have been a great spot for artificial turf.

What are the actual measurements of the paved area where you want seating and how many people would you like to have sit here?

Lighter gravel would be cooler. Add some large planters with easy care plants. Veggies and herbs as well as flowers. Judging from the Palms in background, tropicals like hibiscus and bouganvillia would work well. A small fountain, possible on fence would be nice. Add a small table for eating and hammock or lounge chair. A couple cinder blocks and a stepping stone can make a cocktail table or planter stand. Light with solar lights and citronella candles.

It's a long space and you didn't show us all of it. Where are the doors? You should probably do a diagram, for help. You need greenery, for that you need a zone and how much sun the space gets.