You do not need a sterile lifeless patio space in order to enjoy it. In fact, I submit that a well tended xeroscape is a heck of a lot more pleasing to hang out in that a concrete slab and really doesn’t need to cost anything other than the effort to direct the magic that nature so graciously provides. I have seen absolutely fabulous outdoor spaces created with nothing more than found materials and a bit of work play. Further, I suggest that taking an active part in such a transformation is the enjoyable part.
Need a patio table? I’m sure you can find one of these without too much trouble. Want it to look a bit more exciting , keep an eye out at garage sales for old broken china or tiles that you can pick up for nothing to do a mosaic or better yet, dumpster dive and you can find appropriate materials for literally nothing (OK, you might have to shell out a dollar or so for some glue or a dab of paint, but still pretty darned cost effective)
How about making some creative planters ? You can turn darned near anything that will hold dirt into a whimsical piece of garden art. You can even use native wild flowers and grasses to put in them.
Garden arbors are great to sit under and can create a great focal point for any garden, and once again the materials don’t really need to cost anything. Keep an eye out for a neighbor trimming a tree. More often than not they will jump for joy when you offer to haul away the smaller branches for them. Here are a couple of examples
The same goes for garden furniture. Here is an article about a couple of guys who do just that.
You mentioned cooking. You can build a wonderful earth oven for next to nothing and the sky is the limit on the design. Here is a link to a book on the subject and here is an image that will give an idea of just how far you can take this as a design element.
Revel in your outdoor space!