It’s nearly that golden time of year when summer fades into fall! There’s no better time for al fresco dining with friends and entertaining around a pool, garden or terrace. Comfortable outdoor living spaces are the best way to enjoy this sweet season in the South without leaving your home.
We’ve curated a few outdoor living and entertaining ideas below inspired by how we host and the hospitality of others we’ve experienced (like on my recent visit to Southampton!). There are several sales going on right now, too, so it seems like a great time to take a leap on that patio furniture you’ve been eyeing since spring. From poolside picks to monogrammed grilling tools and tablescape touches, here are some of our seasonal finds for outdoor décor and more!
Al Fresco Refresh
Dining al fresco is a treat when the weather is pleasant. Being outside surrounded by nature and a breeze creates a magical ambiance around meal times that simply can’t be matched! Light, fresh colors pair beautifully with outdoor greenery and floral arrangements from the garden or citrus-inspired centerpieces. We like this combination of lemon melamine dinner plates with coordinating salad plates (stylish but not fragile!) for easy entertaining. Juliska, a brand WHERE THE GENERATIONS MEET™, offers many melamine and acrylic serveware options for everyday entertaining as well! Include some linen napkins and bamboo flatware, then VOILA, Y’ALL!™ The table is set:
1: Melamine Dinner Plates // 2: Melamine Salad Plates // 3: Linen Napkins // 4: Bamboo Flatware //
5: Acrylic Tumbler // 6: Acrylic Pitcher // 7: Melamine Serving Bowl
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Garden Party
A well-placed bench can make your yard a more inviting space. A few outdoor pillows and practical accessories like a nearby watering can will make your garden guests feel right at home. Showcase herbs and plants in coordinating pots to enhance the natural setting. MAMA ALWAYS SAID™ blue and white is always right, which rings true for garden spaces, too:
1: Garden Bench // 2: Checked Pillows // 3: Watering Can // 4: Earthenware Planters //
5: Stone Planter // 6: Ceramic Planter
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Poolside Pleasures
Whether you have a pool or not, outdoor “conversation sets” can bring a cozy living room feel to your backyard area, creating a wonderful space for after-dinner chats or somewhere to relax and read. A classic teak sofa set creates a setting for decorative accessories. Lolli’s poolside veranda is my “happy place” to lounge while children splash around or to sit and enjoy the sound of fountains in her garden. Key elements are cushioned seating and good shade, as well as tables and durable furniture that can weather all seasons:
1: Sofa Set // 2: Navy Side Table // 3: Lattice Side Table // 4: Coral Pillow //
5: Patterned Pouf // 6: Patio Umbrella // 7: Chaise Lounge
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Monogrammed Grilling
An afternoon by the pool is not complete without some summer grilling. And if you’ve been following Lolli and Me, then you know that we like to #monogrameverything! Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, monogrammed grilling gear is a nice touch and makes a great gift for backyard chefs! We particularly like this custom steak brand for a grill-master aficionado who already has all the tools:
1: Monogrammed Steak Brand // 2: Monogrammed Carving Board // 3: Monogrammed Grill Tools
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Inspired to host and enjoy outside? We would love to know how you’re entertaining al fresco over on Instagram by tagging @lolliandme, and please share your tips for outdoor décor and more by commenting on our posts!
Featured photo by Alexandre Bailhache via Veranda
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