A ROUND-UP OF MY FAVORITE SUMMER FINDS
With the U.S. Fourth of July holiday coming up, we are officially in the heart of summer, and everything it evokes. Relaxing by the beach or the pool. Firing up the grill. Dining al fresco (everything is better al fresco). A tall glass of lemonade (or a limoncello aperitif). So I thought this would be a good opportunity to share some of my favorite finds for summer relaxation and entertaining.
As Kenny Chesney sings “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine, it’s Summertime!”
OUTDOOR PILLOWS
IMAGES ABOVE: I incorporated these IKAT patterned pillows in the seating area of our garden, and they provide a nice counterpoint to the gray striped fabric my husband sourced from our textile friends in Belgium (similar style in outdoor fabrics available by the yard here). The pillows come in sets of two, in two sizes – the square size and the rectangular lumbar size.
A PLACE TO LOUNGE
If you have the space, a comfortable chaise lounge is a lovely addition to your terrace or pool area.
IMAGE ABOVE: This classic outdoor chaise from Savavieh is not only adjustable, but it has a handy pull-out side table to perch your beverage. I like outdoor furniture covered in light fabric (this one comes in beige) because it reflects the sun and is easy to clean.
IMAGE ABOVE: If your taste runs more contemporary, this set of 2 Acacia Wood Loungers in a gray finish would look fantastic at a lake house or in a modern pool setting. They’re also foldable, and priced at under $200.
OUTDOOR DINING
Summertime is perfect for dining al fresco, and I’ve curated an outdoor dining set-up below, with a “Modern French” theme in a black, white & greige color palette with green accents. Links below the photo.
LINKS BELOW TO THE CORRESPONDING PRODUCTS IN THE ABOVE PHOTO:
- A classic white outdoor umbrella with a decorative border provides shade while dining outdoors.
- This French metal console table would be perfect outdoors as a beverage table for entertaining. A potted 3-ball topiary would be a pretty addition to the tabletop.
- Graphic melamine outdoor plates in fun black-and-white patterns adds a punch to the neutral tabletop.
- Oval braided jute placemats add texture to the tabletop.
- A trio of potted herbs provides greenery to the tabletop (the link to the set of three white metal containers is here, and the herb plants are sold separately here).
- A pair of decorative outdoor lanterns with remote-control operated pillar candles provides a light source. They can also be used on the metal side table, along with beverages or food.
- I like using pretty dishtowels as napkins outdoors – for their size and casual appeal. These green-and-white striped dishtowels are a great price for a set of 12.
- A linen hemstitch table runner adds a finishing touch to your tabletop, in a neutral beige linen. You can read more about how to style Table Runners in this post.
- You can’t go wrong with a set of white melamine outdoor dinnerware. The classic white color allows you to use different accent colors in salad plates and napkins.
- This grey-washed outdoor dining trestle table is very similar to ones offered at the big expensive retailer, at a fraction of the price.
- Classic French bistro chairs in black-and-white add classic style. They come in a set of 4 here and an additional pair here (I wish they sold a set of 6!)
SMALL PATIO OR BALCONY DINING
IMAGE ABOVE: This is for all of you small outdoor space readers (balcony, townhouse or condo). I love this classic mint green bistro table and two chairs – it’s a fun, fresh color that practically screams SUMMER! It also comes in French blue, sunny yellow and red. Not only are these classic, but reasonably priced at around $110 for the set.
OUTDOOR DINING ACCESSORIES
Nothing says “summer” more than woven raffia and wicker (think: the Hamptons, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard). I’ve curated a few favorite summer essentials for outdoor entertaining.
LINKS BELOW TO THE CORRESPONDING PRODUCTS IN THE ABOVE PHOTO:
- This hand-woven lattice pitcher from Two’s Company would be a pretty addition to your outdoor table (it can also double as a fabulous vase).
- A hand-woven rattan tray that’s large enough to carry stacks of outdoor plates, silverware and napkins.
- Natural rattan wine bottle coaster from Caspari (this be nice to bring to a dinner party, along with a great bottle of wine).
- A wicker-and-stainless ice bucket with tongs is a must-have for summer entertaining.
- Natural and sustainable round jute placemats (set of 6) add a casual touch to your outdoor table.
- Forget the fancy stemmed wine glasses – this set of 4 lattice wine tumblers from Two’s Company is both practical and beautiful (indoors and out).
- This 34 oz. lattice carafe can hold everything from orange juice to white wine and matches the wine tumblers.
- Finally, I know it’s not wicker or rattan, but I love the teakwood look of this wine chiller. And click here for another reasonably priced option in marble.
Note: All of these would make fantastic host gifts, as well. For more ideas on what to give your host, check out this post.
And fore more outdoor entertaining ideas, check out Secrets for Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Table, A French-Inspired Outdoor Table and A Woodland-Themed Outdoor Dinner Party.
BY THE WATER (POOL, BEACH, LAKE)
Here are a few favorite (and colorful) accessories and accoutrements for hanging out by the water.
LINKS BELOW TO THE CORRESPONDING PRODUCTS IN THE ABOVE PHOTO:
- Wallaroo Hat Company makes quality hats, and their Montecito sun hat with SPF 50+ has a nice wide brim (I also use this when I’m out in the garden). Packable sun hat options here and here.
- An umbrella is essential when you’re out in the sun near the water. The Sunbrella Seville Seaside Umbrella is a colorful option in classic blue, green and white. Safavieh also makes their golden yellow Zimmerman Umbrella with a little fancier trim. It also comes in white, red, baby blue and black & white.
- Outdoor acrylic glasses in different sizes, in a fun color palette.
- Turkish beach towels in a beautiful array of green and blue colors. They also come in shades of blue and fun striped options, as well.
- My favorite sunscreen is SuperGoop (SPF 50) with Vitamin C – it’s not sticky and it smells great.
- A fabulous jute beach bag with long handles and handcrafted by artisans can be used for the beach, pool or the farmer’s market. A summertime staple (and a great gift idea!)
- A colorful, foldable, carry-able beach blanket at a generous 80″ x 80″ size.
- Summertime is picnic time, and this picnic basket contains everything you need for a picnic for 2. You can read more about styling a French Picnic in this post.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Below are a few outdoor furniture collections that caught my eye recently.
IMAGE ABOVE: This pair of eucalyptus wood club chairs with caning detail would go in a variety of home styles. They also make a matching loveseat, available here.
IMAGE ABOVE: This four-piece outdoor seating grouping from Safavieh is classic (and on sale right now). Love the black piping on the white cushions and the black-and-white bolster pillows that are included.
IMAGE ABOVE: This five-piece wicker outdoor seating group is for those of you who like to put their feet up. The same company also makes an six-piece option that includes a coffee table.
IMAGE ABOVE: This five-piece grouping has a bit more modern look, and also comes with ottomans and an accent table.
HAPPY SUMMER, EVERYONE!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend.
