Eating outdoors makes for good health and long life and good temper, everyone knows that.
~Elsie de Wolfe~
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New Englanders bide their time waiting to entertain outdoors each spring. Our patience is eventually rewarded with long, warm days, lingering twilight, and if we plan right, friends and family to keep us company. Comfy furniture, flowers, candlelight, and hardworking accessories help savvy hostesses create memorable occasions. Whether you have an expansive terrace or a tiny balcony, these summer entertaining essentials will help you make the most of the season.
Surround Yourself and Guests with Flowers
This is the outdoors after all, so take advantage and bring potted flowers or even house plants outdoors. If you have the space, plant large urns with annuals in your favorite colors. To make a big statement, place a medium-sized palm in the center of the pot and stick annuals around it.
Wire caddy Smolak Farm
Decorate your outdoor space just like you decorate the interior of your home. Pot up flowers and place them where they can be seen and enjoyed. Bring fresh cut flowers outdoors. The carnations above last a long time as cut flowers, and can withstand being in the full sun better than other cut flowers.
Ruffled pansies, a big favorite, go straight from their nursery pot into a clay containers. No repotting needed. How is that for easy?
The last of the season’s lilacs will scent the area, carried on a warm outdoor breeze.
Trays Carry the Load
Lanterns, left, turquoise melamine plates, and tray, Home Goods; straws and linen napkins, Target
Hard-working trays make it easy to carry loads of essentials back and forth, and they’re an efficient way to corral everything you need for entertaining.
Trays are so lovely and there’s such a huge variety of them, who can resist? Whether your style is coastal, boho, modern, or farmhouse, there are trays to fit your theme.
Wire caddy, Savoir Faire Home
The wire caddy above makes a convenient container for straws. It could just as easily be used for utensils or rolled up napkins.
Comfy Seating Invites Lingering
Pillows, cushions, Pier 1
It goes without saying that if your seating is terrifically cozy and inviting, you and your guests will want to sink in and linger. Arrange furniture for coziness. Place seating close enough for a quiet conversation, just like you would indoors. If you have a large area, separate it into seating and dining zones.
Splurge on deep cushions – avoid those pancake flat affairs – and plump pillows. If your outdoor furniture is comfortable enough to read or daydream for hours on, you’ve made a good choice!
Create Magic with Candlelight
Summer evenings are magical, made even more so with candlelight. Use your imagination when it comes to votives – Mason jars or milk bottles make great lanterns.
Hurricanes or lanterns come in such a large variety, from clear glass to faux wicker, you’re sure to find some that fit your decor. A breeze will make them essential.
Decorating your outdoor living area with these summer entertaining essentials will put everyone in a good temper. Enjoy!
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