Outdoor Living New England Style

~New England is a state of mind~

William Lange

Outdoor living is one of summer’s greatest pleasures.  Here in New England, we make the most of the warm months by spending as much time as possible outside.

New England style means a connection to the land, the sea, and to traditions that bind even newcomers to this place. To make outdoor living pleasurable, we decorate our exterior spaces as lovingly as we do our interiors.

During the warm months, we dine, lounge, sunbathe, read, daydream, even sleep outdoors.

You don’t need a vast patio, deck, or lawn to create an outdoor living space for you and your family to enjoy. You need just enough space and privacy to soak up sunshine and birdsong. The paddle-like arms of an Adirondack chair make the perfect perch for a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine.

Often, a couple of chairs or a bench are quite enough to create a personal space to read, relax, and daydream.

And chairs can be moved around easily to take advantage of sun or shade.

We love going all out and creating a space that feels just like a living room, complete with sofas, coffee tables, and lighting.

Decorate your outdoor spaces like you do indoor living rooms, placing furniture for easy conversation and enjoying the views.

Surround yourself with flowers and candle light. Place a table nearby for drinks or books so you can linger in comfort. Outdoor living is about creating an oasis for you and your family.

So much of New England style is about tradition. The table settings above and below pay homage to family traditions, with a nod to English china and pottery.

There are so many lovely alternatives to using paper and plastic for outdoor dining.  Beautiful sets of non-breakable melamine plates can be found at Pier1, Home Goods, and many other stores. Add style to outdoor living by setting a creative and beautiful table.

Greet summer mornings with coffee on the patio, terrace, or lawn.

The table setting above features a wooden plank set atop galvanized tubs. Topped with a burlap cloth and runner, it makes a smart canvas for a summer lunch or dinner. With views to surrounding countryside, this is dining with New England flair!

Ultimately, the more personal the space, the more likely you are to use it all season long. Imagine your perfect outdoor setting, whether it’s a bench in your potager, or a hammock in a leafy corner, and make it your own.

This summer and fall, embrace outdoor living. Grab a book, a glass of lemonade, a comfortable seat, and put yourself in a New England state of mind.