Living Well At Home
Get Ready for Summer Fun with Outdoor Furniture and Patio Must-Haves
With the weather really starting to heat up in many places and school winding down, summer is upon us. It’s time to clean up the pool, relax in comfy outdoor furniture, and soak up the sun. But before the fun can begin in your backyard oasis, check that you have everything needed for the best summer yet. For some ideas and inspiration, we have a few suggestions for must-haves (like the kathy ireland Homes & Gardens Madison collection shown above) that will make your summer unforgettable.
Prepare to Relax with Outdoor Furniture
After hours of gardening, playing games with the family, or swimming, you’ll need a place for everyone to relax. When you add a patio set to your deck, you’ll have enough room to spread out, plus a place for your snacks and drinks. That way, you can soak up the summer sun or bask under the moonlight in comfort on your outdoor furniture.
For smaller outdoor living areas, consider modest-size seating groups, like the one pictured above, that are perfect for most decks and patios. With plenty of colors to complement your home’s exterior and landscape, you can create a stylish look without taking up too much space. Need more room? Give everyone a place to relax with a sectional seating group, like the one shown below. A mix of individual chairs and group seating makes it easy to mingle, share stories, and pass the snacks and beverages.
No matter the size of your outdoor furniture, keep maintenance in mind as you choose the right pieces. Like most families, you’ll want to spend the summer relaxing, playing, and enjoying quality time – not cleaning, sanding, painting, or staining. That’s why resin wicker is such a popular choice among homeowners for outdoor furniture. Its tough construction withstands rain, sun, mildew, and mold, and it can be rinsed clean with your garden hose. What’s more, the wicker offers all the beauty of natural rattan while concealing a rugged aluminum frame that provides strong support and guards against rust and other damage.
Enjoy Memorable Get-Togethers with Outdoor Dining and Bar Sets
There’s no doubt about it – family dinners are more fun outdoors. Whether it’s a special occasion like a weekend cookout or just getting outdoors during the week, you’ll need more than a grill to make each meal special. You’ll also need ample seating and a table where everyone can gather around to feast on their summertime favorites.
An outdoor dining set is a good place to start. Long, rectangular tables are great for larger families or individuals who love to host. They also make a stylish statement for your alfresco dining area. At the same time, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy your dining set this summer that go far beyond brunches and dinners. It’s a great place for the whole family to make crafts, play games, and simply sit and chat.
However, not every patio is suited to a larger dining set. Does that mean you can’t enjoy eating outdoors this summer? Absolutely not! A bar-height dining set with a square shape and a more compact footprint will save space on your deck while still giving you plenty of room for outdoor meals. It’s the perfect spot for date night dinners and smaller family gatherings.
Make a Splash with Poolside Accessories
Retreating to the water to beat the summer heat is more fun after you’ve stocked up on inflatable toys, rafts, and pool games. When you’re ready to dry off, recline the day away with a chic lounger set, like the one shown below. Soft cushions and an adjustable back make it easy to find the perfect position. Then you can soak up the rays, read a book, or catch a nap. With a handy side table, you’ll always have a spot for your drink!
When it’s time to seek a little shade, you may find your deck offers no retreat from the sun. You might be ready to work on your tan, but it’s important to protect your skin – and your children’s – by seeking shade. Along with sunscreen and light layers, shade can help protect you from harmful UV rays to lessen your chance for sunburns and skin cancer. That’s where a cantilever umbrella, like the one shown below, can really come in handy to put the shade right where you want it.
What Else Do You Need for Summer Fun?
Your family is really all you’ll need for a fun-filled summer, but a few extras can’t hurt. To make the most of the summer months, don’t forget to bring home the following:
- Outdoor cooking options, like a grill, smoker, or a pizza oven
- Plenty of sunscreen
- Pool floats and games
- Other outdoor games, like badminton, volleyball, or baseball equipment
- A portable speaker to play your favorite tunes
- A cooler to keep drinks ice cold all day long
- Insect repellant spray and citronella candles
- Beach towels to dry off after swimming in the pool
Whether you enjoy beautiful weather all year long or savor just a few months of warmer temperatures, it’s easy to find everything you need to make the most of your time outside.
Savor the Summer with Outdoor Furniture from Twin Star Home™
With these must-haves in your backyard, you and your loved ones will have no trouble at all creating lasting memories and loads of fun this summer. And with the season upon us, there’s no better time than now to make sure your deck or patio is ready. To stay up-to-date with the latest styling tips and tricks for summer fun, don’t forget to subscribe to the Twin Star Home email newsletter.
