Entertaining—Alfresco Style

With summer light stretching into the night, now’s the time to start entertaining outdoors. Dressing your backyard space with the latest décor has never been easier. Here are the season’s latest options.

Miramar pillows from Restoration Hardware

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Durable Fabrics Bold patterns and bright colors have made their way outdoors. Look for weather-resistant fabrics (some are even fade-resistant) from companies such as Sunbrella, available at many retailers. We particularly love the look of these weather-friendly, easy-to-clean Miramar pillows ($29) in Silver Sage. Restoration Hardware, Galleria in Edina, 952-926-5557, and 791 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-3033

 

Montecito deep chair from Room & Board

Photo courtesy of Room & Board

Sophisticated Furniture Outdoor furnishings today are all about low maintenance. The best options are made of such hardy woods as teak, wicker-look synthetics, sleek metals such as aluminum and steel, and recycled plastics. The Montecito deep chair ($1,499) features a woven synthetic form with weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric cushions. Room & Board, 7010 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-927-8835

Melamine dinnerware from Pottery Barn

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Easy-care Dinnerware Inexpensive outdoor plates and serving pieces are a fun way to play up summertime designs. Melamine pieces ($15 for the rectangular tray, $19 for the round tray, and $16 for four appetizer plates) in a tropical leaf pattern are lightweight, durable, and reusable. Matching glasses are made of polycarbonate, which is next to impossible to break. Pottery Barn, Galleria in Edina, 952-925-1610; 870 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-221-9776; the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-425-4002

Smith & Hawken Marlton Lamp

Photo courtesy of Target

Indoor-quality Lighting Candles and lanterns are always hot, but new table and floor lamps made of weather-resistant materials—and UL-approved for outdoor use—create more of an outdoor-room look. The Smith & Hawken Marlton Lamp ($79.99) available at Target, made of stainless steel and all-weather wicker, is a handsome example. Target

Solara rug

Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Innovative Rugs Anchor your outdoor dining area with a rug that looks like woven wool or sisal but is synthetic. The Solara rug ($249 for a five-by-eight-foot rug; other sizes available) is UV-treated to resist fading and is impervious to weather conditions. The wavy, hourglass pattern has an elegance ordinarily seen only indoors. Crate & Barrel, Galleria in Edina, 952-920-2300