Outdoor spaces should be treated just like indoor ones. Creating different zones such as living and dining areas will go a long way toward making the spaces feel inviting. Outdoor fabrics available nowadays can withstand pretty much any kind of weather condition, making it easier on maintenance. Coming in a wide range of colours and patterns, it’s tough to discern if these fabrics are meant for outdoor or indoor use. This makes it so much easier to make outdoor living spaces more luxurious and comfortable. It’s not about sticking a patio set with an umbrella on your deck and calling it a day. Instead, don’t be afraid to indulge in great furniture pieces and unique planters to add some character to your outside space. In keeping with the outdoor theme and with summer soon approaching, outdoor entertaining is front-of-mind.

When preparing to throw a party outside, remember, to make it a fun event, the more thought you put into the planning, the more impressive it will be. When thinking of outdoor entertaining, it’s always a good rule of thumb to keep it casual. Anything that will be too fussy outside will not work. There are, however, three looks that are making a huge fuss in outdoor entertaining at the moment.

Hamptons Hideaway
When thinking about the Hamptons, images of seaside living immediately come to mind. This look definitely takes its cue from the sea. Aquamarines, creams, beiges, and blues are definitely palettes of choice. Again, introduce these hues through cushions, planters, and dishes. Wicker is definitely on its way back in, and introducing this material with this look works well, providing some great texture, and meshing with the colour palette flawlessly. Canvas is also a great fabric to use, whether it’s in a form of a tablecloth or do-it-yourself handcrafted cushions. The fabric is both durable and affordable and will give your space and guests that nautical feel.

Linen is another wonderful fabric which can be used by hanging it in panels, in turn creating an intimate space for your party. Lanterns of all different sizes should also be used to achieve this beachy theme, but should be more streamlined—done in a chrome or stainless finish for a bit of sophistication. An inexpensive way of achieving this look is through the use of clear glass vases. Fill them about a third of the way with sand and add a pillar candle. Scatter these throughout your outdoor space in groupings for maximum impact. When thinking of table scapes, additions of whimsical elements such as seashells, sand and rope are perfect to play up the seaside Hamptons air. These pieces, just placed around the table with clear glass decanters, will be just right for the party!

Moroccan Modern
The look is all about using bright, rich colours such as pinks, oranges, limes, purples, reds and yellows you would see in Morocco, but modernized with accents in white. These accents can be introduced in a variety of ways such as throw cushions, tablecloths, dishes, planters or even flowers. Additions of traditional prints and patterns will also aid in creating an opulent look and create interest in the overall look. Furniture pieces should be dark to pick up on the bright punchy accents. Think teak or dark wicker for a more traditional look.

When thinking about that part of the world, there is a lot of low seating, gathering around a large, low-set table with cushions on the floor. Don’t be afraid to take your party to the floor; for this, low seating is perfect and creates a mood for lounging. Incorporating gorgeous, ornate lanterns around your outdoor space is also perfect. These lanterns, especially when painted white, will give that modern touch and there is nothing better than candlelight for a party outside. Use all different shapes and sizes as well, grouping an odd number of these lanterns on a table will provide the perfect centre piece. Hanging lanterns are also the perfect touch. Hanging these from a tree will create amazing ambient lighting for the soiree!


Pattern Party
For a fun and crazy take on the vintage tea party, think about introductions of all different floral patterns. Remember the effect is to be carefree. Tone down the highly-patterned look with introductions of white elements, be it in furniture or in accessories. White wicker is also the perfect addition to this look, modernized with pattern-crazy accents.

Introduce lace elements through tablecloths. This again will create texture and tone things down. A fun way of using lace is to wrap it around a glass container and adding spray frost over it. This will etch the pattern of the lace on the glass and create a wonderful piece to throw a candle or flowers in. This is an inexpensive way of working things you already have in your home to the space, giving them a new lease!

Vintage elements such as dishware are ideal and can be found at any second-hand store to make the perfect addition to this party. Most of us remember Grandma having such pieces, and may have even inherited some. Well, there’s no better time than the present to bring them out and utilize them for serving. Other vintage elements also great in the mix are ornate silver trays and cutlery.

Throwing a party indoors or out is not hard. It takes some planning and prep work, but in the end, it’s definitely all worth it. Work with a theme and when thinking about entertaining outdoors, keep it casual, care­free, and have fun. A wide range of products are available specifically for outdoor use and investing some money in higher-quality out­door furnishings will go a long way in ensuring you have the means to host the most fabulous outdoor parties for years to come!

Happy Decorating!