Our Favorite Al Fresco Setups for Summer Holiday Hosting
As summer hits its stride, the long weekends ahead offer the perfect excuse to elevate your outdoor spaces. Whether you're hosting a laid-back BBQ, an evening under the string lights, or a festive Fourth of July bash. From al fresco dining staples to pieces that make your patio feel pulled together and playful, we’ve rounded up a few favorites that bring both style and ease to your warm-weather hosting.
1. The Effortless Outdoor Table
Set the tone with an outdoor dining table that feels more like a scene than a setup. We love the Portside Expandable Dining Table from West Elm since its weathered wood finish brings rustic charm without looking too precious. Pair with their stackable dining chairs for a space-saving (but still design-forward) solution when the guest list grows.
Pro tip: Add a runner in washed linen and layer in mismatched dinnerware for a casual, curated look that feels like it evolved over time.
Courtesy of West Elm
2. Soft Glow, Strong Impact
Nothing transforms a backyard gathering faster than the right lighting. These solar-powered lanterns from Terrain add instant ambiance without the need for cords or outlets. For tabletop magic, try their mercury glass votives for just enough sparkle when the sun dips low.
Courtesy of Terrain
3. The Stylish Bar Cart For Any Gathering
For those who like their gatherings with a little garnish and a lot of charm, a teak bar cart is your new best friend. We love the Teak Outdoor Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma, it’s timeless, sturdy, and moves easily from patio to poolside. The slatted teak shelves are spacious enough for glassware, cocktail fixings, and even a snack board or two.
Pro tip: Style it with a vintage ice bucket, a stack of linen napkins, and a few cut herbs (mint, rosemary, lavender) for guests to mix into their drinks.
Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
4. Games, But Make Them Design
Yes, lawn games can actually be beautiful. We’re drawn to the whimsical wicker Geoffrey Parker Croquet Set, which includes brass-banded traditional wooden mallets, cast iron hoops, competition balls, clips, corner flags and a winning post, for some English countryside flair. Or for something that works indoors and out, the Playing Cards Set from L’Objet is housed in a shagreen box that doubles as tabletop sculpture when not in use.
Courtesy of Abask
5. Elevated Outdoor Textiles
Even outdoors, texture matters. Layer on some visual softness with outdoor-safe pillows in nubby weaves, pre-washed cotton throws for cooler evenings, and a neutral jute rug that defines the seating area. The multiple Serena & Lily Outdoor Collections are full of pieces that feel coastal and fresh, but still work well inland.
Courtesy of Serena & Lily
6. Serveware That Travels Easily
Whether you’re dining poolside or picnicking at the lake, consider melamine plates, acacia wood boards, and insulated carafes that look as good as they perform. The Sarah Miller Melamine Collection at Portmeirion hits the sweet spot between classic and unbreakable.
Pro tip: Keep a basket packed with your summer entertaining go-tos so you're always ready to set the table, wherever that may be.
Courtesy of Portmeirion
This season, don’t overthink it. The best outdoor moments feel lived-in, a little spontaneous, and effortlessly comfortable. Whether you're hosting a crowd for fireworks or sipping spritzes as the sun sets, these simple upgrades can turn your outdoor space into the most-loved “room” of the house.