outdoor entertaining

Accessories

Memorial Day Essentials: Your Guide to Relaxing in Style

If you're like us, then you're probably counting down the days until Memorial Day Weekend, making a mental checklist of everything you need (and want) for an epic three-day stretch.

If you're like us, then you're probably counting down the days until Memorial Day Weekend, making a mental checklist of everything you need (and want) for an epic three-day stretch. Good news: we've done the work for you. If your forecast for fun includes eating, drinking, or lounging, then we have just the things you'll need to make sure it's done in style.

outdoor entertaining

Goodbye Paper Plates! 3 Essentials For Entertaining Outdoors in Style

May is in full swing, and with it comes the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season.

May is in full swing, and with it comes the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season. Since ambience is almost as important as the company, here are my top three essentials for entertaining in style.

Melamine plates

Melamine plates ($6 each) are a great option for outdoor entertaining because they are virtually unbreakable, lightweight, and dishwasher safe. Plus, have you ever tried to cut anything on a paper plate? Guaranteed fail. These resemble hand-painted Mediterranean ceramics, which make you feel like you are vacation even if you are just picnicking at the park.

Lanterns

Indoors or out, candles are a great way to add ambience to any gathering. Since candlesticks are too fragile and susceptible to wind, go for some ornate lanterns ($10-$25 for two) instead. I love these for their great shape, their range of colors, and the fact that they come in three sizes. Pair the small ones with flowers for a complete tabletop look and use the larger ones elsewhere on the patio or in the yard. Rock the casbah!

Glasses

The trick is to find good-looking glasses that aren't glass. These come in three colors and have a great pattern on the outside that will hide the wear and tear that acrylic glasses ($7 each) always seem to undergo in the dishwasher. I also love that they are large enough for drinks that require ice.

outdoor entertaining

Throw a Cinco de Mayo Garden Fiesta! We Show You How

The combination of bright Mexican textiles and treats, a garden backdrop, and some of our favorite Pottery Barn classics inspired me to get a head start on Cinco de Mayo festivities.

The combination of bright Mexican textiles and treats, a garden backdrop, and some of our favorite Pottery Barn* classics inspired me to get a head start on Cinco de Mayo festivities. A punch bowl-turned terrarium, stacked bowl vases, and flowing fruit cake stand are just a few of the DIY centerpieces that transformed the table. Keep reading for simple styling tips to pull off your own Mexican tablescape for Cinco de Mayo and beyond!

*This content was part of Pottery Barn's unpaid mystery box challenge

outdoor entertaining

Cinco de Mayo Party Essentials — Piñata Included!

If Cinco de Mayo isn't on your radar, you might want to reconsider.

If Cinco de Mayo isn't on your radar, you might want to reconsider. Commemorating the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla (yes, we looked that up), Cinco de Mayo is an entertainer's dream — between the bright colors, good food, and those margaritas, May 5 is going to be your new favorite holiday. Start addressing the invites because we have everything you need to dip chips in style at what is bound to be your annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Viva la Mexico!

Affordable Decor

Outrageously Good Deals For Outdoor Entertaining

As the season of alfresco dining gets under way, we're on the hunt for outdoor entertaining essentials (at a fraction of the cost).

As the season of alfresco dining gets under way, we're on the hunt for outdoor entertaining essentials (at a fraction of the cost). Patterned linens, charming serve ware, stylish lighting options — these affordable must haves will carry you through Spring and beyond. Planning to host a few get-togethers during the warmer months? Take a look at our favorite deals and steals on outdoor entertaining items!

outdoor entertaining

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas Inspired by Wedding Blogs

Wedding season is here!

Wedding season is here! Don't worry — even if you aren't planning your own nuptials, you can still benefit from all the hubbub. It turns out that lots of outdoor wedding receptions incorporate simple and beautiful DIYs that would elevate any outdoor party, first dance or no. We rounded up our favorites that cover everything from tabletops to trees, so get ready to throw the best party ever! Professional photographer totally optional.

outdoor entertaining

From Blankets to Bocce Ball: Your Coachella Survival Kit

If you are heading to Coachella for to catch the second weekend, you are likely getting ready right now.

If you are heading to Coachella for to catch the second weekend, you are likely getting ready right now. As you know, Coachella is as well known for its style as for the music, so we're highlighting fun and functional pieces to bring to the festival — including furniture, accessories, games, and more. With a mix of sturdy, must-have basics and cute, just-because accessories, these aren't your average camping picks. Whether you're camping on site, staying at a nearby house, or channeling the festival vibe in your own backyard, you'll be smitten with these chic pieces for outdoor entertainment.

Summer decor

5 Things You Didn't Know About Jonathan Adler's Summer Entertaining Style

Entertaining styles vary, which is why we were curious to find out what we might discover at a Summer shindig thrown by Jonathan Adler.

Entertaining styles vary, which is why we were curious to find out what we might discover at a Summer shindig thrown by Jonathan Adler. We caught up with him to celebrate his custom straws for Diet Pepsi and to get the skinny on everything from his playlist preferences to his tricks for creating killer mood lighting.

  • He isn't much of a drinker (although he'll make an exception for beer). Instead, he prefers quirky concoctions like his version of an Arnold Palmer — iced tea with milk.
  • He'll skip the tiki torches in lieu of much fancier outdoor lighting. "My go-to trick for outdoor parties is to just run an extension cord from inside and hang a chandelier from a tree," says Jonathan.
  • He shakes his tail feather to Carly Rae Jepsen. "I have embarrassingly bad musical taste. Like, if you know any 12-year-old girls, they will have the exact same taste in music that I have," says Jonathan.
  • He likes to break the ice at parties with a little friendly competition. "I like to play games that I know I will win," says Jonathan. His go-to game? Ping-pong.
  • He's newly obsessed with a surprising hue — gray. "I feel like I’m cheating on chocolate brown and gray is my new mistress," says Jonathan.
  • Photo courtesy of Getty Images

    outdoor entertaining

    11 Essentials For Throwing a Successful Fourth of July Backyard Bash

    If you're planning on hosting a party for Fourth of July festivities, you'll want to make sure that your backyard is up for the challenge.


    If you're planning on hosting a party for Fourth of July festivities, you'll want to make sure that your backyard is up for the challenge. Choosing decorative elements that are multifunctional is key, but it takes a bit of preparation. To ensure that your Fourth of July bash is a beautiful success, get organized with this list of backyard entertaining essentials.

    • Shop for extra seating that can be easily stashed once the party is over. Folding wooden chairs, benches, and garden stools can be stored or repurposed in other parts of the house after the party is over.
    • Add a pretty and protective surface to outdoor tabletops with tablecloths. Oilcloths are offered in a variety of patterns and colors and are ideal for easy cleanup.
    • Set down the bug spray and keep mosquitoes at bay with beautifully packaged citronella candles. We especially love the classic, subdued elegance of glass votive citronella candles.

    Keep reading for additional tips on how to prep your patio for Fourth of July entertaining!