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Summer Outdoor Entertaining Guide

Get ready for a summer of hosting with our outdoor entertaining guide. Check out the summer outdoor entertaining ideas and essentials that will take your party to the next level.

From holidays to casual get-togethers with loved ones, ensure your outdoor space is ready for a summer of excitement. No outside space is complete without comfortable and stylish furniture that fulfills your entertaining and style needs.

Picturesque Pool Party
Become the envy of your neighborhood (no matter where you live) with a poolside style that puts even the most luxurious Hamptons homes to shame.
Set up your poolside soiree with outdoor chaises and lounges at the crossroad of style and function. Explore straightforward and lightweight chaise designs for an easily movable and long-lasting piece, or choose from an upholstered, cushioned lounge that provides a comfortable spot for an all-day lounge during.

The right poolside setup will make your summer parties the most anticipated event of the season.
Chaise days
Set up your poolside soiree with outdoor chaises and lounges at the crossroad of style and function. Explore straightforward and lightweight chaise designs for an easily movable and long-lasting piece, or choose from an upholstered, cushioned lounge that provides a comfortable spot for an all-day lounge.

The right poolside setup will make your summer parties the most anticipated event of the season. Learn more about choosing the perfect seating for your pool with our outdoor chaises and lounges guide.
ROOMS TO GO

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

Before You Buy
STYLE ESSENTIALS
ROOMS TO GO

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

Once you decide which chair you want to relax in, it's time to find a matching side or end table to set your drink. Complement your seating with a side table that elevates your look and provides a spot for your essentials. Find a height and style that fits your lounge chairs and makes access to your items easy. Outdoor accent tables are the perfect way to add a practical fashion statement to your backyard.

RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

No Hamptons pool party is complete without a poolside drink to rest on those gorgeous side tables. We turned to Freestyle Snacks to give us the inspiration and top-notch ingredients needed to get the party started.
EDITORS RECIPE PICK
Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary
INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup fresh horseradish
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup hot sauce (we love Frank's)
1 small lemon (squeezed for its juice)
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups tomato juice
16oz vodka of choice (we love Tito's or Kettle)

GARNISH
3 tablespoons of Everything Bagel seasoning
Freestyle Snacks™ Hot & Spicy Olives
1 stalk of celery
1/2 slice of lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a pitcher, combine all ingredients aside from the vodka and garnish
2. Stir well and refrigerate for 2 hours
3. Line rims of glasses with leftover lemon and Everything Bagel seasoning
4. Pour in Bloody Mary mixture
5. Garnish with Hot & Spicy olives and celery
Complete the Look
The trendiest pool party of the season is just a shopping cart away. Let these pieces inspire your design, and get your outdoor oasis ready in time for summer.
Dine Al Fresco
Call all neighbors, family, and friends, and bring the party outside for a classic summer cookout during your favorite summer holiday or just because.
Show off your grilling skills with an outdoor table and chair set that seats everyone comfortably and fits your style. Explore styles that transform your backyard into the summer party of your dreams.

Wicker, glass, metal, or wood-look, the options are endless. Find table and chair arrangements that fit anywhere from two to eight people in a design you love.

Have an intimate party with a wrought iron, bistro-style set, gather a group around a large wood-look table bench set, or relax poolside with a bar-height table and chair set. The options are endless. Pair these sets together for the ultimate backyard space, or pick the option that checks your entering boxes.
Shop dining sets
ROOMS TO GO

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

ROOMS TO GO

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

Choosing an outdoor table and chairs shouldn’t be difficult. If you need a little more information on how to find the perfect combination, read our outdoor dining set guide.
Need a little inspiration for your al fresco meal? Our friends at Freestyle Snacks are here to help.
EDITORS RECIPE PICK
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
INGREDIENTS

Freestyle Snacks™ Kalamata Olives
Freestyle Snacks™ Spicy Olives
Lemon Wedges
Fresh Figs
Golden Berries (Peruvian Groundcherry)
Cherry Tomato
Baby Cucumber
Chickpeas, fresh or roasted
Radish
Pita Bread, sliced
Artisan Sourdough Bread, sliced
Feta Cheese
Hummus
Tzatziki
Tabbouleh

INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange on board as desired and enjoy!
Night Under the Stars
Let the sun go down and the stars come out and gather friends and family for a backyard night under the stars.
Make memories with your friends and family with summer movie nights. Create a cherished summer tradition with a cozy spot for everyone to gather. Outdoor sectionals make your home look magazine ready and are the perfect spot for you and your loved ones to sit back and relax.
RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

Disconnect from the hustle and bustle, get outdoors, and embrace a slow-paced summer with a night around a campfire. Whether making S’mores or telling your best campfire stories, outfit your space with comfortable chairs that make conversation and roasting marshmallows feel cozy. Adirondack chairs with a swayed back make you feel relaxed and put you in perfect proximity to the fire, while upholstered seating options feel comfortable enough to spend the night under the stars.
ROOMS TO GO

Dark Wood

Modern accents are the perfect finishing piece to a transitional style. Lamps, art, and vases balance out traditional furniture styles, achieving a modern design.

Shop by material

Comfortable Seating

Optimize for comfort and style with plush seating. Transitional style blends the comfort found in traditional designs with the sophisticated look of a modern design. Try neutral fabric looks to achieve this balance. 

Shop sofas

Ornate Decor

Classic shapes and clean lines are a hallmark of a transitional design. Balance out heavier pieces of furniture with simple yet sharp tables and accent pieces.

Shop decor

Gentle Curves

Set the foundation of your design with a monochromatic color palette. 

Shop tables

Create memories that will last a lifetime with the perfect backyard setup. Learn more about finding the right seating for your home without our outdoor seating guide.
Complete the Look
Kickstart your cozy backyard getaway with these picks. The only thing left to do is grab the marshmallows, chocolate, and crackers for the perfect summer night with your family.
Pull the Look Together
No party is complete without a little sparkle. Complement your furnishings with lights, poofs, rugs, and ottomans to make your space feel put together and in high style. Make the perfect pairings with a little help from our outdoor accessories guide.
Shop decor

"

As much as we all love to get cozy in the living room and lounge around in bed, a backyard is the truest of sanctuaries—especially if it's prepped with all the right backyard bells and whistles.

-Emblem Properties Writer, Sherri Barrett

More to Explore

F.A.Q.

How do I keep guests cool during a summer outdoor party?

Keeping your guests comfortable is essential for summertime outdoor entertainment. Use umbrellas, a pop-up tent, or shade sails to cooler areas, and provide plenty of seating. Set up fans nearby for extra airflow. 


Consider serving frosty drinks like lemonade, frozen cocktails, or infused water with plenty of ice. For food, skip heavy dishes and lean into lighter, refreshing options such as salads, fresh fruits, or chilled appetizers. 

What furniture do I need for summer outdoor entertaining?

Outdoor furniture should be weatherproof and lightweight for easy moving. Materials like wicker, aluminum, or teak can withstand the elements. 


You'll also need surfaces for drinks, snacks, or decor. A sturdy outdoor dining table is ideal if you’re serving a full meal, but small side tables might work for casual get-togethers. If you want a temporary solution for large parties, you can even set up a picnic-style layout. 


Consider adding extras, like a serving cart for drinks or a large ottoman that can double as a table or extra seating when needed. 

How can I create a cozy atmosphere for evening entertaining?

Lighting is the secret to cozy after-dark gatherings. String lights, lanterns, and LED candles create a welcoming glow. If you're feeling crafty, fill mason jars with fairy lights for inexpensive, warm centerpieces. 


Textiles also add warmth. Layer outdoor rugs, throw blankets, and cushions in seating areas. 


A fire pit or outdoor heater adds ambiance, fights evening chills, and provides your guests with a natural gathering point. Grouping candles of varying heights also creates a cozy, flickering-light effect. 

How can I make my summer gathering feel special?

It’s the little details that elevate an event from good to unforgettable. A theme or color palette pulls everything together. It doesn't have to be elaborate. You can add simple touches like tropical-inspired drink garnishes, matching table linens, or floral centerpieces. 


Guide the flow of the engagement with interactive elements like a DIY taco bar, a s'mores setup, or yard games. These activities are fun and encourage guests to strike up conversation. 


Think about the music you want to play. Create a playlist that reflects the vibe you want to establish. Keep the volume low so it doesn't drown out the conversation. 


Thoughtful, personal touches can elevate your party and show your guests that you care. You could fill a basket with bug spray, sunscreen, and foldable fans or handwrite place cards for a more formal dinner. 


Finally, enjoy yourself! Your energy at the event sets the vibe. If you’re relaxed and having fun, guests will be, too. 

TEXTURES
Textures
Textures are getting more intentional this season. Earth-inspired textures are being brought indoors to create a dimensional, biophilic space. Wicker and rattan are incorporated into furniture pieces and decor. Jute rugs, baskets, and organic materials are brought inside to accent your look.
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