Outdoor Living: Entertaining Ideas

Lighten up and let your personality be your guide

PHOTOS/ELEGANT OUTDOOR LIVING

The outdoor patio is an extension of the indoors and provides extra living space, and most importantly, entertaining space. In today’s world of so many choices, outdoor furnishings no longer have to be durable and boring. Do you like terrazzo or marble? Wicker or wood? Bright colors or steely grays? You can have it all, but fi rst you must allow yourself to forget the old “everything must match” mantra.

Options to mix and match outdoor furniture collections and pieces abound, not just in fabrics and colors, but with mixed materials. Designers are pairing wicker with wood, or wood with steel. Sofas and chairs are paired with kitschy cocktail tables and end tables from other collections.

“Everyone has their eyes on mixing materials,” says Stephanie Stegman, Merchandise Manager at Elegant Outdoor Living, based in Sarasota. “A lot of outdoor furnishing manufacturers have created perfect pairs whether using teak with wicker or aluminum with teak. Everything looks very pristine and refreshing.”

Key colors both inside and out are leaning toward bright white and greys, accented by colorful backsplashes and tilework, says Stegman.

“For example, pair a simple resin charcoal wicker sofa group with a faux white marble cocktail table and end tables,” she says. “This transitional style fi ts perfectly in the new homes being built. It takes it to another level and gives the feel of that true designer style.”

Add small tables of faux cement or faux stone, colorful ceramic stools or outdoor fabric stools, and unique shaped accent tables. Upholstered stools in Sunbrella fabrics can coordinate with sofa cushions and provide functionadditional seating.

Outdoor Dining

When looking for outdoor dining furniture, consider how much space you have and how your space will be used, says Stegman. People love to entertain outdoors but they do not always have the space for a large dining table. Look for long tables in narrower widths, like 28 inches which is half the width of an indoor dining table. These narrower tables can still comfortably seat six or eight.

Check out the various seating options as there are many. Cushion dining chairs are often the most comfortable option. But make sure the fabric will stand up to extreme heat, wind and rain, salt air and humidity.

Pools and firepits

Custom-made pools can also include seating, and one option is the in-pool loungers with marine-grade polymer seating. This is a recycled plastic material that is nearly indestructible. You can even add these pool chaises to your existing pool.

Striking TUUCI patio umbrellas come in a variety of frames and fabrics to keep guests shaded poolside.

Firepit tables can add a stunning style element to an outdoor space – and have come a long way.

“Firepit tables really started taking off about fi ve years ago with very few choices in size and color,” says Stegman. “Now, there are so many choices. You can choose diff erent sizes, shapes, materials, fi nishes, and heights. We pair fi repits with cushion swivel lounge chairs, or match a low rectangle fi repit with a contemporary sectional, or a small round fi repit with four sling chairs for a smaller area.”

Colorful fi re glass, gems or beads to match the color of your pool or the fabric on your cushions can add a visual punch.

Selecting Furniture

Many snowbirds may not be aware that the iron patio furniture they bring South from northern climes will rust, fade and peel in the sun and salt air. Look for furnishings with protective qualities such as UV protected aluminum frame furniture.

Finally, don’t skimp when it comes to quality in outdoor fabrics. Perhaps the top-selling durable upholstery for outdoor use is Sunbrella, a high-performance fabric that is UV and fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and bleach cleanable. It may be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it, says Stegman.

Left, in-water lounge chairs of marine-grade polymer are long-lasting and durable. Right, Tommy Bahama’s St. Tropez collection looks stylish but is made for outdoors. All furnishings available through Elegant Outdoor Living, based in Sarasota.