There’s no time like summer for gathering outdoors with friends and family. This year, summer soirees are looking a little different than we are used to, and figuring out how to host outdoors can be a challenge. If you are looking to spruce up your home for hosting small gatherings, your outdoor entertainment area is the perfect place to start! It’s time for a quick and simple summer refresh for outdoor entertaining.
Equip your outdoor entertainment space with ultimate durability. Designer Anne Michaelson incorporates Sunbrella fabrics throughout outdoor living spaces so her clients don’t sacrifice style for durability. | With the cleanability of Sunbrella fabrics, you don’t have to sweat the spill and stains!
Refresher #1: Equip your Furniture for Maximum Cleanability
Small outdoor gatherings mean that your fabrics may be subject to the occasional food and beverage spill. Sticky popsicles, tropical cocktails, and grilling condiments are no match for the performance power of Sunbrella! Equipping your outdoor space with durable, cleanable fabrics allows you to enjoy your company without having to sweat the accidental stains and worry about frequent cleaning. Sunbrella fabrics are perfect for outdoor living and are engineered to be extremely durable. They can even be cleaned with bleach.
Anne Michaelson incorporates ocean blue and seafoam green tabletop accessories to create a nautical tablescape that is perfect for a small summer get-together. | Rich red and oranges with contrasting sky blues in these Sunbrella upholstered seats create a warm sunset aesthetic in this rooftop table designed by Rachel Moriarty.
Refresher #2: Fun + Functional Tablescapes
Get into the summer spirit with themed table settings that make your gathering feel extra festive! Ocean blues and tropical greens or sunset hues for your cloth napkins, table runner, or placemats can add a fun seasonal element to your outdoor gathering while equipping your table with the ultimate stain resistance. Mix patterns and textures for a little visual variety, and finish off the look with shells, candles, tropical greenery, and a yummy umbrella drink for a summertime setup that will wow your guests. Incorporating Sunbrella fabrics in your table design allows you to style a dynamic seasonal tablescape that will ensure that your fabrics are easy to clean and durable enough to withstand any mess. For more table inspiration, check out this Coastal Reef curated collection from Haven & Harmony, featuring #Sunbrella fabrics in a summer motif! Products can be used indoors or out for a quick tablescape.
This rooftop patio is the ideal outdoor entertainment space! Anne Michaelson designs the perfect outdoor setting complete with high-performing Sunbrella fabrics, ample seating for guests, and a stunning view | Take a page out of designer Anne Michaelson’s book and host a relaxing night around a bonfire. Sunbrella fabric pillows are built to last through year round exposure to the elements. | Create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space with Sunbrella fabrics in fun and festive colors. Designer Rachel Moriarty designs a rooftop space to be equal parts stylish and durable.
Refresher #3: Enjoy a Spacious Layout and Open Air
The best way to safely and considerately enjoy the company of a few friends or family is to entertain in an open air setting like an open patio, deck, or spacious backyard. Design your outdoor space to allow enough room for your guests to feel comfortable, and be sure to provide enough seating to accommodate ample personal space for your guests. Organize your layout to allow your guests to partake in laid back entertainment and outdoor activities like cornhole, a game of charades, or roasting marshmallows over a fire pit. Include a variety of seating options like oversized ground pillows, throw blankets on a grassy area, and versatile individual seats to make the layout feel comfortable and natural for your friends and family.
Try fireside sparklers for your Fourth of July party, or a game of backyard bocci for a small Labor Day get-together.
Take outdoor living to a whole new level. Sunbrella upholstered cushions allow you and your guests to enjoy your small outdoor gathering to the max.
Refresher #4: Pool Party
Taking the festivities to the water and hosting poolside? Laying low by the water with your loved ones is a great way to keep cool and enjoy the outdoors! Sunbrella fabrics are water resistant and quick drying, so you can enjoy them around or even in your pool without concern! For your pool deck, kick back on a water resistant poolside lounge chair. Once you’re ready to take a dip in the pool, jump in with the Lazy day body float, available at Frontgate, or the Kai Infinity Pool Float from Pottery Barn. Whether you’re relaxing in the shade of an umbrella with a glass of lemonade and hors d’oeuvres or splashing in the deep end, Sunbrella fabrics make the perfect addition to your laid-back pool party.
We can’t wait to see how you apply these outdoor entertaining ideas to your own small summer gatherings! For a chance for you and your outdoor area to be featured on our social channels, share your #SunbrellaMoment and tag us @sunbrella. For more outdoor living inspiration from Sunbrella, check out Designing the Perfect Patio in 7 Steps, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.