Since it's Memorial Day weekend coming right up and everyone will be out enjoying the great weather with a bbq, I thought I would share my favorite looks for outdoor entertaining. I think that your patio or back porch should be an extension of the inside of your home and reflect your style just as much. Some of my favorite places to shop for this are West Elm, Pottery Barn, and World Market - they have everything you need to make a great party, plus lots of sales this weekend for the holiday!!
First - Start with your table and chairs or do long benches like these ones. I think these folding chairs are a great idea because they are so much better looking than your typical metal folding chairs. Just make sure that you have enough seating around the area for people to gather around, stay awhile, and enjoy themselves. I also love having a bar cart because it has wheels to be moved around wherever you need to for the party and it helps create different stations so people can get their drinks first while the food is being grilled up.
Second - Find table linens that will match your color scheme. Table linens really define the design of the table and help give it a finished look, and just because you are eating outside doesn't mean you can't do it in style. Find some cute napkin holders like these woven ones that add a little flair to the design.
Third - Set the table with some fun serving ware. I think all these glalvanized metal pieces from Pottery Barn are great for outdoor parties and I love all the variety of pieces they have. They help display the food in a variety of ways rather than having a bunch of flat serving plates on the table. I also love these woven chargers that help create the perfect place setting with this outdoor rope plate collection. You can even have great looking BBQ tools like these ones. Another great idea is to have a drink station. There are so many cute drink containers out there like these or these to make it darling. So get a few and offer a variety of drinks for your guests, plus these little chalkboard signs are perfect to label each one.
Fourth - Now that your table is all set, it's time to add the finishing touches like some fresh flowers in vases and lights stringing over head to set the mood. I love these cute ones with the metal shade because they are a little more unique than your typical bulb lights. Add some cute pillows to your chairs and benches that will give it that perfect finishing touch. And don't forget some outdoor games like this great croquet set that I am love with. Then just add some music and you have yourself a great Memorial Day BBQ!
