Thoughtful, fun product design enhances backyard entertaining.
One step outside will tell you that it is OFFICIALLY summer in Dallas. (When armed with bug spray) the evening hours are precious, cooler moments to be utilized for entertaining and relaxing outside!
While working on Dallas Interior Design for residential client’s homes and coming to their backyards, balconies, and patios, we’ve come across some of the most fun accessories. This list (with links to shop) will get you off to a great start of accessorizing your outdoor living space so that encourages guests to linger, play, eat, drink, swim….and the list of summer fun goes on!
PLAY
Games aren’t just for kids!
Time outdoors with family and friends is enhanced with well-thought out areas for play. This could mean always having a deck of cards ready, or stocking your pool with fun floats.
To keep bugs at bay and be able to enjoy the play. These colorful citronella candles couldn’t be an easier pop of practical color.
Find them here.
“An all-natural, insect repellent formula, this plant-based body oil cools and refreshes as it keeps bugs at bay. Lemon eucalyptus oil discourages bugs from biting, while jojoba, chamomile and calendula oils moisturize and soothe summer skin.” says the stockist of the Jao products, Terrain. Terrain is the outdoor branch of Anthropologie, a find in itself!
Find it here.
Throwback to yesteryear with this beautifully-designed croquet set!
Find it here.
How about a GIANT Jenga set? Just don’t play next to anything breakable.
Find it here.
Floats like this are all the rage this summer. From flamingos to donuts to pineapples, these floats up the fun in your poolside pictures.
Find it here.
This is such a cute idea for a party or special night. Table top s’mores by putting charcoal in a foil lined terra cotta pot.
Find it here.
DRINK
Some of favorite finds to make cooling off with your drink of choice more stylish and fun!
The natural look of this woven tray will fit into any style!
Find here.
This marble wine cooler is so classic and a great deal. Adding a touch of classic glamour in the small details is a great way to make the backyard feel more luxurious.
Find here.
No-break stemless wine glasses are a must-have.
Find here.
Clip on drink marker umbrellas for your glasses!
Find here.
For the post-dinner coffee drinkers.
Find here.
A vintage-inspired drink cooler makes such a fun statement!
Find here.
These striped paper straws add something special.
Find here.
DECORATE
Invite more guests to linger by never running out of seating, even on the floor. Having outdoor floor pillows around is especially a good idea for an outdoor area with a TV. We love to order custom pillows for our patio designs, but find simple solids, here.
Lamps fitted with proper water-resistant bulbs and shades are now more stylish than ever.
We would order this here.
For any DIYers. Martha Stewart has outlined a project to make rug pillows like the ones in the photo above.
Find it here.
Here’s another buy from Terrain’s collection. These folding chairs in any combination of color are adorable, portable, and space saving.
Find them here.
Upholstered folding chairs.
Find here.
This collection from a patio vendor takes us somewhere cool and coastal.
Find them here.
Palm leaves are another trend we’re seeing everywhere this season, from fashion to decor. What a great piece to throw in to immediately update a look.
Find it here.
The scalloping on this unique cocktail table is playful and feels like something that would be in a Kate Spade photo shoot. That’s a way I wouldn’t mind having someone describe my outdoor space!
Find it here.
DINE
Your patio is a place where you can sway from the rest of the interior design of your home and go more bold. These melamine plates are perfect and non-breakable for the outdoors.
Find so many options here.
Bamboo tableware is a fun eco-friendly twist on plasticware.
Find here.
This silver metallic utensils holder looks so polished.
Find it here.
This mesh food cover is practical and a great way to still display the beautiful fruits of the season while keeping away any bugs!
Find here.
Sunset Magazine has a collection of great popsicle recipes
And the easy tool to make them with!
Find here.
We believe that thoughtful interior design changes the way you live and work, and thoughtful exterior design for your Dallas patio, backyard, or balcony creates a place where fun naturally happens. Patio design, outdoor design, backyard design, or whatever makes up your home’s unique space outside, can be transformed into the perfect spot for entertaining with a little thought, the right products, good food, and the people you love!