While the best outdoor gatherings look and feel effortless, the best hosts know that the key is in the preparation. Putting in the legwork early means that your summer get-togethers will involve far less stress ahead of the event, making for a happier and more relaxed host on the day.

We've asked the experts for their top outdoor entertaining tips, from setup to cleanup – think seating layouts, shade and lighting, tableware, decor and drinks stations – for the most seamless and stylish patio hosting setup.

We have you covered with summer garden party decor and an essential outdoor entertaining checklist, as well as editor-approved buys to help you shop the best outdoor dining ideas for creating a memorable and magical event.

1. Start With a Layout That Allows Space and Flow

Ensuring that the layout of your outdoor space works for the number of guests and style of event is a crucial factor for backyard hosting. Creating 'micro-zones' that encourage guests to mingle and gather, allowing for flow between spaces to prevent overcrowding, and providing plenty of seating, lighting, and shade will all contribute to a smoothly run event.

Ensure There's Ample and Flexible Seating

While your outdoor living room ideas might work perfectly for your household day-to-day, when it comes to hosting, you'll need to consider more flexible seating arrangements that can be moved or adapted to suit the guest list.

'Flexibility is key in designing for entertaining, both indoors and out,' agrees Aly Morford, co-founder & principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors. 'Modular seating, like ottomans and stools, are a great way to flex with your party’s size while still keeping a curated and low-profile look when not in use.'

Make sure there are plenty of outdoor side tables for guests to put their glasses on and that furniture is lightweight and easy to move, or that you provide some elegant occasional pieces, like these Folding French rattan-style chairs from Wayfair.

Create Clearly-Defined Zones

'The biggest mistake people make with outdoor entertaining spaces is treating the yard as one undifferentiated room,' says Rebekah Zaveloff, founder of Imparfait Design Studio. 'Zoning is about giving each activity its own sense of place.'

Creating a three-zone outdoor hosting setup for dining, lounging, and late nights is the perfect way to do this. Rebekah adds, 'At our home in Michigan (pictured above), we have a pizza oven positioned close to the dining area – when you're pulling a pizza out and bringing it straight to the table, you want that energy, that heat, that theater all happening in the same breath. But the fire pit is somewhere else entirely. That's a slower, more contemplative space for lingering after dinner. Those zones need to feel different because they invite different kinds of connection.'

It's also important to pay attention to the 'flow' between those zones. 'People often overlook the in-between – the planting pockets, the moments of greenery that you move from one zone to the next,' says Rebekah. 'Those transitions matter enormously. They signal to your body: this is a new space now, shift your pace. Good outdoor design choreographs how people move through it.'

Provide Shade and Lighting

A purpose-built structure, like a pergola, not only provides shade to keep guests cool and protected from the midday sun but can make for a really atmospheric feel by night, too.

Outdoor lighting, such as the statement pendant light shown above, can be fitted to the crossbeams and combined with string lights and lanterns for a cozy glow. A semi-permanent structure can also be useful for attaching outdoor fans, heaters or speakers (for ambient background music) to, while the wiring can be hidden in the frame. And, if positioned close to the house, there's no need for an external power source.

2. Build a Hosting-Ready Outdoor Dining Setup

When it comes to styling an elegant summer table there are a few additional things worth considering for outdoor entertaining. First of all, it's worth investing in some outdoor-specific tableware to keep your best plates and glasses for indoor use. Colorful and washable linens will help to create a styled tablescape, while practical elements, such as substantial serveware, table weights and outdoor-safe candles, can be balanced with personal touches, for a functional yet elegant setup.

Switch to Stylish, Durable Tableware to Prevent Breakage

Outdoor-safe tableware is far more sophisticated today than the plastic and paper picnicware of old. Think vintage china-inspired melamine, scalloped edges, acrylic glasses that emulate cut crystal. Birch Lane's Cabana stripe dinner plates (pictured above) are the perfect example and come in four colors, so you can mix it up if you wish.

Melamine is a good choice for plates and bowls as it's lightweight, practically unbreakable, and comes in an array of colors and designs to suit your event. Bamboo is another great option, which is a sustainable tableware choice.

When it comes to outdoor glassware, opting for shatter-proof acrylic will take away any stress about breakages – nobody wants to be sweeping up broken glass when hosting – but don't scrimp on style either. Colored glassware is everywhere right now, and the best acrylic drinkware is just as effective, from tumblers and flutes to jugs.

Layer Linens for a Curated Look

Tablecloths aren't just for indoors; outdoor table linens can add a really chic look to your alfresco entertaining setup. And one way to make them look purposefully styled is by layering. This means starting with a tablecloth base and building on the look with linen napkins, a table runner and other details in a complementary colorway or pattern. For example, a yellow and white striped linen tablecloth (Summerill & Bishop) would pair beautifully with these Marigold block print napkins (Wayfair).

Mary-Kathryn McConaghy from Curated Events explains: 'Layering linens allows us to create visual depth and dimension without adding complexity to the experience. By introducing a secondary textile, pattern, or color through a runner or overlay, the table begins to feel more alive, more intentional, and more reflective of the overall event story.' She adds: 'Those subtle, complementary elements help guide the eye and transform a tabletop from a functional surface into part of the sensory memory of your gathering.'

Style an Outdoor Centerpiece That Feels Informal and Effortless

You can get really creative when it comes to outdoor table centerpieces. Think candles or lanterns, fruit and floral displays that incorporate edible decor and vintage decor pieces that bring a touch of whimsical garden style to the table.

Curated Events' Mary-Kathryn shares: 'The most compelling outdoor tablescapes engage more than one sense. Centerpieces with a combination of florals, fruit, candlelight, and layered textures create a feeling of natural abundance without overwhelming the table.'

'In this setting (pictured above), the grapes soften the formality of the floral design while introducing movement, color, and an element of seasonality. The goal is never decoration for decoration's sake – it's creating an environment that feels inviting, effortless, and thoughtfully considered from every seat at the table.'

Mix Up Your Serveware For Alfresco Ease

The lovely thing about entertaining outdoors is that you don't need to be as formal or rigid with your choice of serveware. Switch up traditional platters for vintage trays, rustic boards, or repurpose unexpected collected pieces.

Founder of Creative Event Catering Company, Lauren Lombardi says: When entertaining outdoors, I love selecting serveware that feels both beautiful and functional. One of my favorite approaches is to present food on trays and platters that are ready to move seamlessly from kitchen to table. Rustic wooden boards, vintage platters, woven baskets for bread, and collected ceramic pieces add warmth and character while encouraging a relaxed style of entertaining.'

'I am always drawn to pieces that feel collected rather than perfectly matched. Antique platters, weathered bowls, and heirloom-inspired serving pieces bring a sense of charm and authenticity to the table. They help create an atmosphere that feels inviting, effortless, and personal.'

Work in Some Personal Touches

A couple of thoughtful personal touches go a long way and can make your gathering (and your guests) feel extra special. They needn't take a great deal of time, effort, or expense either. A simple handwritten placecard popped in a holder, like these gold strawberry placecard holders from Tuckernuck (pictured above), creates a really elegant look.

You could also place hand-written menu cards on the tables, propped up on some tabletop easels (Amazon), pop some fresh herbs into napkin rings, or try making your own floral napkin posy using seasonal florals straight from the garden.

Personalizing glasses with name labels like these wine glass charms from Amazon, which you can write straight on to, will both help guests to keep hold of their own drinks and reduce glass usage throughout your event, so that you don't run out.

3. Don't Forget Lighting to Add Evening Ambiance

If you're hosting a late afternoon or evening event, lighting is absolutely crucial and can instantly transform a bright and breezy daytime setting into a warm and atmospheric one. Opting for multiple light sources, from string lights to table lights and pathway lighting, is one way to plan outdoor lighting like a designer – it helps to reinforce entertaining zones to create a layered and intimate scheme that works on all levels. Outdoor solar lights are ideal for entertaining as they don't have unsightly or hazardous wires. Dimmable bulbs and warm temperatures all add to ambiance.

Create an Atmosphere With Candles and Lanterns

Candlelight is unbeatable when it comes to creating an inviting and magical atmosphere, thanks to its natural warmth and hypnotic glow. However, there are safety implications of using open flames in an outdoor arrangement. A gust of wind could cause loose florals or linens to catch light and quickly become problematic.

Instead, opt for tealights in glass votives, or solar-powered flameless candles, like these real wax LED pillar candles from Amazon, which can be equally effective and are often easily managed with a remote control. Mix them up for different heights. Lanterns can also be used on tables or hung on nearby trees or hooks for added interest.

Make it Magical With Festoon and String Lights

Overhead lighting, whether string lights or festoon lighting, can bring a wonderful aura to an outdoor dining area, particularly if the lights are nestled among branches and greenery. Courtney Allison, stylist, founder of French Country Cottage, says, 'I love to layer lighting when entertaining. From candles and moody lights on the table to zig-zagged strands of lights above, it is all about creating a magic-filled ambiance for a gathering.'

Festoon lighting makes a great choice for relaxed outdoor gatherings as it brings a rustic, homespun touch that feels casually thrown together rather than styled to perfection. Claire Bassett agrees: 'Festoon lighting is my go-to – it’s super versatile, can be draped or wrapped around sheds, greenhouses, fences or trees to add comfort and warmth in the evening.' She adds a practical tip: 'The color of the cabling is important to consider – black can provide a strong contrast, while white cabling gives a lighter, softer feel when combined with the glow of the bulbs.'

'String lights are equally as impactful – they tend to be smaller than festoon lighting and are therefore better for smaller spaces, or for lighting nooks and crannies. I like to wrap string LEDs around objects or plants, such as trees or foliage, as this can act as a nicely lit backdrop.'

Lead the Way With Pathway Lighting

If your outdoor entertaining area is sprawling with different zones and lacking in built-in lighting, you can easily add definition and ambiance with LED or solar pathway lighting. From clusters dotted among floral borders (like the Anthropologie Solar Dandelion Stake Lighting, pictured above), to hanging lanterns on stakes, there's such a variety to choose from.

Claire Bassett suggests, 'LED candle lanterns can be situated on the pathway leading into the garden, at the entrance to greenhouses or sheds, with various sizes creating more of a theatrical entrance or scattered throughout steps and paved spaces at different levels on the floor for a more interesting look.'

While pathway lighting is beautiful, it's also a practical choice to guide your guests around your entertaining space safely. You can make it really easy for yourself by opting for solar powered lights which come on automatically when it gets dark.

Opt For Rechargeable Table Lighting

You can easily capture that romantic and intimate European courtyard aesthetic with some thoughtfully positioned table lights. While overhead lighting brings a warm glow, portable table lights will provide directional lighting for guests to see what they're eating and aid easy conversation.

Opt for chic rechargeable touch lights (like this Cading Cordless Outdoor Table Lamp from Lulu & Georgia – pictured above) which will mean that you won't have to contend with wires in among the plates, and that they can be seamlessly worked into your tablescape, bringing height and interest. Warm color temperature bulbs will ensure the light isn't overly harsh or unnatural, and dimmable settings will allow you and your guests to tailor the brightness to suit them.

4. Set Up a Self-Serve Drinks Station

Setting up an outdoor drinks station is a wonderful way to take the pressure off the host and to encourage guests to interact in a natural way. Rose Duong, of The Wickwood Inn, in Michigan, says, 'I love outdoor self-serve bars for so many reasons. They give guests autonomy to choose whatever they like, whether that’s lots of ice or an extra olive. They free the host to mingle and actually enjoy themselves at their own party. And, maybe most important, they offer a reason for guests to prompt conversation with people they may not know, and acclimate to their surroundings at their own pace.'

Find Stylish Ways to Keep Drinks Cool

While regular ice buckets will do the job, you can create a stylish talking point by being more creative with your choice of vessel when entertaining outdoors. Lauren Lombardi says, 'Some of the most charming entertaining details come from reimagining everyday objects. Rather than traditional beverage tubs, I often use antique bowls, terracotta pots, vintage enamel sinks, stoneware crocks, or galvanized vessels filled with ice to chill wine and beverages.'

These might be items found around your garden – a stone trough, for example – or picked up at local antique stores or estate sales. 'These unexpected pieces add personality and visual interest while serving a practical purpose,' adds Lauren. 'I especially love using terracotta pots as wine coolers. They feel natural and relaxed, complement outdoor settings beautifully, and create a collected, garden-inspired look.'

Elevate Soft Drinks With Thoughtful Details

As the host, you'll likely have your wine, beer, and cocktails covered, but don't forget the soft drinks for non-drinkers and drivers, as well as for keeping your guests hydrated in the heat. Think colorful thirst quenchers, like fresh lemonade and fragrant mocktails with pots of pick-your-own herbs to garnish with.

Courtney Murray, co-owner of luxury party rentals and event design company, Spoon + Salt, recommends: 'Prepare garnishes ahead of time. Slice citrus fruit, herbs, and other garnishes before guests arrive. Display them in small footed bowls for elevated presentation.' It's well worth investing in something like this glass footed drinks dispenser (Williams Sonoma) for showing off your beautiful beverages.

Rose Duong adds, 'An event’s color palette, setting, and theme can all provide inspiration for a signature mocktail. If it’s in a garden, for example, you can incorporate elderflower and fresh herbs. The idea is to heighten the guest experience by providing a beverage that looks and tastes delicious, and tells a story.'

Add Accessories for a Thoughtful Flourish

You can really hone in on a theme with bar accessories, from elegant garnish picks and colorful coasters and napkins, to chic bar tools, like bejeweled bottle openers.

Founder of eponymous home style store Joanna Buchanan says, 'An outdoor bar should create a sensory overload with color, pattern and whimsy. Start with a colorful tray (like the large ombre capiz trays from Joanna Buchanan), then create interest with cocktail napkins, coasters, cocktail picks and a dazzling bottle opener. I really like using natural or coastal themes as they mimic what's going on around you and really amp up the vibe of the party.'

Offer DIY Garnishes to Encourage Interaction

'A garnish station is one of the easiest ways to elevate cocktails while encouraging guests to interact and personalize their drinks,' says Lauren Lombardi. 'I love arranging seasonal garnishes on a tray with delicate and curated bowls of fresh strawberries, edible flowers, citrus wheels, and herbs, such as mint and basil. Not only does it add beautiful color to the table, but it also transforms a simple cocktail into a memorable experience.'

A set of these mini berry serving bowls from Target is ideal for small soft fruits, while you can add potted herbs, or vintage jars and bottles for flavored sugars and syrups, as well as mini vases for edible flowers.

'One of my favorite garnishes is chamomile. It brings a soft, romantic element to entertaining, with its gentle flavor and daisy-like blooms. Guests enjoy creating their own combinations, and the presentation becomes part of the decor,' adds Lauren.

5. Put Guest Comfort First

The best gatherings are those that bring a natural ease, where guests don't have to ask for anything, but this concept of 'invisible hosting' does take a little forethought and planning ahead. Check the weather forecast to ensure you have cover for all eventualities (shade, cooling and warmth), consider ways to prevent outdoor pests from ruining your event, and create a comfortable setting that brings a quiet luxury to your outdoor space, encouraging relaxed conversation and a reason to linger.

Add Coziness With Cushions and Blankets

Comfort is key if you want to create an environment where guests want to settle in. Extra outdoor throw pillows will ensure hard outdoor furniture is easier on the back, while leaving blankets out for wrapping up in as the sun goes down will be welcome additions to your backyard hosting setup.

Leigh Lincoln, co-founder and principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors, explains, 'High-quality, outdoor-grade furniture mixed with soft accents like throws and accent pillows make for a functional space that allows you and your guests to relax and stay awhile.'

Cushioned outdoor furniture that you can sink into, like these wicker swivel outdoor lounge chairs from Pottery Barn, invites your guests to get cozy and embrace the comforting environment.

Keep Bugs at Bay

There's nothing worse at an outdoor gathering than an invasion of unwanted bugs. But there are plenty of ways that you can keep them at bay without compromising on style.

These screened food domes from West Elm are chic, yet practical, while these fly fans from Amazon are battery-powered and will keep bugs away without having to cover food, so that your guests can easily reach for dishes.

As dusk arrives, biting insects can spoil the party spirit, so consider providing some natural bug spray (like Murphy's Lemon and Eucalyptus Bug Spray from Target) in discreet baskets, away from the food areas, for guests to help themselves to. Hanging some elegant citronella-scented candles like these ombre lanterns from Anthropologie brings ambiance and fragrance as well as protection.

Be Prepared For Changes in Weather

You can manage every element of your party from the food to the decor, but one thing you can't control is the weather. You can prepare for it, though. Providing a covered space that offers a cooling oasis during the hottest part of the day, and protection against wind and rain should you have an unexpected downpour, will pay dividends if the elements are against you.

'Designing a shaded space for outdoor entertaining adds longevity to your hosting throughout the season,' says Aly Morford. 'We love an integrated shade, like a draped pergola, for both its function and form. It adds a layer of texture and softness while providing a cool atmosphere – bonus points if it’s retractable.' This freestanding pergola with retractable canopy from Lowe's is under $300, making it an affordable addition to your backyard.

'And never underestimate the effect of greenery in your outdoor spaces – trees and other large foliage help keep things cool, and offer natural shade as they mature,' Aly adds.

6. Do the Prep for Food Service and Cleanup

It's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're hosting a lot of people, but the key is in the prep – if you've put in the work before the guests arrive, you'll be able to actually enjoy the party when it comes. That includes ensuring food is all but ready (bar the final touches, or a quick warm-up in the oven), drinks are chilled and mixed, the grill is clean and tools accessible, and plates and glassware are ready-to-go.

'The secret to enjoying your own party is doing the work before anyone arrives,' says Joseph Marini, event designer and author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining (SparkPress/Simon & Schuster). 'A host who’s still mixing drinks and plating food when the doorbell rings spends the gathering in the kitchen instead of with their guests. A little preparation buys you the thing you actually want, which is to be present.'

Finally, having a plan for dirty dishes, glassware, and trash as you go along (putting out accessible and stylish trash cans for guests to use, for example), will cut your cleanup time dramatically so you won't feel burnt out at the end of the night.

Set the Stage Before Guests Arrive

'Entertaining well comes down to a pre-preparation plan, from staging your hosting space to organizing your kitchen. Every staged area, whether the kitchen or a buffet table, needs room to work,' says Joseph.

Consider extra surface space, whether that means temporarily clearing a kitchen sideboard or investing in a couple of portable tables that can be used indoors or out, like this slim rectangular folding table from Lowe's.

'Even a small kitchen can be zoned ahead of time: one area for cold prep, one for staging hot food, and one for clearing dirties. If counter space is tight, keep restaurant-style bus tubs or deep bins on the floor so you can clear dirty dishes straight into them, and deal with them after the party,' adds Joseph.

Keep Drinks Well Stocked and Food Fresh

After all the hard work prepping delicious food for your guests, the last thing you'll want is for it to go cold before serving or spoil in the heat. 'Oven space is usually the bottleneck, so a restaurant-style chafing dish is always in my arsenal for keeping food warm behind the scenes,' shares Joseph.

'For cold food, keep an oversized cooler on hand and line the bottom with 6 to 8 inches of ice. I use round deli containers in quart and pint sizes for salads, dips, and the like, and tuck them right into the ice. Here’s the trick: number each lid, then number the platter or dish it will go into at serving time, so you’re never pulling containers out to guess what’s inside.' You might also want to keep a separate large coolbox outside, ready to top up the drinks station when needed, so you don't have to keep running to the fridge indoors for refills.

'Building a menu that can be served entirely at room temperature is another good way to take the pressure off,' adds Joseph. 'I also set out food on larger platters, so I’m not constantly refreshing them.'

Get the Grill Zone Ready

If you're planning on cooking on one of the best grills, the last thing you want is to open the lid and find it's not been cleaned properly from the last use, so allow plenty of time to clean your grill before you need to get the food sizzling.

Making sure that all of your grilling tools and accessories, such as aprons, charcoal (if using), spare gas cans, and dishes to serve into once the food is cooked (plus aluminum foil for keeping it warm), are close at hand will help things go smoothly. And, placing a folding table will provide extra space for tools and dishes so that you won't be fumbling around for space when the food is ready to come off the grill.

It's also worth investing in a steam grill cleaning brush for a quick and easy post-cook clean, and a small, but stylish trash can like this mint green galvanized steel lidded bucket will be so useful for disposing of meat wrappers, used foil, and kitchen towels, and save on cleanup time afterwards.

7. Consider The Final Details For an Effortless Atmosphere

Often, the more you force it, the less relaxed your event will feel, so don't fixate on trying to make things perfect. Atmosphere is everything when it comes to hosting. 'Perfection is the fastest way to ruin a party. Guests can feel a host who is performing rather than present,' warns Bryan Graybill, interior designer and seasoned host. 'I’d rather have a slightly crumpled linen cloth and a host who’s actually sitting down than a flawless table and someone hovering in the kitchen. Atmosphere is generosity; perfection is anxiety with good lighting.'

But the good news is that you can help to create an atmosphere by taking the pressure off, keeping a flexible and relaxed schedule, and adding memorable touches that engage the senses from lighting to scent and music to fresh flowers. You can also bring natural ease with elements such as fire pits to gather around, self-serve drinks, and informal sharing platters rather than plated food.

Consider All of the Senses

Good atmosphere engages all of the senses, from scent to sound. Choosing the right playlist can really set the tone for your gathering – and make sure it's not so loud that it hinders conversation. Remote-controlled speakers give you flexibility to adjust the volume from afar and ensure they're placed at a slight distance from key gathering zones.

Easy floral displays can bring a natural feel to your event – place them on the main table as well as on drinks stations and side tables – and can mirror the garden and bring color and scent. Build on the olfactory element with scented candles in garden-inspired fragrances like Jo Malone's Green Tomato Vine Candle, and opt for natural textiles and textures in table linens, cushions and blankets for tactility.

'I layer a table the way I layer a room – scent, texture, light, sound, all working quietly together,' says Bryan. 'Flowers cut from the garden that morning, never anything that looks flown in. Candles low and plentiful rather than one grand gesture. Real linen, because the hand remembers what the eye forgets. And music is the architecture of the evening – set it at the volume of a good rumor: present enough that no one fears a silence, quiet enough that no one raises their voice.'

Linger Longer With a Fire Pit

Providing a comfortable and inviting area where your guests can make themselves at home and keep warm as the evening chill starts to bite will make sure they linger, and can often end up being the best part of the party.

There's nothing like the natural glow of fire to entice guests and while a gas option might be easy, you can't beat a wood-burning fire like this Lidded Rectangle Fire Pit from Anthropologie (pictured above) with its wonderfully rust-hued patina. 'A fire pit does half my work for me,' says Bryan. 'People arrange themselves around flame the way they have for ten thousand years; no seating plan required.'

Add low-slung seating, blankets for comfort and you might even want to offer self-serve s'mores to cook over the open flame for a sweet treat. This DIY S'mores Kit from Williams Sonoma will save you the effort at the end of the night.

Keep the Schedule Relaxed

Be guided by your guests rather than sticking to a rigid timetable – it will take the pressure off and make for a far more relaxed atmosphere. Daytime events should gently move into evening without ceremony, allowing guests to come and go.

'Keep the schedule loose,' suggests Bryan. 'The best evenings have one fixed point – dinner – and everything else is allowed to drift.' And if the majority of the work is done in advance, you should be able to attend your own party stress-free. 'The host’s job is to design the gathering, then disappear into it,' adds Bryan.

Providing self-serve food that guests can keep going back to throughout the evening, rather than sitting down to a formal dinner, will keep things flexible and manage expectations. 'Sharing plates over plated courses, always,' advises Bryan. 'Passing a dish is the oldest form of conversation. The goal is for guests to feel they’ve discovered the evening rather than attended it.'

The Often-Forgotten Outdoor Essentials That Hosts Swear By

You've sorted the food, drinks, and styling touches, but there are a few not-so-glamorous but equally essential items that hosts wouldn't be without for any gathering. Make this your last-minute checklist to ensure your event goes without a hitch.

• Extension cords, power strips, and chargers: essential for any electric lighting or music that needs to be connected to an indoor power outlet. This green power strip from Target will blend in with the garden planting. If you have rechargeable lights or speakers, ensure they are fully charged in advance.
• Matches or lighters: Keep a packet on standby near your candles, grill (if it's a charcoal one), and the wood-burning fire pit. The last thing you'll want is to be hunting down a single pack of matches all evening.
• Extra candles: tealights look beautiful, but they don't last long, so stock up on a 100-pack of tealights from Amazon, and stash them away for top-ups.
• Hand towels: Have plenty on standby for spills, barbecue grease and sticky fingers.
• Bathroom essentials: even though you're hosting outdoors, your guests will be using the bathroom, so make sure it's clean and well stocked with hand soap, toilet paper, and clean towels
• Spare serving utensils: This 9-piece serving set from Walmart will have you covered if serving spoons or tongs get mixed up or misplaced.
• Tablecloth weights: Ensure that your linens stay put if there's a gust of wind. Natural shells or smooth pebbles work wonderfully as weights, or choose something that clips onto your tablecloth, like these white bird tablecloth weights from Amazon.

Successful outdoor entertaining isn’t about perfection – it’s about thoughtful preparation, comfort, and atmosphere, designed to create a memorable experience for your guests and to allow for a relaxed hosting experience for you. For more inspiration, these garden party themes will have you covered, from rustic and natural to cool coastal.

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Solar string lights are enchanting – right up until the first clap of thunder. Yet most of us continue to decorate our patios as though the weather forecast is merely a suggestion. The problem isn’t string lights (I honestly wouldn’t host an alfresco dinner party without them). The problem is the string lights that can’t survive summer.

Fortunately, there is a sturdier option. I just found a commercial-grade solar string light set (currently discounted for Prime Day), built to withstand winds up to 50 MPH, complete with shatterproof PET plastic bulbs and a weatherproof construction that makes it suitable for far more than fair-weather entertaining.

A late-July thunderstorm is one thing, but these are the sort of garden lights you could leave up through January snow without a hitch.

After all, if they’re designed to light up restaurant patios night after night, your annual seafood boil should be a walk in the park.

This solar set impresses down to the details. A remote control allows you to cycle through four brightness levels and two timer settings, giving you complete control over the evening’s mood. (I prefer to begin bright and gradually dim things down as the night unfolds.)

And should a streak of overcast weather leave the solar panels with little to work with, there’s a backup plan: Type-C fast charging.

Could you spend less on a similar-looking set? Certainly. But when storm season arrives, the difference between ‘weather resistant’ and genuinely weatherproof becomes abundantly clear. Only one will actually survive. Personally, I’d rather spend my summer hosting beneath the glow than sweeping shattered bulbs off the patio the next morning.

More Solar String Lights

Should your outdoor aesthetic skew a little more rustic, modern, or whimsical, here are a few other solar string lights that caught my eye while browsing the Prime Day sale.

Amazon Prime Day runs through the 26th, but the platform's best solar lighting rarely lasts for long. If you aspire to a permanently dinner-party-ready patio, take a look at Amazon’s wider selection while the discounts last.

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It’s that time again: Amazon Prime Day, the retail equivalent of discovering your favorite restaurant is doing half-priced martinis all week. For four blissful days of deals, members of the only club that really matters in 2026 – Prime – gain exclusive access to the steepest discounts across some of the year's most coveted garden and home decor finds.

As a style editor, this Amazon sale is one of my all-time favorites because it allows me to buy the high-design gems I want, but my wallet doesn't. From now until June 26, I'm taking this opportunity to score very un-Amazon-sounding names, such as Caraway (arguably the chicest toxin-free cookware on the planet), Cozy Earth (Oprah and Kris Jenner’s favorite), and Amber Lewis (by way of her buzzy rug collaboration with Loloi).

Elsewhere, you better believe I’m snapping up cooling bed sheets to survive the current heat wave (Brooklinen recently reformulated its Luxe Sateen, which is somehow even more luxurious than before), along with the best outdoor furniture and solar lighting deals. After all, it’s peak alfresco season, and if I’m not answering emails from a woven chaise beneath a striped space-saving umbrella as string lights begin to glow overhead, I’m not doing summer correctly.

With quite literally millions of items to sift through, all of this can be a little dizzying. To save you the trawl, I’ve curated the very best Amazon Prime Day decor deals for a chicer season ahead – so you can get back to hosting, vacationing, or, ideally, doing nothing at all.

Our Top 4 Amazon Prime Day Decor Deals

More Deals We Love

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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‘I love breaking in So Kates!’ ‘New denim is my favorite!’ insisted absolutely no one ever. The payoff is always worth it. The getting-there part, less so – not for heels, not for jeans, and certainly not for bedding. I’m all for skipping the purgatory if possible, which is why I’m such a fan of Cozy Earth’s Soft-Wash collection. It’s pre-washed from the start, arriving with the lived-in ease of linens you’ve owned for years and slipping onto the bed like the perfect pair of vintage 501s.

Made from breathable, 100% cotton, the collection feels perpetually appropriate for warm weather, but the brand's new coastal color drop, spanning its Sheet Set, Duvet Cover, Quilt, Shams, and Quilted Shams, couldn’t be more timely for summer.

The standout for me is Eclipse, a deep navy that might sound too heavy for high season on paper but, thanks to the washed finish, reads less moody and more old-money maritime. I'm envisioning this bed sheet shade styled in a yacht cabin or a Ralph Lauren-esque summer house somewhere in New England, with hydrangeas blooming just outside the window.

Sandalwood (perhaps the polar opposite) is the Goldilocks of summer neutrals – neither too brown nor too yellow, capturing that sun-bleached, late-afternoon warmth just right. The yin to Eclipse’s yang.

Rounding out the drop are two new ticking stripes – Coconut/Sandalwood and River/Sea Salt – which feel similarly effortless, like the bedding version of a favorite summer button-down that’s been washed a hundred times.

Everything layers beautifully with the existing Soft-Wash colors (Laurel remains my personal favorite), if you're already collecting this very collectible range, though I do think the new colorways give good reason to start fresh.

For my many fellow devotees of Cozy Earth’s famous Bamboo blend (including a couple rising stars like Oprah and Kris Jenner), I suspect you’ll appreciate this lightweight, pre-patinaed cotton even more during the warmer months.

Cozy Earth’s Soft-Wash Cotton collection doesn’t stop evolving once it arrives. Much like the broader vintage bedding trend, expect it to become more supple, more relaxed, and more characterful with every wash.

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The Fourth of July is one of the best holidays of the year. Between the parades, the backyard barbecues, the family parties, and of course, the fireworks, there's no shortage of lively celebration. But before all of the festivities and fun comes the hard part: the prep.

Like any other holiday celebration, Fourth of July parties require lots of planning and preparation. You'll want to consider everything from Fourth of July decor for the front porch to patriotic touches for the inside of your home. Even little details, like flag-inspired cocktail picks or red, white, and blue bud vases, can go a long way in making your house look extra festive. And since The Fourth is a summer holiday, you can't forget about the backyard – decorate it to theme and bring out your favorite yard games to encourage play and celebration all day long.

With so much to prepare for ahead of America's 250th birthday, I thought I'd help you out by assembling a hosting checklist – a comprehensive guide to everything you need to plan a successful Fourth of July party at home. With these recommendations in mind, your holiday party will be the talk of the town.

1. Exterior Decorations

One of the best and easiest ways to decorate your home for the Fourth of July is by putting up exterior decor – that is, flags, banners, wreaths, and yard signs. These details can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal with holiday flair.

Pleated fan flags are my personal favorite form of exterior decor. They're easy to hang from porches, railings, or fences, and if your yard doesn't have a flagpole, they act as a suitable alternative to the traditional American flag. I have my eye on this variation from Michaels – with its deep maroon color, it can add some heritage charm to your front porch this Fourth of July.

I’m a firm believer that less is more when it comes to exterior decorations. Subtle red, white, and blue touches mixed with your standard yard decor and existing greenery will create an elegant scene that you can keep up through Labor Day.

2. Interior Accessories

Though many Fourth of July celebrations are spent outside, there's no harm in refreshing your interior spaces with some patriotic touches to tap into the holiday spirit. Small details like decorative pillows, vases, and blankets can make your home look on-theme for the Fourth without going over the top.

Growing up, I remember that each summer, my mother would swap a few of the generic pillows on our couch for festive alternatives. These pillows didn't scream Fourth of July, instead, they tapped into the iconic color scheme and the stars and stripes motif to add some old-school, Americana elegance to our home. Even though these pillows were meant as holiday decor, in my eyes, they became summer decor staples that just so happened to make our house look festive. Any interior decor in America's color scheme can have the same effect in your home.

3. Tableware

Whatever type of feast you're planning – a backyard barbecue, a park picnic, a chic dinner party – you'll need Fourth of July tableware that taps into the theme.

Plates are the obvious essential, but instead of buying plain paper plates, consider Table Two Studio's American-inspired paper collection that looks even better than ceramic alternatives. Paper plates (along with non-breakable melamine dinnerware) are ideal for outdoor entertainment, but if you're hosting inside, consider something a bit more formal to set the scene, like Lenox's Gingham Dinner Plates.

While there are so many additional elements of Fourth of July table decor, another detail that I find important is the table linens. These ground the scene – whether you're setting the table for dining or lining it with trays for serving. Though these linens sit in the background, they're the quiet workhorses that pull the entire arrangement together.

4. Lawn Games

The Fourth of July is a summer holiday, which means any parties or gatherings that you're hosting will most likely take place outside. In between the meals, the chatter, and the fireworks, it helps to have some playful yard games to keep guests occupied.

Croquet is a classic choice, and a classy choice, I'll admit – perfect for those who plan to host elevated garden parties for the holiday. Other favorites include pickleball and bocce ball – two yard games that can just as easily be played on a sandy beach. And of course, there's cornhole – perhaps the most American game of them all. It wouldn't be the Fourth of July without a competitive cornhole tournament taking place amidst the hot dog eating and the beer drinking (both of which are equally as competitive, might I add).

Whatever your outdoor game of choice may be, keep it on hand during your July Fourth fête for anyone eager to take part in some friendly competition.

5. Entertainment Extras

After the exterior decor, the interior decor, the tableware, and the yard games, your Fourth of July party prep is nearly done. However, it's always a good idea to include some extra party details to ensure a successful celebration.

A cooler is an essential detail – especially if you plan on hosting your Fourth of July party outside. This way, neither you nor your guests will have to run back inside for another drink. A model like Wayfair's Cart Cooler with its deep interior and wheeled design is a perfect choice.

Secondary details like decorative string lights, patriotic pool floats, and festive cocktail picks might not be on your must-buy list, but truth be told, it's little touches like these that can make your Fourth of July party come together.

The Fourth of July is nearly here. Keep this list in mind to ensure a successful and well-styled holiday celebration.

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Ginny Macdonald brings a unique perspective to interior design. Born and raised in England, she's familiar with the charming character and sense of history that comes along with British style, but having spent much of her adult life in Los Angeles, she's grown fond of the laid-back, effortless energy of California design.

To those unfamiliar with one, the other, or both, it might seem impossible to connect heritage-inspired English design with California coolness. But to Ginny, it's nearly second nature. And it's exactly the aesthetic she was able to emulate in her third collection with Lulu and Georgia.

Titled 'On Holiday', the collection is meant to embody the feeling of being at peace on vacation, right in the comfort of your own home. It draws on both English and California influences, bridging the gap between these distinct interior design styles. 'I wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship and character of traditional British design while embracing the relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle that I’ve come to love in California,' Ginny explains. 'The pieces have a sense of heritage and authenticity, but they’re designed to feel approachable, comfortable, and easy to live with – bringing together the best of both worlds in a way that feels timeless and relevant today.'

Within the collection, you'll find everything from tables, sofas, and dining chairs to mirrors, floor lamps, and serving trays – each designed to make your home feel like a timeless and relaxing summer destination where a slow-paced life is the only way to live. According to Ginny, the collection embodies a 'sense of escape', even if that escape is from your busy kitchen to your cozy living room.

Though the collection feels so far from a trend-driven drop, there's one design detail within this drop that speaks to interior trends of today, and that's the soft curves. 'Soft curves are a defining feature throughout the collection,' Ginny remarks. 'I was drawn to rounded forms and gentler silhouettes that bring a sense of softness and fluidity to each piece.' From the curved base and shade of the Ribchester Table Lamp to the rounded frame of the Darwen Accent Chair, soft curvature gives this collection its relaxed feeling, tapping into the laid-back elegance of California-inspired design.

Plus, there's no shortage of handcrafted details. According to Ginny, these details act as a nod to traditional British design. 'One example is the Kirkham collection,' Ginny tells me, 'where the turned legs were loosely inspired by the deconstruction of an English rose. Rather than being a literal interpretation, I abstracted the form into something more sculptural and understated.'

These elements – from the curved silhouettes to the handcrafted details – give the collection its unique sense of character, and can help you create a home that feels truly one-of-a-kind.

You'll notice the strong sense of nostalgia that radiates through the collection, too. According to Ginny, 'people are craving homes that feel authentic and reflective of who they are. For a long time, there was pressure for interiors to look perfect, but people now want spaces that tell a story and feel genuinely lived in,' she says. British design, with its charming qualities and its historic nature, taps into this feeling, but so does California modern design with its relaxed disposition.

As for this collection, well, it blends them both and acts as a love letter to authentic living, to the rejection of trends, and to an open-armed embrace of characterful homes.

Though every piece in this series feels transportive by nature, if there's one that embodies the attitude of 'On Holiday', Ginny says it's the Adlington Daybed. 'There's something wonderfully indulgent about a daybed that invites you to pause and enjoy life's quieter moments,' Ginny says. 'I can imagine it piled high with soft pillows and a cozy throw, whether curling up with a good book for a restful afternoon or lounging with friends for a movie night.'

Blending the character and charming nature of British design with the laid-back energy of California interior style, this collection can help you create a home that's as inviting as it is refreshing – like a sweet holiday retreat that promises unending relaxation, coziness, and peace. If Ginny's aesthetic is speaking to you, then shop the best of her latest collection below.

Shop Ginny Macdonald's 'On Holiday' Collection at Lulu and Georgia

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Mint green is back – at Chanel, no less. Matthieu Blazy’s debut Spring/Summer 2026 and Métiers d’Art collections put the toothpaste-fresh hue back on the map, reviving a color many of us thought we’d left behind in the 2010s. Now, in a twist few saw coming, it’s finding its way back into our homes for summer 2026.

The pastel room idea may transport some of us straight back to 2016, but the mint green's references run much deeper. ‘Mint green reads very retro, think 1950s and ‘60s Americana; it also can feel very Palm Beach or Slim Aarons,’ says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director of Atlanta-based Gabriela Eisenhart Interiors. Admitting the shade can occasionally lack grounding, she notes that the key to making it feel current is pairing it with its polar opposite. ‘I like to mix it with classic profiles and materials to offset the overly kitchy feel it can be associated with.’

Bridging the gap from runway to residence is fashion designer and interior architect Aimee Song, whose recent Lulu and Georgia collection taps mint green's playful side to enliven already whimsical sculptural vases. Elsewhere, Brooklinen’s Super-Plush Mineral release offers a gentler reintroduction, swaddling our rituals in a slightly calmer cadence that could very well define another decade.

It is the color of Tiffany’s, after all. If butter yellow was the pastel of 2025, we’d wager 'Millennial Mint' may be next in line. Our 16 favorite ways to welcome it back, ahead.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Every backyard needs some form of storage. For holding patio decor in the off-season, stashing yard tools when hosting parties, or even simply for keeping your outdoor space organized, backyard storage ideas are essential.

But here's the caveat – outdoor storage is tracking a few decades behind indoor storage when it comes to designs that balance form and function. Finding affordable, easy-to-install, durable buys that also look nice is not always simple. However, on my hunt for some chic, affordable storage for my small patio, I came across an outlier that ticks all the boxes. The Wayfair Wood Storage Shed – an outdoor storage structure that manages to blend functional design with refined style for less than $200.

Not plastic, not metal – this storage shed is made from solid fir wood, which is my personal favorite material for outdoor furniture because of its natural look. It won't appear like an eyesore among the greenery in your backyard – instead, this shed will look like it truly belongs in an outdoor environment. And even if your patio isn't sprawling with plants, trees, or bushes, this shed can yield a grounding, naturally elegant, and rustic look outside.

Its main door (which can stay shut with a sliding latch) opens to reveal a spacious interior. Its three half-shelves are optional additions (depending on the needs of your outdoor space), but I think they'd be most useful for storing gardening tools. Plus, its top compartment provides even more space for hiding outdoor essentials.

Not only that, but this shed's slim frame makes it ideal for all sorts of outdoor spaces – from small backyards and tiny front porches to sprawling patios and lawns. It can help maintain organization so that you can host parties outside or simply relax outside without thinking about unsightly messes.

But don't just take it from me – nearly 230 people have given this outdoor storage shed a 5-star rating on Wayfair's site. Many remark on its easy assembly, its functionality, and its attractive appearance. Some even went so far as to customize it, painting it to match the aesthetic of their backyard or restyling it with different hardware. I'd customize it with this bronze gate bolt from Rejuvenation (to keep it securely closed) and this garden shed sign from Amazon (for some decorative appeal).

Wayfair's Wood Storage Shed is proof that chic and practical outdoor storage does, in fact, exist. But it's not the only one that I've got eyes on. Below, find six more outdoor storage pieces that tastefully blend functionality with stylistic appeal.

Shop More Surprisingly Chic Outdoor Storage

You don't have to settle for ugly outdoor storage just because it's practical. Functional and stylish outdoor storage boxes, sheds, and cabinets do exist, and though some can be expensive, Wayfair's Wood Storage Shed manages to deliver all of the best features on a budget.

But if a shed isn't enough to keep your backyard in check, don't worry. I asked interior designers to share their best outdoor storage ideas, and their tips are well worth reading.

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Nothing sets the scene for a Fourth of July party quite like festive decor. And I don't just mean flags, banners, and lawn signs; I'm talking about the table decor – the plates, the bowls, the napkins, and the platters that ground the scene with patriotic appeal.

This holiday is just as much a celebration of independence as it is an excuse to indulge in the most delicious summer foods – barbecues, cookouts, picnics, or seafood boils to mark the occasion. And a well-styled table creates a stunning backdrop for all of these festive feasts, bringing the entire holiday celebration together.

Fourth of July decoration can get rather kitschy, and I am partial to flags and bunting around the porch, but on the table, I find that simplicity yields the best look. Use the iconic red, white, and blue color scheme as a starting point, and invite subtle pops of patriotic flair here and there. You can even incorporate silver serveware or rattan table decorations to add visual interest and variety to the scene. Ultimately, the key is to choose table decorations that tap into the holiday theme but remain timeless by design – this way, you can reuse them for events well past the Fourth of July and for summers to come.

Whatever type of Fourth of July feast you're planning – a picnic in the park, a backyard barbecue, or an evening dinner under the fireworks – this festive table decor will ensure the scene is as stylishly on-theme as can be.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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We've all been there – the summer party outside, the ceramic dinnerware left on precarious surfaces, the unfortunate but inevitable shattering. It's not that you weren't extra careful; it's just that delicate materials, patio slabs, and maybe a few cocktails don't mix well.

Outdoor-friendly tableware becomes the obvious alternative to avoid this disaster, but in the past these hardwearing dishes have leaned more campside that chic. However, 2026 has been the summer for shatterproof tableware as stylish as their ceramic counterparts, and Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set from Walmart is the latest launch to prove outdoor dinnerware can be every bit as aesthetic as indoor.

This dinner set is bold, lively, and perfectly on-trend for summer tablescapes. Plus, it's just as design-oriented as the collectable plates and platters you only take out for special occasions. The only differences are that this set is completely safe for outdoor use and it's a bargain find, at less than $30.

An accidental drop to the floor means nothing to these melamine dishes from Drew's Beautiful Line at Walmart. In fact, they're made to withstand the impact without showing signs of wear. You can bring them to picnics in your local park, use them for outdoor dinner parties, and even trust them in the hands of uncareful children.

And this set isn't all function and no form. The green and blue color scheme is bang on trend for summer 2026, and the sardine is the motif of the season. Layer it with a gingham green tablecloth, rattan placemats, and some simple white linen napkins for a table that feels fun yet elegant.

Along with this 12-piece dinnerware set, Drew has released additional summer table decor details and hosting accessories that can complete the look. This Sardine Serving Bowl, for instance, is the perfect dish for a large summer salad, and this Sardine Oval Platter is the ideal tray for serving dessert after dinner. The Rattan Drink Basket and the Rattan Tray act as the perfect complementary details – bringing a touch of texture to the scene while tapping into the same color scheme as the plates and bowls themselves.

Together, these tableware details can create a tablescape that's fresh, inviting, stylish, and outdoor-safe. But if you're looking for more decor to complete the scene, find everything I'd style alongside Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set, below.

How To Style Drew Barrymore's Dinnerware Set

Shop More Outdoor Dinnerware

Need more outdoor-safe dinnerware options? Here are additional melamine-made styles that are perfect for outdoor use and look just as chic as Drew Barrymore's sardine dinnerware set.

Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set will help you make sure that outdoor hosting is just as thoughtful, considered, and design-driven as indoor hosting. Not only that, but with their melamine materiality, these dinnerware sets eliminate the fear of shattering your favorite ceramics.

But before the dinnerware sets and tablescaping can even happen, you need to make sure your outdoor dining room is up to par. Lucky for you, we have tons of ideas to create a space that's fit for entertaining and endlessly inviting, too.

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Some decorating styles are defined by a color palette, while others are shaped by the feeling they create. 'Refined Mediterranean' falls firmly into the latter camp, pairing natural materials, earthy tones, and artisanal decor to create spaces that feel warm, relaxed, and effortlessly elegant.

This beautifully renovated Victorian townhouse by designer Aurélie Brelivet is a perfect example of the look in action. Inspired by the colors and textures of southern France, the home layers reclaimed wood, linen, limewash, and handcrafted ceramics to bestow a decidedly sun-baked look upon this city home. The designer, founder of Studio Lio, describes the aesthetic as 'refined Mediterranean' – a blend of warmth, simplicity, and timeless craftsmanship.

Rather than relying on obvious coastal references, the interior design trend embraces a restrained palette and layers of tactile materials that bring warmth and character to every room.

The result is a style that feels both current and enduring. From rustic wood furniture and woven lighting to sculptural pottery and tactile textiles, these 20 finds capture the essence of 'refined Mediterranean' and make it easy to bring the look into any home.

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Design buffs and casual connoisseurs alike are already acquainted with Artemest, the Italian design platform that has spent the past decade connecting consumers with more than 1,000 artisans and makers. Since 2015, it has become one of the easiest ways to source the sort of bespoke furniture and decor that once required a well-connected dealer – or minimally, a very expensive flight.

But during Milan Design Week 2026, Artemest announced a new role: creator.

The platform has officially launched Artemest Collection, a proprietary furniture line developed in collaboration with a rotating roster of international designers. While every piece will continue to be crafted by Italian artisans, the inaugural collection sees Artemest partner with GACHOT, the multidisciplinary studio founded by husband-and-wife duo Christine and John Gachot – a fitting choice given the platform’s growing New York presence following the opening of its Galleria showroom in 2023.

The idea: American modernism. Italian craftsmanship. Inspired by GACHOT’s own living room, the collection, which boasts an impressive material pedigree of cast glass, leather, and fine metals, takes on a sort of 70s sunken cadence, born from a shared belief that elegance lies in the edit – not what is there, but what is omitted.

The Vignette Coffee Table, for instance, is simple and inviting, pairing a sleek boomerang-shaped base with a cushioned leather top that beckons you to press, perch, and layer your favorite objects. Over time, the leather develops a soft patina of creases and impressions – a record of the habits, rituals, and objects that return to it most often, becoming part of the piece itself.

The Vignette Bench also asks that you live with your luxury. Generously proportioned enough to bear the weight of tired luggage after a long journey, it nevertheless exhibits a level of craftsmanship that rivals your favorite leather clutch.

The Vignette Lounge Chair, meanwhile, is slender, rugged, and refined – wrapped in a continuous cocooning form with all the old-school elegance of a Derby-winning thoroughbred. A seat that, at a dinner party, has a good chance of turning ‘one last drink’ into three.

In a city built for playing hard and working even harder, this discipline, this no-fuss ease, feels distinctly New York. You may recognize it from GACHOT-designed hospitality destinations such as The Pendry Manhattan West, Pebble Bar, and Jac’s on Bond – spaces where most of us have only ever borrowed the experience for an evening. Artemest Collection is an opportunity to finally bring it home.

‘We have long envisioned bringing our furniture designs to market and found a natural partner in Artemest, whose commitment to quality, honesty, and craft mirrors our own,’ say Christine and John Gachot. Of the artisans responsible for bringing the collection to life, they add: ‘These are pieces intended to be lived with for decades to come.’

A quick scroll and none of it appears especially groundbreaking – no loud colors, no trying-too-hard silhouettes. But look closer, and you’ll realize the collection isn’t trying to be different; it’s trying to be definitive. Thanks to an obsessive attention to detail, each piece emerges as the most refined version of its category: the very best magazine rack, the very best task lamp, the very best side table.

‘Artemest has always put artisans at the center of its story. Empowering them to develop original designs with GACHOT marks an important evolution for us – from curating excellence to creating it,’ says Artemest founder and CEO Marco Credendino.

Manhattanites and Milanese may disagree on everything from espresso to pizza, but this collection finds a lingua franca. In the end, beautiful, sensible things speak for themselves.

An American and an Italian walked into a bar – and boy are we glad they did. Salone may be behind us, but between NYCxDESIGN, WOW!house, and launches like this one, design season is still very much in full swing.

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The Sanderling Resort, nestled along the shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is an iconic destination. With a rich local legacy, it has become something of an heirloom for many families who return season after season. So when the resort turned 40 in 2025 and it was time for a refresh, preserving all that heritage and reputation was at the top of the brief for interior design studio Ward + Gray.

This new chapter for The Sanderling was never about forgetting the past; it was about honoring the property’s history. The goal was to maintain its warm, welcoming atmosphere while updating the interiors to create a luxurious retreat that feels like a home away from home.

The Sanderling is a beach resort, and it feels like one; however, it avoids all the clichés often associated with coastal design. References to the sea and its surroundings are subtle and nuanced – hidden shell details, natural textures, soft color palettes, and nautical artwork. This is beach house decor done well, and done timelessly, ensuring this latest iteration of The Sanderling can endure for the next 40 years and beyond.

The renovated property now features 123 guest rooms and suites along with The Residences at The Sanderling Resort – a collection of private vacation homes ideal for extended stays and family gatherings.

And of course there's the unmissable Theodosia, the on-site restaurant headed up by North Carolina native, award-winning chef, and New York Times best-selling author Vivian Howard. Naturally, the food is stunning, but the decor is just as wonderful; that rich dark red is such a contrast to the soft greens and blues found elsewhere in the resort.

To dive deeper into this careful renovation project, we sat down with Ward + Gray's principals, Christie Ward and Staver Gray. The approach to this project was more like a residential one than a hospitality one, it's layered, lived in and collected – just as a home would be.

'When we started this project, The Sanderling was already an institution in the area, being one of the only hotels on this portion of the Outer Banks in North Carolina,' explains Christie. 'The bones were classic Outer Banks – 'beach boxes' with cedar shake and lots of porches. This simple style allowed us to introduce new architectural gestures like trelliage in the lobby or a wave motif crown molding in the standard guestrooms. It was a blank canvas!'

'We changed everything from the flooring to the wall finishes, the furniture, lighting, and all of the accessories. We were tasked with giving the hotel a full renovation and a new life, as the existing finishes were not kept.'

'The concept for this hotel draws inspiration from the timeless charm and relaxed warmth of a classic beach house, blending comfort with a refined Southern-coastal sensibility,' says Staver. 'The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels both authentic and inviting, where guests immediately feel at ease, as if arriving at a familiar retreat by the sea.'

'The design emphasizes a sense of home through a lived-in, collected interior rather than a polished or overly curated aesthetic. Layered textures, natural materials, and thoughtfully mixed furnishings give the space a sense of history and personal narrative, as though pieces have been gathered over time. Soft, sun-washed color palettes and coastal influences subtly reference the surrounding environment without resorting to literal themes.'

'Overall, the hotel is envisioned as a welcoming coastal home, encouraging guests to slow down, settle in, and experience the comfort and familiarity of a true beach house retreat.'

'Our intention was for the hotel to feel as though you’ve just stepped into a friend’s beloved beach cottage,' explains Christie. 'The experience begins in the lobby, where we introduced a residential-style kitchen as the heart and anchor of the space. It was imagined as a place where guests might wander down in their robes, settle into a banquette, and enjoy their first cup of coffee of the day.'

'It feels casual, familiar, and unpretentious with the classic Shaker-style designed cabinetry and a large center island made for people to gather around. The lobby is further wrapped in Schumacher wallpaper across both ceilings and walls, while custom-designed lattice paneling adds depth, texture, and a sense of craftsmanship. Together, these elements create a layered, intimate environment that reinforces the home-like atmosphere.'

'This same residential sensibility carries into the guestrooms, where comfort and personal detail were central to the design,' adds Staver. 'Two distinct guestroom types were developed. The first features a custom jute carpet that immediately introduces warmth, complemented by coral accents that echo the sun-washed tones of the beach.'

'In the second guestroom type, we leaned further into residential detailing with custom area rugs beneath both the beds and living areas, as well as a grasscloth-wallpapered ceiling that adds a subtle, natural layer. It’s a detail that may go unnoticed at first, but one that is felt by enhancing the sense of warmth and familiarity. Each room is finished with layered textiles, including fringe on sofas and pillows, reinforcing those touches you typically find in someone’s collected home but not always at a hotel.'

'While much of the furniture was custom-designed for the hotel, we layered in thoughtfully selected wallcoverings and textiles to enrich the spaces. In the lobby, Schumacher wallcoverings were applied to the ceilings, introducing a soft sage green tone that became a recurring thread throughout the space,' says Christie.

'Custom-designed banquettes were upholstered in Jasper fabrics and finished with Samuel & Sons jute fringe at the base, reinforcing the relaxed, residential character. On the upper level of the lobby, sofas are upholstered in Fermoie’s Shell Grotto fabric, a subtle and refined nod to the sea.'

'Anchoring the space upon arrival is an oversized lantern from Jamb, whose verdigris finish beautifully complements the lobby’s green palette and that worn from the sea air feeling we sought throughout the space. We also sourced several antiques for the lobby, including Gustavian lounge chairs we had reupholstered in a sage stripe that further brings in a residential feel by the wear on them and the beautiful age.'

'We found accessories throughout the spaces in local antique shops, including the oversized glass cloche in the lobby filled with seashells. We felt antiques brought a soulful element to this space, and we sought to bring in as many as possible to further highlight that residential feel.'

'In the restaurant, Theodosia, Pierre Frey fabrics were used throughout the drapery and banquettes, establishing a rich red scheme that provides warmth and contrast while maintaining the overall sense of layered elegance. Bespoke woven tables and stools by Ward + Gray’s Boheme collection were made for this space in a rich warm color, with woven motifs woven into the tables and stools,' continues Staver.

'The stools' upholstery has a shell-design seam to further bring in a subtle coastal sensibility. We found vintage artworks to cover the walls when you enter Theodosia – a collection of seascapes in oil and framed in vintage frames sourced for the project. We brought in a warm light throughout the Theodosia space, including the Abalone shell sconces and the Luna sconces, both in Ward + Gray’s Boheme collection.'

'We kept the light soft to make the Theodosia restaurant feel like someone’s invited you over for dinner in the dining room rather than a hotel restaurant feel.'

6 Design Lessons From The Sanderling Resort

There are so many lessons to take from this inspiring project. It might be a resort, but it’s been designed like a home – an effortless, welcoming, layered home. Christie and Staver highlight these six takeaways as key to their design approach.

1. Let a Sense of Home Lead the Design

When designing any space, start by asking how it should feel to live in. Prioritizing comfort, intimacy, and recognizable domestic cues instantly makes interiors more welcoming.

At The Sanderling, every space was conceived through a residential lens – even the lobby, which was reimagined as a beach house living room and kitchen rather than a traditional hotel arrival experience. Details like a lantern-style pendant, a Gustavian-inspired reception desk, and banquette seating create familiarity and ease.

2. Use Setting as Influence, Not a Literal Interpretation

Location should inform mood and materiality, not dictate theme. The most successful coastal interiors lean more on effortless design rather than classic sea tropes.

Rather than relying on obvious nautical references, the design draws from the coast in a quieter, more sophisticated way – through sandy beiges, faded blues, muted greens, and natural materials that feel sun-worn and timeless.

Even in more dramatic spaces like Theodosia, coastal references appear subtly through texture and material, not color clichés. In fact, for Theodosia, we leaned into washed red – a color that not many would associate with coastal interiors. For this space, instead of looking at modern coastal design, we looked to historical coastal references. The restaurant is named after Theodosia Burr, a socialite who was lost at sea in 1813.

We imagined the guest experience as a dinner party at her fantastical home. The design references a color palette that might have been used at that time but modernized in Pierre Frey fabrics. We incorporated antique lighting and vintage oil seascapes, imagining what she might have had in her foyer to greet guests. We also created custom tiles for the bar and chef’s counter telling the story of Theodosia’s fateful sea journey in mural form – incorporating wave, mermaid and ocean creature motifs.

3. Build Warmth Through Layered Texture

Texture is as important as the color scheme. Mixing tactile surfaces is one of the simplest ways to create richness and warmth at home and helps a room avoid a 'flat' feeling.

Across the resort, texture does much of the storytelling – grasscloth ceilings, hand-woven wicker, worn woods, hand-blocked linens, and chalky painted finishes create depth without visual noise. These layers make spaces feel collected and comforting rather than overly designed. Texture is key to what we do at Ward + Gray. We like furniture to feel like heirloom pieces, passed down from generation to generation. For our hand-knotted rugs, we have developed a distressing technique that gives the rugs variation in texture – like furniture has been dragged over them throughout the years. For our lighting, we hand finish all of the metal work to feel like it already has a story in place.

4. Treat Lighting as a Decorative Element

Good lighting should feel considered and atmospheric. Layering a mix of light sources – and choosing fixtures with personality – transforms how a space is experienced, especially after dark.

Lighting at The Sanderling is intentionally residential: oversized lanterns, table lamps, sconces, and low-level lighting replace harsh overhead solutions. In both guest rooms and public spaces, lighting contributes as much to character as furniture or finishes. We like to keep all lighting at a 2700K color temperature, which feels intimate and warm.

5. Anchor Rooms with Rugs and Pattern Underfoot

Think of rugs as foundational pieces, not finishing touches. A well-chosen rug sets the tone for the entire room and makes spaces feel instantly more complete.

Rugs play a key role throughout the resort, grounding spaces and introducing pattern without overwhelming them. In guest rooms and public areas alike, they help define zones and soften architectural elements, particularly in larger-scale rooms. We love using colorful rugs as a foundation for a space. We usually start a room with a great statement rug, then use fabrics to pull colors out of the rug to complement it throughout the space.

6. Mix Eras, Influences, and Stories

The most compelling interiors avoid uniformity. Mixing old and new, global and local, refined and relaxed brings authenticity and soul into the home.

From Gustavian antiques and English bamboo references to Southern rocking chairs and globally sourced artwork, The Sanderling’s interiors feel layered with history and personality. Vintage elements sit comfortably alongside bespoke pieces, creating a sense that the space has evolved over time.

For more information or to book your stay at the Sanderling, visit thesanderling.com. The iconic Theodosia is also open to non-guests, so you can book a table and enjoy the delicious summer menu and take in the stunning interiors for yourself.

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When you're relaxing on your patio on a hot summer day, the last thing you want to think about is prying eyes – your nosy next-door neighbor, passersby, or anyone else peering into your outdoor space. You don't need to undergo a complete remodel to resolve the issue; you just need a practical outdoor accessory to privatize the space. You need a privacy screen.

'One of the things I always say to clients is that the backyard deserves the same thoughtfulness as any room in the house,' interior designer Jacqueline Goncalves explains. 'A well-placed privacy screen creates a sense of boundary and belonging that transforms a yard or patio into a space you actually want to inhabit.'

Privacy screens are one of the most practical garden privacy ideas because they create instant seclusion – with little to no effort required. For those with small backyards and neighbors in close proximity, they are especially handy as they can make your property feel more enclosed. The same goes for those who share apartment balconies with neighboring units – all you need is a privacy screen to make your section of the balcony truly feel like your own private outdoor retreat.

Though particularly beneficial for establishing privacy, these screens are worthwhile features for other reasons, too. 'Living in coastal Los Angeles, wind is a real consideration, and a good screen makes an outdoor dining or lounge area genuinely comfortable on breezy evenings,' Jacqueline Goncalves explains. 'They also provide shade and cut down on glare, extending the hours you can actually be outside.' What's more, privacy screens can even be used as zoning tools in backyard design or as shields to hide unsightly outdoor features, too.

Practical purposes aside, privacy screens can also bring stylistic flair to your outdoor space. Jacqueline recommends materials like teak, cedar wood, or powder-coated steel, as they age well and ensure long-lasting durability. In terms of design, Jacqueline prefers screens with slats – 'they filter light rather than block it entirely, so the space stays open and airy,' she says. Veradek's Corten Steel Privacy Screen nails this look, as does IKEA's NÄMMARÖ Privacy Screen.

Some privacy screens are even designed with planters at their bases for increased decorative appeal (like this model from Walmart), and if you so choose, you can plant a climbing plant – making the screen itself feel intertwined with the natural elements of your outdoor areas. According to Jacqueline, these types of screens 'blur the line between architecture and landscape in the best way.'

Below, find 16 privacy screens that can help you create a sheltered oasis in the comfort of your own backyard.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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The World Cup is officially here. If you can't make it to the stadium to support your favorite team, then hosting an at-home World Cup watch party is the next best thing – that is, as long as it's decked out with the best decor.

Of course, I don't expect you to inundate your house with blow-up soccer ball balloons or turf-inspired tablecloths to honor the occasion. Instead, it's important to choose decor with longevity – that is, decor that can work for a World Cup watch party, but be used in other contexts, too. Like these green wine glasses from Pottery Barn or this black and white speckled serving platter from Hudson Grace, sometimes it helps to decorate with colors that remind you of the event – and for a soccer tournament, that's green, black, and white. You can even draw inspiration from your team's colors (go USA!) to tastefully set the scene for your World Cup watch party.

Though I do think it's best for your World Cup party decor to lean more timeless in style, that's not to say you can't invite themed decor into the mix. In fact, I think you should. Mount an international flag banner behind your TV (like this one from Etsy), use soccer ball-inspired paper plates for eating (these from Meri Meri minimize dishwashing), and keep a cup of cocktail picks with soccer ball charms on your bar cart. When tapping into a theme, simplicity is key. Don't overdo it and be sure to balance it out with neutral, complementary decor. This way, your World Cup party will look like an elevated affair rather than a child's birthday party.

There are tons of matches left to be played until the World Cup final on July 19th, which means there's so much time for hosting watch parties and decorating your house with the best World Cup-inspired decor. So below, shop everything you need to create a dream starting lineup of chic watch party decor.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Saturated shades for summer? How very flowers-in-spring. But pastels? How very Palm Beach. In 2026, designers are swapping the season’s usual Barbie pinks and fluorescent brights for softer, more effortless color trends that encourage an elegant calm.

‘Growing up in Puerto Rico and designing throughout South Florida, I’ve never viewed soft color or pastels as seasonal colors,’ notes Raisa Imar Ortiz, Founder and Principal Designer of CASARIO Design Studio, who insists they’re definitely not just for Easter brunches and nurseries. ‘On the contrary, because I grew up where summer is year-round, softer hues have always been part of everyday life. The fact is, they respond beautifully to natural light and create an effortless sense of ease.’

Think barley-there butter yellows (à la Brooklinen’s Daisy bed sheets), baby blues (Vornado makes a darling retro-style fan to keep you cool), cotton-candy pinks (a permanent resident of the Ginori 1735 universe), and matcha green, which seemed to be everywhere at this year’s WOW!house. Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley’s summer collection for Pottery Barn, incidentally, includes a healthy dose of all of the above.

You could reach for a neutral. But these 16 summer-ready accessories are so much sweeter.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Put it on the shelf, they say. Some take this as life advice; the rest of us do it with shoes, books, ceramics, and holiday souvenirs that don’t make sense anywhere else. Table lamps aren’t usually invited. (Imagining the wire situation alone makes us shiver.) Strictly side-table and desktop fare – until now.

Pooky has just launched a wire-free ‘library light' that behaves more like a bespoke architectural detail than a lamp, and it's a rather fabulous renter-friendly stand-in for a sconce.

This novel lighting idea solves two annoyingly common decorating dilemmas: calling an electrician every time you want a wall light, and sacrificing valuable surface space to a table lamp when there’s perfectly good shelving elsewhere.

That flexibility is obviously central to Pooky’s portable lamp universe. Powered by the brand’s signature rechargeable Genesis cell, the Bronte swaps a traditional lamp base for a first-of-its-kind G-clamp, allowing it to attach directly to shelves and mantels without a single drill hole.

And again, since this is a Pooky product, you best believe they encourage you to pack on the personality: the new library light base is available in five finishes and can be paired with more than 200 interchangeable shades, including fan-favorite collaborations with Ellen Merchant, inspired by the English countryside, and Matthew Williamson’s leap of leopard prints.

Given its petite proportions and literary branding, the Bronte is very happy to sit among your favorite summer reads. But it’s equally opportune anywhere you find yourself woefully sconceless – think bedrooms, closets, living rooms, entryways, and fireplaces. The counter-decluttering use cases, much like the color and pattern combinations on offer, are endless.

As it turns out, ‘put it on a shelf’ may be terrible advice for your feelings, but for a lamp? Couldn't be better.

The Bronte’s lack of wires and surprisingly sturdy clamp make it as shelf-smart as it is bookish. But if you’re ready to put your summer reading down and head outside, we found a pair of wire-free solar lanterns for an al fresco equivalent.

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When Italian artist Gaetano Pesce fell in love with resin’s endless potential for shape and color (essentially a creative’s dream), it was radical. His iconic Fish Design collection, spanning surrealist clocks, placemats, coffee tables, and frames, helped pioneer the material’s design cred throughout the '90s. Two years after the artist’s passing, those same liquid-like forms feel every bit as fresh on the table for summer 2026.

You can still shop Pesce’s originals through galleries and design destinations like Artemest, but a new generation of brands is bringing resin to a wider audience. Blue Pheasant, for one, is embracing the material’s playful tendencies with swirled champagne buckets, chip-and-dip bowls, and one lean, mean Lazy Susan. Elsewhere, Ferm Living and CB2 are catering to the minimalists among us, using resin as a more affordable (and arguably more interesting) alternative to marble.

The thing about resin is that you never quite know what you’re going to get, which is more than half the fun. Whether you’re looking to make a splash while entertaining this summer or simply wake up a sleepy pantry, these 16 pieces never fail to surprise, delight, or start a conversation.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Resort-style this, resort-style that. If there were ever a summer design buzzphrase, I do believe it would be that. And while it’s easy to get caught up in all the fringed umbrellas and chaise lounges promising to transport you to your coast of choice, it's often just one hero piece that really sells the R&R.

I just stumbled upon one of those vibe-shifting pieces at ALDI for $50. It’s a low-slung woven outdoor chair oozing mid-century coastal charm and a dead ringer for seats I’ve seen at high-design retailers for six (or more) times the price. In fact, it looks remarkably similar to pieces I’ve spotted on my most memorable trips to Riviera Maya and the South of France.

I picture this style happiest as a pair: setting a breezy tone on a porch or anchoring a patio with a wooden side table between them and an umbrella overhead. But even if you stopped there, you’d still get the ‘elsewhere’ effect. This low-slung, lounge-ready silhouette is in absolutely zero mood to fuss – apropos of everything we’re trying to accomplish this season.

While ALDI probably isn’t the first retailer that comes to mind when you’re trying to signal five stars, nearly everything ALDI gem we highlight seems to disappear in short order. Coincidence? Perhaps. Either way, I wouldn’t expect to see this high-summer hack to stay in stock for long.

How I'd Style It

A $50 woven chair leaves plenty of room in the budget. Here’s where I’d direct the remaining funds before you check out.

Shop Chic Alternatives

ALDI isn’t the only place doing this hotel-worthy, woven look well. Here are a few other styles that caught my eye.

Don’t overcomplicate the whole hotel-fantasy thing. If I’ve learned anything as a style editor, it’s that the most transportive spaces rarely rely on more stuff – just stronger pieces. Our resort-style outdoor furniture roundup has plenty more where this came from.

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The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and we’re in no mood to sacrifice our usual chicness. It is a birthday party, after all, and we wouldn’t want ours decorated with cheap souvenirs. America doesn’t either.

Few names are chicer – or more patriotic – than Ralph Lauren, whose Americana urtext of equestrian charm, aged leathers, and unpretentious polish provides a fitting blueprint for the holiday. Elsewhere, red, white, and blue is a color palette we can absolutely work with, punching up table linens and patterned platters to offer our usual stemware a little USA moment. Classic wicker details, meanwhile, ground the fête with a touch of old-country charm, weaving their way onto everything from picnic baskets to scalloped ice buckets

Stars and stripes may be mandatory pattern drenching. Tacky, however, is not. Shop 20 festive finds we’d actually buy for our Fourth of July decorating.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Anthropologie’s antique-inspired Eloise lighting collection has amassed well over 100,000 favorites. Gangbusters, Kardashian-caliber numbers. Most of us on the Homes & Gardens team actually already own one because, while we love a flea market find, rewiring old lighting is a nightmare. Between its Art Nouveau-style scalloped glass and raised acanthus medallion, the Eloise has consistently been one of the most convincing imposters on the market. Which is why we’re thrilled it’s finally headed outdoors.

Yes, phone the chicest friend you know: Anthropologie has expanded the range to include its first-ever indoor/outdoor Eloise semi-flush mount (!). For the nearly 20,000 shoppers who have already favorited the indoor version, it’s exactly the outdoor lighting you’d hope for – the same hand-finished details, the same old-world charm – now, at long last, damp-rated for patios, exterior walls, and even bathrooms.

As a style editor who sees more garden lights than I care to share, this is genuinely a big deal. Good vintage-inspired fixtures are surprisingly hard to come by when everything else on the market looks so… industrial. Where’s the romance? Where’s the drama? While a lucky few may inhabit estates illuminated by century-old lanterns, the rest of us are left to fake it. Fortuitously, Anthropologie has just made that much easier.

If you’re here, I probably don’t need to explain why I love the iconic Eloise. (One reviewer notes that this outdoor version marks their sixth purchase from the collection.) But I’ll do it anyway because it’s particularly well-suited to outdoor spaces. Anyone familiar with Eloise at The Plaza (1955) will understand the reference immediately: all the old-timey hotel glamour, charm, and mischievous elegance of a child growing up in one of New York’s grandest hotels.

Others try, but that sense of story is what makes the Eloise specifically so special. It gives context to the antique-inspired bistro set, the fringed patio umbrella, and every other nostalgic outdoor purchase we already know you’ve made this season.

Stick-on lighting is fine in a pinch. But if you’re planning to stay awhile – and harbor even the faintest fantasy of a bygone suite life complete with room service – I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the missing piece.

More Vintage-Style Outdoor Lights

Shop three additional shortcuts to an established, expensive-looking outdoor space.

Attention: Anthropologie has quietly been expanding the Eloise collection indoors, too, recently introducing a new blue finish across its wall lights, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures. Think La Piscine (1969) meets Park Avenue.

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Summer may have only just begun, but as a cold-weather-devoted, fall foliage-loving, and pumpkin spice-obsessed kind of girl, I've always got autumn on my mind. Clearly, so does Shea McGee, as she's (very quietly) just released her brand new fall collection with Target.

One glance at this range and you'll feel transported to a crisp October day at home. Soft neutrals and deep jewel tones set the collection's mood, while heritage florals, muted metallics, and dark marble details establish its luxe undertone. There's an 'old-money'-inspired aesthetic that radiates through the collection, too, with elevated decor details that'll make your home feel regal and sophisticated yet undeniably cozy.

If the collection is any indication of design trends to come, then I'm confident that we're in for a treat this fall. Expect passementerie touches like tassels and fringe to become more prominent, twisted wood and metal details to maintain their popularity, and floral motifs to get a richer, more tradition-inspired update. This collection has it all, and it's everything you need to make your home feel trend-led yet timeless this autumn.

This collection is brimming with fresh home styling pieces that'll elevate your space in subtle fall hues and prints. Think decorative picture frames (like this gorgeous metal and marble pick), refined and tactile pillows (I'm obsessed with this knit bolster-style throw), and elegant, laurel wreath-inspired vases (this tall vase looks so regal).

As for furniture, you'll find everything from cozy yet elegant accent chairs (like this floral-printed model that'll become your living room's statement piece) to smart storage ideas that make multi-purpose furniture look more polished than ever before (check out the Burl Wood Upholstered Storage Ottoman – it's a sure sell-out).

Though this is a fall collection, it would look timeless all year round, ideally pieces for designing a home that never dates. If you're eager to shop the elegant and refined picks from Shea's latest drop, then find our favorites, below.

Shop Studio McGee's Fall Collection at Target

One thing to note about Shea McGee's Target drops – they sell out quick. Some of the stand-out pieces are already out of stock, so if you see something you like, don't wait until the leaves start to turn to pick it up.

And if decorating for fall hasn't even crossed your mind yet and you are looking for chic pieces to update your summer table, then allow me to draw your attention to the Amalfi tableware line that Shea McGee just released at McGee & Co. This lemon-themed launch is sure to enhance summer tablescapes with fun, festive, and fruity flair.

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There's something so nostalgic about a picnic – packing a basket full of food, grabbing an old blanket, and heading outdoors to find a sunny spot to sprawl out. Picnics don't have to be polished, overly luxurious events; instead, they're carefree, laid-back, and simple affairs – an aesthetic that Joanna Gaines perfectly captures with her brand-new picnic collection at Magnolia.

A heritage-inspired picnic basket sets the scene for this collection, which is filled with all sorts of picnic essentials that'll make you feel like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, about to embark on a picnic in the Austrian countryside. More nostalgic touches appear as well, including gingham-printed napkins, a grounding floral pillow, and a scallop-rimmed pitcher that's perfect for serving sweet tea on a hot summer day.

A sense of familiarity radiates through the collection, thanks to Joanna Gaines' signature, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Sure to become nostalgic pieces, you'll want to reuse these pieces summer after summer.

No matter where you decide to picnic this season – the beach, the mountains, or even your own backyard – Magnolia's picnic collection can help you create a scene that's as nostalgic as summer itself. Carefree summer picnicking awaits you below.

Shop Magnolia's Picnic Collection

Joanna Gaines' picnic collection can help you create a picnic scene that feels straight out of a storybook – not overly fussy, but calm, considered, and comforting. And if you want to add more chic pieces to your outdoor hosting setup, we know just where you should buy outdoor-friendly tableware and outdoor glassware too.

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When the weather is hot, the days are long, and the summer sun is beaming down, it feels wrong to be anywhere other than outside. Naturally, picnics become the activity of choice for many – offering a relaxing way to get out of the house to enjoy a meal, friendly conversation, and everything the sunshine season has to offer.

Though many would consider food the most important part of a picnic, the design-obsessed Style Editor in me is more concerned with the decor. Pieces like the blanket, the basket, the plates, the drinkware, and even the napkins don't only set the scene, but they set the mood, too – making a picnic more than just a meal outside, but a design-driven, al-fresco dining experience.

While you can certainly buy a basket pre-arranged with picnic essentials (like this Bridgerton-themed basket from Williams Sonoma with all the bells and whistles), I find it most fun to assemble picnic decor organically – mixing and matching pieces to create a unique setup. Get your favorite outdoor-safe plates (I suggest the stunning paper options from Table Two Studio), some shatter-proof drinkware (like these melamine swirl glasses from Mrs. Alice), a storybook-style picnic basket (Hawkins NY's is my favorite), a large outdoor blanket, and voila – your outdoor picnic is perfected.

Wherever you plan on picnicking this summer – the local park, a nearby beach, or even at home in your backyard – having stylish picnic essentials will make the affair as memorable as can be. Find everything you need to get started below.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Everyone is well aware that vintage table decor is having a moment – but ‘vintage’ is a broad church. What’s trending in tableware for summer 2026 isn’t just old, but a surprisingly specific set of details.

We’re all (along with everyone else on the Facebook Marketplace pipeline) hunting for the same handful of pieces: ' 60s-style bamboo flatware, eyelet lacel linens, old-timey florals, cabbageware, equestrian-anything, and bistro porcelain that looks like it's spent the last half-century serving steak frites. You could spend hours trawling resale sites only to never find exactly what you’re looking for – or you could opt for a convincing stand-in.

While it’s true that nothing compares to the charm of actual age, there are also the upsides of a) instant gratification and b) knowing that a gorgeous pewter find isn’t secretly falling apart from the inside out. Stop scouring, and shop 20 of the most sought-after vintage-style tableware styles of the season.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Skirts are out, tassels are in. That was among the clearest trend takeaways from this year’s WOW!house, where designers including Sara Cosgrove, Studio Enass, Zardi & Zardi, and Sean Symington overwhelmingly favored fringe as their ‘grandma’ detail of choice, swapping last year’s skirt obsession for the new dated-detail-du-jour.

Shea McGee, who played no small part in pushing skirted furniture into the mainstream, appears to have already moved on. In her latest collection for Target, tassels have landed on antique brass side tables and burl wood nightstands, while Anthropologie is making it possible to add fringe just about anywhere, from coffee tables to sneakily swanky bathroom hardware.

And since there’s no talking tassels without hotels, it’s worth noting that hotspots such as New York’s Hotel Chelsea and Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont have been flying the fringe flag for decades – and arguably have never been cooler for it.

Drapes, pillows, lampshades, furniture – nowhere is safe from the tassel trend in 2026. Not that we’d want it to be. Sorry, grandma: we’re keeping the curtain ties.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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If Nancy Meyers ever swapped the Hamptons for Arizona, I'd imagine her house would look something like this. East Coast tradition isn't usually associated with desert living, but Shea McGee's latest project proves the pairing makes perfect sense.

While one conjures images of traditional architecture, tailored upholstery, and heirloom-inspired details, the other brings to mind sun-baked tones, natural textures, and a connection to the landscape. Yet when the two come together, under the expert eye of Studio McGee, the result feels both timeless and surprisingly fresh.

That's exactly what happened when Shea unveiled Studio McGee's new home in Arizona. In the recently completed home, Shea and her team blended classic East Coast influences with warm hues, layered materials, and the kind of indoor-outdoor living most of us can only dream about.

Designed to age gracefully rather than chase trends, the result is what Shea describes as having 'East Coast bones and a desert soul' – and after seeing the project, it's a decorating formula I'm convinced deserves far more attention.

The beauty of the aesthetic is that it's less about following a particular interior design style and more about layering the right ingredients. 'East Coast bones, desert soul' is all about contrast. Think warm wood furniture, skirted accent chairs, vintage deco, and blue-and-white ceramics alongside woven textures, aged woods, earthy greens, and collected vintage-inspired details. It's polished, but never precious.

Fortunately, recreating the look doesn't require a custom-built home in Arizona. McGee & Co.'s own collections are an obvious starting point, but brands like Magnolia, Serena & Lily, Lulu and Georgia, and of course, Target's Threshold designed w/ Studio McGee collection, all tap into the same timeless-meets-relaxed mood. From rustic plate racks to house Grandma's collection to tapestries to make an impression in your entry, these are the pieces that help a room feel layered, lived-in, and look just as good a decade from now. Just as Shea intended.

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From Fourth of July fêtes and Labor Day barbecues to cheeky PTO’d Mondays spent at friends’ beach houses, summer is the season of being hosted. And while a bottle of wine is never unwelcome, it does feel a touch underwhelming when your kind party-givers have been busy arranging hydrangeas into perfect bouquets, batching signature spritzs, and folding fresh towels at the foot of your bed like they’re running a boutique hotel. Surely we can do better than booze.

Arrive with something a little more personal. Think a custom linen cocktail set embroidered with their family name – or, better yet, an inside joke that will make you both giggle at next year’s aperitivo. A set of shell-shaped table weights can (stylishly) save their favorite tablecloth from an untimely wind gust, while a hand-marbled guest book turns a one-off weekend away into a burgeoning new tradition.

They’ve handled the menu, the flowers, the guest room, and all of the invisible labor required to make a gathering look effortless. The least you can do is arrive with the best hostess gift they’ve received all summer.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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If summer were a material, it would be rattan. Lightweight, effortlessly woven, and naturally elegant, rattan is a sure signal of the sunshine season, creating a relaxed aesthetic in any room in which it's placed.

Though we often see rattan take the form of home decor like baskets, lampshades, or coffee table trays, it's gearing up to be one of the top summer table decor trends of 2026. Think rattan-wrapped serving bowls, utensils with rattan handles, and even rattan-clad salt and pepper shakers. This textural material brings depth to summer tablescapes, creating a scene that looks refreshingly elegant, dynamic, and distinct.

Part of rattan's allure is its uniqueness – because of the intricacies of its weave, no two rattan pieces look the same. From Williams Sonoma's tightly woven serving bowl to Magnolia's loosely braided rattan utensil holder, this material's varied look can help you create a one-of-a-kind, layered table setting every time you host. Below, shop a chic array of rattan table decor to get you started.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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If you’re a dumbfounded son, daughter, or spouse staring down Father’s Day with absolutely no idea what to buy the sports-obsessed man in your life, the NFL (his favorite) may have just bailed you out. Its new collaboration with Crate & Barrel skips the usual novelty-gift graveyard in favor of game-day-ready entertaining accessories he’ll actually appreciate, each one tailored to his allegiance of choice among the league’s 32 teams.

It’s catnip for die-hard fans. But since chances are you’re sharing a home with him, we’re pleased to report that this sports collaboration, ranging from dish towels to decanters, doesn’t require you to compromise the look of your living room – or wince of secondhand embarrassment when he cracks open a cold one from an objectively hideous logo-laden glass.

Allow me to set the scene. It's Sunday. He wants barbecue and beer. Armed with a team-branded BBQ tool set and coordinating tumbler, he settles in to man the grill. Then, roughly 30 minutes before company arrives, he develops a sudden and very serious interest in the art of charcuterie – a direct result of owning a sporty acacia wood serving board. The boys arrive. They love the coasters. So much so, they actually use them.

This collection might be as much a gift to you as it is to him. Minimally, you’ll never have to look at another novelty necktie.

And even if he never grills a single burger or pours a drink from that decanter, he’ll proudly display it to rep his team. Which means that, unlike actual game days, your gift is pretty much guaranteed to win.

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No brand does vintage-inspired homewares quite like GreenRow. And no institution knows horticulture as well as the New York Botanical Garden. So you can only imagine that a collaboration between the two would be a match made in heaven – packed with heritage florals, nature-inspired motifs, and the most charming, heirloom-quality decor.

Except you don't have to imagine it, because GreenRow and the New York Botanical Garden have just joined forces to make this dream-worthy collab a reality. Tapping into the institution's vast archive of botanical illustrations as well as its 250-acre living landscape, the collection is full of timeless floral motifs in all forms. And thanks to GreenRow's vintage design sensibilities, it boasts a nostalgic, character-driven look, too.

The range brings decorating with florals to all parts of the home – with everything from floral wallpaper and bedding to floral rugs and lamp shades. But what seems most apt for right now is the alluring assortment of floral tableware – consisting of pieces that can make summer hosting look more charming than ever before.

You'll find all sorts of hosting essentials within this collection, like the Poms Dessert Plates and the Lilacs Ruffle Tablecloth – both inspired by archival NYBG illustrations and designed with charming, whimsical flair. Even decorative accents make their way into this range, like the Quincey Vase and the Leilani Candelabra. Every piece feels both timeless by design and remarkably on-trend – demonstrating how floral motifs never truly go out of style.

This is one of the most desirable collaborations of the summer – fit to make summer tablescapes feel like they belong in the depths of ivy-shrouded, floral-adorned secret gardens. If that's the kind of aesthetic you'd like to channel at your upcoming summer dinner parties, then shop the best tableware from GreenRow's collection with the New York Botanical Garden, below.

Shop Tableware from GreenRow's Collaboration with NYBG

Aside from tableware, GreenRow's collection with the New York Botanical Garden features all sorts of decor for other areas of the home, including Floral Outdoor Pillow Covers that can refresh your outdoor sofa with blooming elegance, a Hydrangea Flatwoven Rug that can ground your living room with natural beauty, and this Floral Quilt that can cover your bed with the same nostalgic charm as a family heirloom blanket.

Fresh, timeless, and charmingly vintage-inspired, this collection will give your home that character-rich feeling in no time – just what you'd expect from a brand as heritage-driven as GreenRow and an institution as inspiring as the New York Botanical Garden.

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It’s a lesser-known fact that acclaimed Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner, best known for his atmospheric studies of water and light, also had experience as an architectural draughtsman. That detail proved especially fascinating to Love Your Home founder Leigh Harmer, who, while researching the artist’s life and legacy, visited Sandycombe Lodge – the 1813 villa Turner not only lived in, but designed for himself.

The house clearly left an impression. It now serves as the blueprint for Love Your Home’s new collection: a sofa, armchair, and footstool inspired by Sandycombe’s architectural features and designed for modern life.

Each piece traces back to a specific detail from Sandycombe Lodge. ‘The Turner Sofa was conceived as a place for reflection and imagination, qualities that feel central to Turner’s work, and the leg design was inspired by the triglyph brick detailing on Sandycombe Lodge’s exterior,’ Leigh Harmer explains.

‘The Mallord Armchair,' meanwhile, 'draws on the story of Turner’s relationship with his father, who lived with him at Sandycombe Lodge and played an important role in both his personal and professional life. I can imagine him sitting by the kitchen fire in this armchair every night.'

'The shape and lines of the Sandy Footstool reference a distinctive glass ceiling light above the main staircase,' Leigh continues, 'a detail that caught my eye while spending time there.’

Down to the scale, even overarching elements were executed with the house in mind. Rather than subscribing to the increasingly oversized proportions dominating contemporary furniture, for instance, the pieces were designed to suit Sandycombe’s smaller, quainter rooms.

Appropriately, Love Your Home x Turner’s House has returned to Sandycombe Lodge for its official debut. ‘The collection began with time spent in the house, time spent studying Turner, so it felt important to bring the pieces back to that setting, showcasing them in the place that inspired them,' says Leigh.

‘Seeing pieces within the rooms that informed their design helps people understand the connection between the creative process and the finished furniture, completing the story in a meaningful way and helping to bring the house back to life.'

Turner treated Sandycombe Lodge as a sanctuary – somewhere to think, sketch, and escape the city. More than two centuries later, this aspiration hits even closer to home.

'What remains relevant is the idea of creating a home that supports creativity and reflection and offers a sense of calm, and that good design will last for hundreds of years,’ Leigh Harmer tells Homes & Gardens. ‘Turner built Sandycombe Lodge as an escape from the noise and activity of the city, and I think many people are still looking for that balance in their homes today.’

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Does anything say summer party quite like string lights? As the sun starts to fade, energy too, an afternoon of eating and drinking quietly slips into something calmer when the string lights above start to glow.

They are a key player in a layered, ambient outdoor lighting scheme and can be an affordable one too. And while you can never go wrong with a classic string of festoons, there are many new designs that can double as decor – designs that resemble flowers, seamlessly lighting up your foliage, ones that glow like milky orbs, and rattan and wicker shapes that match your patio furniture.

Most styles from our favorite brands are less than $100, with the majority falling between the $20- $50 range. For those looking to enhance the aesthetic of their outdoor living room without spending a fortune, outdoor string lights are the easiest, most cost-effective way to do so. Ahead, shop 16 outdoor string light options that you'll be happy to hang around your patio all summer long.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Forget the strawberries, the blueberries, and even the tomatoes. It's a lemon-girl summer, according to Shea McGee, whose latest drop at McGee & Co. is packed with pieces in this zesty motif.

Dubbed the Amalfi Collection, this table decor range is vibrant and refreshing by design, inspired by Shea's trips to the Italian Coast. Within it, you'll find lemons – the quintessential Italian summertime motif – in every form, from lemon-shaped candles and lemon-painted platters to bowls with lemon forms affixed and faux lemon branches. No longer are lemons just a garnish – Shea's made them the stars of the show on summer tablescapes.

Though lemons are the central theme of this collection, Shea's incorporated other summer table decor ideas in this range, too. Think floral motifs, shell-shapes, gingham prints, and stripe patterns – all details that complement the vivacious yellow lemons and tap into the warm and inviting nature of the Mediterranean decor aesthetic.

This collection embodies the liveliness and playful nature of the summer, and it can make your tablescape sing with seasonal charm. Designed specifically for summertime hosting, these pieces can make your table feel like it belongs at a seaside bed and breakfast in Positano – even if you live in the suburbs of New Jersey.

If you're eager to try tablescaping the Italian way, find the highlights from Shea McGee's Amalfi Collection below.

Shop McGee & Co.'s Amalfi Collection

These pieces from Shea McGee's Amalfi Collection can bring energy and vibrance to your summer tablescape, all thanks to the zesty lemon motif. But in order to balance out the boldness, consider pairing these lemon-inspired pieces with sleek silver tableware – a trend we know will be part of every tablescape this summer.

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Every small backyard eventually falls victim to a little thing I like to call 'accessory creep.' One minute you’ve bought an outdoor chair. The next, you’ve accumulated a side table, a floor lamp, a portable lantern, and approximately 14 square feet worth of solutions to problems that didn’t exist when you started.

Hence, my new overachieving little obsession: an antique-style solar floor lamp that charges itself during the day and automatically illuminates at dusk. Oozes with charm on its own. But it’s also a lantern suspended from a shepherd’s hook, which means you can detach it and carry it around like a portable table lamp. And it’s a side table, too, complete with a petite surface perfectly sized for a drink, snack plate, or potted plant. Three jobs. One itty-bitty footprint.

It installs in minutes with a simple screw-together design; the table height can be adjusted to suit your existing seating arrangement, and its powder-coated steel construction is built to withstand everything from summer heat to winter snow. Basically, a long way of saying: you can set this garden light up once, and pretty much forget about it.

Well, until dinner, anyway.

That’s when the portable-lantern element really comes into its own. You’re lounging on the patio with a drink in hand, the lamp quietly doing its thing, when it’s time to migrate to the dining table. Rather than abandoning your carefully curated ambiance, you simply lift the lantern from its hook and bring the light with you. No extension cords. No outlet hunting. No remembering to charge yet another device. Frankly, a dream.

Since I simply cannot be bothered with charging anything beyond my laptop and phone, this lamp couldn’t be more ideal. For my peanut-sized outdoor living space, it replaces four separate purchases – a side table, floor lamp, portable lantern, and decorative accent – while occupying just 11 inches of real estate.

As a style editor, I’ve seen hundreds of outdoor lighting ideas come across my desk. So I’m willing to go out on a limb here: this might just be the small-backyard accessory of the summer.

How I'd Style It

This solar lamp’s greatest talent, beyond somehow holding three jobs at once, is its flexibility. Here’s how I’d style it on a patio this summer.

Accessory creep, be gone. While this lamp-table hybrid covers lighting, ambiance, and somewhere to rest your spritz, IKEA’s ingenious speaker lamp handles the soundtrack.

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Eagle-eyed erudites may have noticed a recurring guest in their favorite Slim Aarons portraits. Amid the yacht-side ostentation of silk babushka scarves, lemon-yellow umbrellas, and perfectly tanned socialites sits a far humbler status symbol: bamboo – and it’s back at the top of summer table trends for 2026.

From the French Riviera to Palm Springs, it was a then-‘quiet luxury’ code for class during this golden age of glamour – now revived by modern-day tastemakers like Shea McGee, who is paying homage to the indoor-outdoor roots (or probably more apropos: shoots) of the look with bamboo-trimmed melamine dinner plates and cereal bowls, while Target is serving bamboo-handled flatware at a very democratic $5.

And for those looking to source the table trend a little closer to the source material: Este Ceramiche, one of Europe's oldest ceramic manufacturers, is still producing its iconic Bamboo line, hand-painted since the 18th century. More recently, the house partnered with Moda Operandi's Moda Domus to bring the collection into the 21st century, adding silvery platinum bamboo borders that feel every bit as swanky as the OGs.

It’s very ‘who, me?’– now as expensive (or not) as you please. Ahead, 20 bamboo pieces capable of cultivating a capital-S Scene this summer.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Everything's better with a monogram. Towels? More luxurious. Cocktail napkins? More impressive. Shams? Don’t even get me started. It’s a very old-money way of communicating, ‘I care, I’m fancy, I’m considered,’ but because it manifests as delicate embroidery, it never feels like showing off. Instead, it suggests the sort of person who polishes their silver and sends handwritten thank-you notes.

Which is why it’s so shocking that some highly thoughtful Shea McGee devotees may not know about The Monogram Studio.

Available across some of her best-selling essentials, Shea's somewhat-secret service lets you add custom initials to everything from plaid pillow covers (a gentle reminder of whose house this is) to breezy bath linens (the chicest bathroom upgrade per dollar) to table linens (for a very 'Ralph Lauren' dinner party).

And it actually doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. For an additional $15, nearly every item becomes bespoke, joining a long lineage of namesake linens and embroidered heirlooms that some of the most design-literate homemakers (Martha Stewart, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Marie Antoinette – no big deal) have been passing down for generations.

Whether you’re shopping for a wedding registry, a first-home gift, or simply looking to make the everyday feel a little more timeless, Shea’s if-you-know-you-know studio stands as a reminder that the details people remember are rarely the biggest.

Shop every item we’re tempted to stitch ‘H&G’ on immediately.