SUMMER: LET'S GET IT STARTED!

Glorious weather this past Memorial Day Weekend has helped charge a clear path straight to summer. Here are some goodies to help you get ready to live outside and entertain like you mean it. 

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

I have always wanted one of these to help channel my island side. Pottery Barn knocks it out of the park with their Raffia Round Umbrella, it is a charmer.  It will make you shout, "Paradise now!"

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you need some sunny prints in le jardin, try adding Crate and Barrel's jazzy

Marimekko Appelsiini Caliente Umbrella for some heat shade.

 Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

I love the look of lush ferns in Ballard Designs Scalloped Square Planter, it also comes in a round version.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Water your flowers with Anthropologie's Mr. Snail Pail to add some character to the task.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Instead of climbing a tree, swing in one. The Original Tree Swing from Terrain is like the old T-Bar lifts from skiing, but it's nothing a few Dark N' Stormies won't help you get over.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria

I have been eyeing these iznik patterned melamine  Wisteria plates for awhile now, I really think they are great.  Plus, if you order something from Wisteria up until May 31st,  they have an offer where they will throw in a set of 4!

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Bring a little bit of the French seaside to your outdoor entertaining with West Elm's wrapped Woven Pitchers. Be prepared for the raffia to get a little worn, the glass does not come out of the surround, so buy an extra to have just in case. They're on sale!

Photo courtesy of World Market

If you prefer a more muted color palette, then check out these beautiful soft colors in the Palampore Placemats from World Market.

Photo courtesy of World Market

If pillows are what you need, these outdoor ready Indonesian Fruit stunners at World Market are bright and cheery adding a touch of the exotic.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1

A right - sized fan chair from Pier 1 means you won't feel like Lilly Tomlin sitting in one!

Photo courtesy of CB2

Shed a little light inside or out with hammered brass teardrop Ous Hanging Tealights from CB2. They cast a party-ready glow.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

For a more trad option, there is this Z Gallerie Malaga Lantern that is inspired by a classic English lantern. It would work well lining a pathway. 

MY FAVORITE DRINKING GLASSES

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Sometimes something is so perfect you just get excited about it's perfection. Form and function converge in a daily essential, taking something that can be mundane, and elevating it to a design statement. The Jax Glasses, a Crate and Barrel exclusive, are made by Kronos, the Polish glass company that makes the whisper thin glass tumblers that I have from Conran's (that are also Martha Stewart's favorite glasses she used to carry way back when in her catalog). There is something so clean and fresh about the Jax, with it's subtle outward curve and thin, thin walls. From lemonade to Gin and Tonics, this glass will go the distance in style. At $1.95 a glass, how can you resist?

SPEND TIME IN THE GARDEN THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Summer will officially kick off this weekend, so make sure your garden and poolside is ready! Every year outdoor furniture gets better and better, and this year is no exception. Spend a lot, spend a little, you get style by the mile.

Photo Courtesy of William Sonoma Home

If Turkey is in your sights, bring a little bit of it to your garden with Iznik Melamine Plates from William Sonoma Home. This is fantastic looking, so glad someone finally did this pattern that is usually seen on tiles and ceramic tabletop.

Photo Courtesy of William Sonoma Home

Mixing Iznik and Greek key patterns in bold red white and blue-- I have to have these Iznik Floral Napkins! From William Sonoma Home.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn

If you have a hankering for Mexican, check out the Talavera Pottery influenced melamine plates from Pottery Barn. The rich colors and texture will make you feel as though you are sitting under a palapa in Cabo.

Chop Chop! Cut those lemons and limes and keep the cocktail flow. From LA Plates

Oscar de la Renta for Century invented a Pagoda slipcover that mounts on the wall for shade.

Santa Barbara Designs is always leading the way in style and swagger. Their new Double Decker with oversized rick rack is too cute.

Pier I adds a great shape to a garden landscape.

Your own nest Outdoor Swingasan Chair from Pier 1

Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie

A little bit hippie a little bit bohemian. The Knotted Melati Hanging Chair of macrame from Anthropologie makes for some flashback fun

Ceylon Outdoor Arm Chair in Whitewash from Ballard is an Anglo Indian take.

Veneman Collections did an outdoor furniture line with Wynn hotel designer Roger Thomas. I am impressed with it, check out the whole selection.

Photo Courtesy of World Market

Metal Garden Bench from World Market

Photo Courtesy of World Market

Chic and cheerful, these Henri Floral outdoor pillows can jazz up solid outdoor upholstery. From World Market

Photo Courtesy of William Sonoma Home

William Sonoma's 100% polyester Printed Outdoor Pillows in weather resistant fabrics are great looking

The Casteleated outdoor pillow from Dransfield and Ross has a graphic tape border that stands out. It's summer go for the blue and white!

Their framed diamond outdoor pillow with quilting and inset ribbon trim adds interior upholstery details outside.

Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie

Teardrop lanterns hold pillar candles from Z Gallerie

Photo Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you are looking for a classic lantern, here it is! Crate and Barrel never fails to have a goodie