SUMMER STARTS HERE: STAY COOL THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Finally! Time to get out the beach towels and spend as much time out of doors as possible. Every summer I find so many fantastic goodies for outdoor entertaining and a life if leisure that I want them all. Here are a few that have it made in the shade:

Photo courtesy of World Market

How great is this Venice Umbrella from World Market? The pattern is a little bit Peter Dunham a little bit Raoul Textiles.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Roller Rabbit

With terry on one side and fabric on the other, this Roberta Roller Rabbit blanket/towel fills many functions. Take your pick: picnic or beach.

Instead of a hammock, try Pier 1's Swingasan Chair. A what? I know, but you will love it.

Photo courtesy of Luna Bazaar

Use real or battery operated votives for these mini lanterns in sensational brights from Luna Bazaar to illuminate the night sky.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

If your garden needs a dose of new Americana, then this light wood bench called The Dexter from West Elm is for you. It's a neo-Windsor Chair with clean lines and classic elements. Love it for inside or out.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

If you need new chairs for eating outside, these Gallante Chairs, aluminum painted to look like bamboo, from Ballard Designs fit the bill. You would have to look for ages to find a vintage set like it, so save your time and spend it with a summer beach read instead.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

A nautical eco friendly wine tote for the gift of spirits when you go to a friend's house. From Sea Bags for Pottery Barn.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

Melamine plates in a Moroccan pattern, check. From Z Gallerie.

It's a holiday weekend so eat drink and be merry!

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

WHY DON'T YOU: ENTERTAIN OUTSIDE!

Add a few new seasonal items to perk up your outdoor space this summer. Make the most of the balmy nights with chic umbrellas, stylish lanterns, and more:

WEATHERED WICKER:
Photo Courtesy of Jardins en Fleur
The wicker Voyage chair from Jardins en Fleur is like sitting under a tree, you get shade and a great view. The side portholes allow for an added sky view.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn makes a huge wicker tray large enough to set on a round ottoman for drinks and platters.

MADE IN THE SHADE:
Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie
The Soho Square Umbrella with fretwork detail and side tassels from Z Gallerie provide your garden with a Hollywood Regency hotel vibe.

Photo Courtesy of Pier 1
The batik print Hot Pagoda Umbrella Pier 1 has a jaunty two-tier design.

NIGHT LIGHTS:
Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie
The Rize Garden Votive Holder is a garden stake post that holds a votive. Line a pathway with there for instant evening drama from Z Gallerie.



Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Traditional lanterns reinterpreted with soft lines make the Bristol Lanterns from Pottery Barn look great around the pool, by the front door or lining a walkway.

GET A THRILL FROM WHAT YOU GRILL:
Photo Courtesy of Pier 1
Seagrass pitcher and glasses from Pier 1 will transport you and your iced tea to the French riviera.

Photo Courtesy of Target
Acrylic tumblers from Target" online look like hobnail glass. Why sacrifice style for plastic?

Photo Courtesy of Target
Add a little bug humor with Target's Ants and Gingham plastic platter. The uninvited guest that always shows up! Available online only.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Fun flatware is hard to find, it is often tacky and cheap looking. Fear not, Pottery Barn comes to the rescue with this 12-piece set. It is easy to bring to the beach in it's tube carrying case.

HOME COMFORTS:

Photo Courtesy of Land's End
These folding chairs are easy to store and have a clean design. Land's End has them with and without arms.

Photo Courtesy of West Elm
A beanbag table adds a youthful playroom vibe to an outside living room. Outside? Well, yes, it's water-resistant and great for using in a covered area. West Elm did Ikat for a loungey piece.