Outdoor Living & Entertaining Ideas
It’s easy to create a beautiful outdoor living space when you know where to look for unique accessories. Some of our favorite design sources feature colorful handmade items that are not only functional but also create an atmosphere that’s ideal for gatherings and entertaining. From hand-carved benches to authentic Talavera pots, the right accessory can make your patio or garden area look fantastic. And when it comes to setting the table, nothing beats handwoven table linens, elegant glassware, or golden lotus tealights to help you put together that perfect summer tablescape. Whatever your style, you’ll find all the decorating resources you need here to refresh your porch, patio, or backyard, and throw a good party at the same time.
All products featured in this article were independently selected by Taste of Lime. When you buy something from one of these links, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Hand-Carved Toucan Bench
Add a little personality to your courtyard or patio seating area with a whimsical bench carved with toucans and other exotic birds and plants. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in San Miguel, Mexico using traditional woodworking techniques and wood obtained from sustainably managed forests. They’re colorfully painted and feature a variety of motifs, from calla lilies to horses. Plus, its sturdy construction means it will last for years to come. To preserve the beauty of the painted finish, we recommend placing this bench in an indoor location or under a covered porch or patio.
Talavera Planter
Talavera pottery is a Mexican ceramic tradition that’s widely recognized by its intricate and colorful hand-painted designs. It has a history going back generations with the same techniques and practices used today. Any one of these beautifully glazed pots would make a great accent piece for your garden or patio, whether it’s used as a planter or just a stand-alone accessory. Choose from a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, and fill it with everything from geraniums to succulents.
Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder
This blown glass hummingbird feeder will add a splash of color and set the perfect staging area for your backyard photography. Made from recycled glass, it features a straw in the shape of a trumpet flower for nectar extraction. It’s also detachable for easy refills. At 4.5 inches in diameter, this beautiful piece of blown glass art is just the right size to fit in among the branches. For a free identification guide to hummingbirds in your area, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Brazilian Agate Mobile
Create a place of serenity with these wind chimes from Brazilian artist Guena. Handcrafted from agate and dyed with rich colors to evoke the earth’s core or the ocean’s mysteries, these chimes produce a soothing and timeless sound. Their natural beauty is almost sculptural in design, and their vertical shape allows you to hang them in almost any location, regardless of space.
Lollygagger Outdoor Lounge Chair
This updated version of the classic Adirondack chair from Loll Design is the perfect all-weather outdoor chair. Primarily sourced from recycled milk jugs, it has a contemporary look with great angles, vibrant colors, and the all-important bottle opener under the right arm. But what we really like about this Lollygagger lounge chair is the fact that it can take the heat, rain, and 2 feet of snow! And with the color pigments added throughout the material, you don’t have to worry about peeling or chipping. Their mission of sustainability makes this a product you can feel good about buying.
Block-Printed Table Linens
These gorgeous block-printed table linens from Ichcha will instantly set the tone for your table. Whether it’s a small daytime gathering or dinner on the lawn, indigo napkins or a floral tablecloth in an earthy mustard yellow will turn any event into a special occasion. They’re handwoven, dyed with natural pigments, and feature a variety of fabulous motifs.
Creative Flower Vases
Whether it’s an antique 1890s green glass bottle or a Moroccan blue and white ceramic vase, you’ll find all sorts of creative ways to display flowers for your table at Chairish. They have a unique collection of vintage and antique design furnishings available for purchase online. It’s like having all of your favorite antique stores in one convenient place. Prices vary, but it’s definitely worth a look. And if you find something you like, make an offer.
Melamine Dishes
Create a light and easy tablescape with a set of melamine dinnerware. These dishes are a great alternative to paper plates or if you’re worried about using breakable dishes outside. They’re durable, shatterproof, dishwasher safe, and they come in a variety of patterns and colors that look as good as the real thing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or a garden party, these dishes are perfect for any occasion.
Pakhi Linen Throw Pillow Cover
Add a finishing touch to your garden party with a few hand-loomed throw pillows from Soil to Studio. Made by weavers and artisans in rural India, they feature creative designs in beautiful earthy colors. Each piece is woven on a traditional loom and block-printed by hand using natural dyes. Since these pillows are made for indoor use, be sure to bring them back inside after your party to protect the material from the elements. Inserts sold separately.
Hand-Carved Serving Tray
Looking for a way to wow your guests at your next dinner party? Impress them with this elegant serving tray handmade in Thailand from durable raintree wood. It’s one of the many pieces you’ll find in this unique collection of tableware and accessories by Noppadol Laesanklang. Created with a combination of dark and light wood grains, the natural beauty and casual feel of this dinnerware will look right at home in any outdoor setting.
Green Recycled Glass Pitcher
This recycled glass pitcher from Sur La Table will make anything you put in it look good. Handcrafted by glassblowers in Mexico, it has a minimalist design with a subtle green hue, a thick wall, and tiny bubbles suspended in the glass. It makes a great addition to a summer table. And if you love this green glassware, you might want to check out their matching margarita and stemless wine glasses too.
Wine Goblets
Bring something fun and stylish to the table with these colorful wine goblets from Villeroy & Boch’s Like Glass collection. They’ll give your outdoor tablescape an updated look whether you stay with the same color or go bold with un-matching sets. Besides wine goblets, this collection also features tumblers, water glasses, and champagne coupes (which can double as dessert bowls). You can purchase them individually or in sets of 2. This beautiful glass is grape, but they also come in other vibrant hues including apricot, lavender, ice, and sage.
Lotus Shaped Tealight Holder
A few well-placed tealights are a great way to add a warm and inviting touch to your outdoor table or seating area. And these lotus-shaped candleholders from Thailand are the perfect accent to set the tone. Handcrafted from steel and finished with gold-colored foil, they have an antique appearance that reflects candlelight. A little over 5 inches in diameter, they would make a beautiful addition to an evening tablescape. What’s more, gold fits almost any design style and looks great with so many colors.
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