What I’m Ordering to Actually Finish Our Patio This Year
(because it has bugged me since last summer)
For Context …
We bought these outdoor sofas last year, and I really do love them. They’re comfy, they’ve held up well, and the neutral tone works with everything. But honestly? That’s about as far as we got. No side tables, no layered lighting, no extra details that make it feel intentional or layered or lived-in. Just … a good start.
And of course, once fall hit, the whole space sort of sat there unfinished (and cold). So, now that the weather’s shifting and we’re outside more, it’s something we have to fix ASAP.
What I’m hoping to create …
This spot is right off our picnic table/dining area, so I want it to flow. After dinner, guests should feel like they can carry their wine over to the couch, kick their shoes off, and just hang for the rest of the night. Conversations, desserts, cozy drinks, maybe a board game. Not too “firepit zone” and not too “dining space”—just easygoing and cozy.
The vibe I’m going for
I don’t want to overdo it, but I also want it to feel done. So, I’ve been eyeing pieces that are relaxed and beautiful, but also functional. Think:
- a low coffee table where you can rest a drink or plate
- soft lighting (maybe lanterns, hurricanes, or outdoor-safe lamps?)
- cozy textiles like throws and pillows that make it feel more like a living room
- definitely a drink tray or two, because no one likes to balance glasses on the arm of the couch
- a few pots to cluster around
The Finds
I’ll be sharing all the pieces you might like, from the practical to the pretty. Some of them are already on their way to me, and others I’m still deciding on—but if you’re in the middle of a refresh as well, hopefully this will give you some inspiration.
I’m linking everything in the post so you can shop what speaks to you. And, if your patio has been feeling a little half-finished like ours, maybe this is your sign to finally give it that extra attention.
We bought these rocking chairs with ottomans for another project and I instantly fell in love. I wasn’t sure at first—they look kind of funny when no one’s sitting in them—but they’re so comfortable. You can sit upright or rock back a bit, and the little ottoman is perfect for lounging. They’re budget-friendly, too.
For a coffee table, I went with a 40″ diameter concrete-style option. The scale is perfect—big enough for drinks, snacks, or even a full grazing board on dinner party nights. It also comes in gray, but I picked the creamy white for a softer look.
I’ve been eyeing this basket tray and cloche from Jake Arnold’s collab with Crate & Barrel since it launched. The twisted iron handle is such a nice touch—and it’s going to be perfect for keeping bugs off the before-mentioned charcuterie platters ?
Last summer I kept telling Derrick we needed better lighting out here, and he kept pointing to our house sconces. But they just weren’t cutting it. Once the sun sets, it’s pitch black on the patio (which is part of Bend’s charm, honestly). So this year, we’re finally stringing these lights overhead to add a soft layered glow.
And then there’s this battery-operated lamp I will never stop sharing—it’s one of my favorite things. I move it all over the house and now it’s coming outside. I used it on our coffee table for late-night conversations and it brings such a nice vibe.
Lastly, more greenery is a must. I shared a blog post recently about all the best pots—because finding good ones is surprisingly hard. I grabbed two sets of these mossy-looking ones to line our long picnic table. I’ll fill them with herbs and dainty flowers to bring some life to the table.
Need a little more direction?
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Life is short. Make it beautiful!
