School starts in a couple of weeks and soon it will be time to get back into our routines. I'm feeling it especially early this year as we prepare to move our daughter away to university this week. Eek! Sometimes I wish I could make time stand still.
I also want to make summer last and for me that means taking advantage of warm days and evenings by entertaining al fresco. What about you? As the summer nights get a little cooler, you just need to embrace it and add in lots of cozy layers.
Once again, I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada to create an inspiration board, and share some tips on how to make late summer outdoor entertaining simple, comfortable, stylish and will easily transition from summer to fall - including pieces that work indoors and out.
Set the table with easy transitional dishes and serve ware that works indoors or out.
Take advantage of late summer sales to stock up on patio friendly entertaining essentials like glassware, dishes and patio lights. They'll be on sale now so it's a great time to update or add to what you have. Outdoor tableware has come a long way and you can find beautiful melamine plates and acrylic glassware that is nice enough to use inside too, especially if you choose pieces that aren't too seasonal looking.
Rustic wood bowls are great for serving bread or for holding bundles of cutlery that your guests can easily grab. Just roll cutlery in a pretty napkin and tie with some twine. I found this beechnut bowl at June Home Supply's online store. It's one of my favourite online shops.
I love putting food on boards. I'm telling you, everything looks better on a wood board and it makes entertaining so easy! Head to the farmer's market and stock up on local veggies, fruit, cheeses, charcuterie, preserves, baked goods and even wine. Then assemble your goodies on boards. Yes, you can do cheese, charcuterie or smoke fish but think about doing something plant-based too. Fresh veggies, bread, nuts, hummus and other dips work great on a board.
Now's the time to buy outdoor furniture.
If you've been wanting to update your patio furniture you can still find a good selection online at places like Article. I really like this outdoor dining table which I think could also look great indoors too. I love its modern farmhouse vibe.
Outdoor fireplaces keep you cozy on cooler nights.
Let's talk about that Morso grill which is also a pizza oven and you can enjoy as a fireplace. It's gorgeous and instantly ups the cozy factor for those cooler summer (and fall) nights. This is definitely on my wish list.
Think about how you can use what you already have in a new way.
and shop your house. I bet you'll discover lots of pieces that can easily be brought outdoors, like blankets, cushions and tableware. Not everything has to be melamine.
Making getting in and out of your house easy.
Deadbolts aren't just for the front door. You want to make sure your back door is secure but also easy to get in and out of. The Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt Lock makes getting in and out of your house easy with a touchscreen lock and built-in Wifi that allows you to unlock your door from anywhere. I really love the black finish with the Century Trim style and the clean lines on this deadbolt lock. It connects to your home from anywhere with built-in Wifi, pair it with the app, the key by Amazon app or Amazon Alexa to use voice commands... and give up to 100 customized access codes to trusted friends or family. It's perfect for cottages and holiday rentals too.
Add lots of cozy pieces.
Throw cushions are another item that you can easily use inside or out. There are amazing outdoor fabrics available. Invest in a few pieces that can do double duty. They make a seating are more comfortable, inviting and are a great way to add colour, pattern and texture.
Don't forget the blankets. Roll some cozy throws and stash them in a basket that you can easily pull outside for cooler evenings around the fire.
Don't forget lighting.
A string of patio lights is on my list of patio essentials. I love the look of them strung across our yard. I've also seen some outdoor lamps that are great options for the patio. But if its dry outside you could pull an indoor lamp outside (make sure it's in a completely dry are though!) I love the soft glow of the new Symfonisk lamp which is also a speaker. It's a collaboration between Ikea and Sonos. Of course, candles are also a must.
Disclosure: I've partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.
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