There’s a certain kind of magic to eating outside.

Maybe it’s the breeze. Maybe it’s the changing light. Maybe it’s just the way fresh air can turn a simple meal into something that feels a little more special. Whatever it is, outdoor dining has become one of our favorite rituals this time of year.

After living in New York—where restaurants spilled onto sidewalks post-2020 and stayed there—we fell in love with the feeling of dining outdoors in the middle of a city. Now, living somewhere far quieter, we’ve recreated that experience in our own backyard. A few thoughtful pieces, a bit of texture and color, and suddenly our patio became our favorite summer dining room.

A soft foundation

We started with a rug—something simple but substantial to ground the space. It softens the ground, frames the furniture, and instantly makes the area feel more like a room than a backyard.

A bit of shade (with personality)

Next came the umbrella. We found one that feels straight out of Palm Beach—striped, dramatic, a little bit glamorous. It adds height and charm, and gives a lovely filtered light in the middle of the day.

Investing in comfort

Outdoor furniture is tricky—it has to look good, feel good, and hold up through the elements. We found a table and chairs we love, and they’ve been worth every penny. The weight, the scale, the finish… all just right.

The joyful extras

Two oversized planters from Marshall’s surprised us by pulling everything together. It’s often those unexpected finds that bring the elegance. And for the table itself? Bright, playful plates from the same trip, plus a small lamp for when dinner runs long into dusk. Just enough light to keep the conversation going.

Dining outside changes the mood. It slows you down. It opens up the senses. The clink of silverware, the cool of a drink, the scent of something good in the air—it’s all heightened.

We hope you get to enjoy that this season, whether it’s around a beautifully set table or just a quick snack in the sun. Either way, it’s summer. Let it feel like it.

You can shop our outdoor pieces here, or use the links in each header above!