Home Home Decor Ideas 3 Outdoor Items That Will Turn Your Backyard Into a Summertime Oasis You'll want to live outside all season long. By Grace Haynes Grace Haynes Grace is a former Associate Homes Editor for Southern Living. She covered a variety of topics for print and digital, from design and flower arranging to cottage gardens and pets. Before moving to the Homes team, she joined Southern Living as a copy editor. Off the clock, find her strolling through neighborhoods around the South to admire the houses and snapping photos of colorful front doors. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on January 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Prep your patio for summertime hangouts with stylish accessories. Adding a few essential pieces of furniture can turn unused outdoor space into another living room. Approach decorating a backyard as you would any room in your home. Don't think your space has to be huge to be used; smaller spots are just as inviting. Start with entertaining essentials, like a table and chairs, for dining outdoors. Add comfortable seating, like a hammock or sling chairs, for devouring your latest book club pick. Bring in some shade, like an oversize umbrella, for beating the summer heat. Here, we picked a few of our favorite pieces for turning your backyard into a summertime oasis. Entertaining Essential A bistro table and chairs. Choose a set made of a durable, all-weather material so it can live outside year-round. Our pick: 01 of 03 Bucksport 3 Piece Teak Bistro Set Bucksport 3 Piece Teak Bistro Set Courtesy of Wayfair This teak bistro set is the perfect size for small patios or porches. We'd gladly hang out here with our morning coffee or dine alfresco at night. Stylish Shade Keep cool on summer's hottest days with an oversize umbrella that's easy to move from poolside to patio. Our pick: 02 of 03 Soleil Beach Umbrella in Yellow Soleil Beach Umbrella in Yellow Courtesy of Anthropologie Brighten up your backyard with a colorful pattern, like this retro yellow stripe. This umbrella's fringe trim feels festive for outdoor entertaining. Comfy Seating Add lounge-ready a hammock for lazy afternoons. Our pick: 03 of 03 Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Tan Hammock Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Tan Hammock Courtesy of Target Hang this all-weather outdoor hammock between two shady trees or a breezy spot on the porch. Adding a few simple touches can turn an empty patio into an inviting entertaining space for summer. To make your outdoor room even cozier, consider adding an area rug, throw pillows, and a colorful container garden or two. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit