FINISHING TOUCHES

KEEP IT CASUAL

When entertaining, whether it’s a party for adults or a weekend influx of your teenager’s friends, having some extra casual seating makes all the difference. There are plenty of outdoor beanbags, floor cushions and ottomans on the market, and stools that can be used as seats or side tables for drinks and nibbles. Have a little fun with it all. Look for stools shaped like sawn logs or polypropylene stools that have integrated lighting so they glow at night. You might also want to consider hanging pod chairs for a retro vibe and a swinging time.

Imagine settling into the comfy embrace of a deep-seated modular outdoor lounge, a designer rug beneath your feet, stylish scatter cushions at your back and a coffee table before you. Or how about getting close to a good friend on a bench seat pulled up to a timber-topped outdoor dining table? Maybe your dream outdoor experience takes place on a large beanbag on a sunny patch of lawn, or stretched out on a lounger by the pool, the canopy of a cantilevered umbrella keeping the UV rays at bay and a side table keeping your wine glass within arm’s reach.

Selecting outdoor furniture isn’t just about finding pieces that will weather the elements (essential though that is), nor