SUMMER: LET'S GET IT STARTED!

Glorious weather this past Memorial Day Weekend has helped charge a clear path straight to summer. Here are some goodies to help you get ready to live outside and entertain like you mean it. 

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

I have always wanted one of these to help channel my island side. Pottery Barn knocks it out of the park with their Raffia Round Umbrella, it is a charmer.  It will make you shout, "Paradise now!"

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you need some sunny prints in le jardin, try adding Crate and Barrel's jazzy

Marimekko Appelsiini Caliente Umbrella for some heat shade.

 Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

I love the look of lush ferns in Ballard Designs Scalloped Square Planter, it also comes in a round version.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Water your flowers with Anthropologie's Mr. Snail Pail to add some character to the task.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Instead of climbing a tree, swing in one. The Original Tree Swing from Terrain is like the old T-Bar lifts from skiing, but it's nothing a few Dark N' Stormies won't help you get over.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria

I have been eyeing these iznik patterned melamine  Wisteria plates for awhile now, I really think they are great.  Plus, if you order something from Wisteria up until May 31st,  they have an offer where they will throw in a set of 4!

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Bring a little bit of the French seaside to your outdoor entertaining with West Elm's wrapped Woven Pitchers. Be prepared for the raffia to get a little worn, the glass does not come out of the surround, so buy an extra to have just in case. They're on sale!

Photo courtesy of World Market

If you prefer a more muted color palette, then check out these beautiful soft colors in the Palampore Placemats from World Market.

Photo courtesy of World Market

If pillows are what you need, these outdoor ready Indonesian Fruit stunners at World Market are bright and cheery adding a touch of the exotic.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1

A right - sized fan chair from Pier 1 means you won't feel like Lilly Tomlin sitting in one!

Photo courtesy of CB2

Shed a little light inside or out with hammered brass teardrop Ous Hanging Tealights from CB2. They cast a party-ready glow.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

For a more trad option, there is this Z Gallerie Malaga Lantern that is inspired by a classic English lantern. It would work well lining a pathway. 

SUMMER STARTS HERE: STAY COOL THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Finally! Time to get out the beach towels and spend as much time out of doors as possible. Every summer I find so many fantastic goodies for outdoor entertaining and a life if leisure that I want them all. Here are a few that have it made in the shade:

Photo courtesy of World Market

How great is this Venice Umbrella from World Market? The pattern is a little bit Peter Dunham a little bit Raoul Textiles.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Roller Rabbit

With terry on one side and fabric on the other, this Roberta Roller Rabbit blanket/towel fills many functions. Take your pick: picnic or beach.

Instead of a hammock, try Pier 1's Swingasan Chair. A what? I know, but you will love it.

Photo courtesy of Luna Bazaar

Use real or battery operated votives for these mini lanterns in sensational brights from Luna Bazaar to illuminate the night sky.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

If your garden needs a dose of new Americana, then this light wood bench called The Dexter from West Elm is for you. It's a neo-Windsor Chair with clean lines and classic elements. Love it for inside or out.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

If you need new chairs for eating outside, these Gallante Chairs, aluminum painted to look like bamboo, from Ballard Designs fit the bill. You would have to look for ages to find a vintage set like it, so save your time and spend it with a summer beach read instead.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

A nautical eco friendly wine tote for the gift of spirits when you go to a friend's house. From Sea Bags for Pottery Barn.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

Melamine plates in a Moroccan pattern, check. From Z Gallerie.

It's a holiday weekend so eat drink and be merry!