Outdoor Entertaining 101

Covering Up With Color

Your outdoor sofa can be covered in a material that's just as soft and stunning as the fabric on your living room chairs. The choice of colors, patterns, and textures has never been better. Bright shades, stripes, and patterns are big hits for the season.

Outdoor fabric is meant to be left outside, but it isn't maintenance-free. Try to keep cushions, umbrellas, and pillows out of direct downpours, and they'll have a longer life span. If items get soaked, lean them upright against a wall and allow all the moisture to drain out.

If absolutely necessary, machine-wash cushion and pillow covers in cold water, and line dry. Never put acrylic fabric in a dryer; it will melt.