Outdoor Decorating Tips

Dining on the Deck

Prepare for spontaneous entertaining with furniture that can withstand the elements, such as a teak table and a matching set of folding chairs. The vibrant cabana stripe on sling-style seating makes every occasion festive.

A cottage-style hutch -- with its built-in ice bucket, cutting board, glass and wine racks, and storage cabinet -- create on-deck prep and serving areas that eliminate multiple trips inside.

To decorate the table, blur the distinction between indoors and out. Clip palm fronds or palmetto leaves for simple arrangements in a stylized glass bamboo vase. Tealights in pineapple-shaped glass lanterns glow to match the sun's last rays. Scattered shells at place settings bring the ocean closer.