Memorial Day weekend starts this evening, and for many people, these few days signal the beginning of summer.

We’ll start to spend time by the pool and fire up the grill when guests come over. Dinner parties will move from the dining room to the patio. We’ll be taking advantage of every opportunity to experience a little backyard bliss, and it all starts this weekend.

If you’re hosting friends and family, we want to make sure you feel ready for everyone to arrive. Even if you’re spending the weekend somewhere else, now is the perfect time to get ready for a summer spent outside.

We’ve put together a small list of outdoor essentials for the summer months. All of these items will set the scene for a season to remember.

Extra Seating

You can find fun seating options for every visitor, from traditional wicker furniture to Adirondack chairs and large rockers. It’s always a good idea to have ample seating in case a few surprise visitors show up to your get-together.

Vibrant Pillows & Cushions

Pillows and cushions are practical, comfortable, and bring summer vibes to the entire backyard. Playful patterns (lemons, butterflies, pineapples, etc.) and bright colors inspire us to sit down and soak up some sun.

Fun Dishes

Dishes don’t have to be plain, but especially not in the summer! Melamine plates. Fruit-shaped serving trays. Sentimental drink dispensers. Setting the table for a summer gathering should always be so much fun!

Pretty Planters

Every beautiful plant deserves an even more beautiful planter. Stagger mix and match planters (bright colors, fun patterns, hanging vs traditional, etc.) around the yard for some extra summer love.

Patriotic Pieces

Summertime provides a wonderful chance to show off your patriotic spirit. From Memorial Day through the Fourth of July, the summer months are all about red, white, and blue. Décor with stars and stripes will deliver a look everyone will love.

Have big plans for the holiday weekend? We’d love to see how you’re setting up! Be sure to tag us @kirklands for a chance to be featured in future blogs and social posts!