What we forget  is that we don't live in sunny California or Bali or anywhere dreamy, exotic and warm like that, so maybe we should at least buy stuff that will stand up to the elements. I for one, am getting tired of hauling all that stuff in and out every year. Maybe we should go cheap and cheerful with the cushions and who cares if they fade a little, just replace them next year (not very environmental though). Or forget the cushions and plant a real garden even if it's just a few containers. Even better plant a few containers filled with lettuce and tomatoes.

I'm with you Veronica!!

I agree, great to drool over the pics not not always realistic.  I love my outdoor space - fchairs I love wiht a few cheap pillows from Bouclair, great outdoor rug and a propane fire pit.  And of course, lots of colorful plant in fun pots.  

My friends and I were just commenting on this - living in Calgary, the weather changes on a dime, am I supposed to bring in my cushions, candle holders and throws every time there's a hint of rain?  Right now I'm having a hard enough time keeping the flowers in my containers from drowning!

I shudder at the thought of how that fabric will look after a winter... because we all know someone would accidentally leave something outside. Gross.

The patio has always been a rather uninviting place - hot, cold, rainy, dusty, you name it.  People would rather be inside in the air conditioning in front of cable television.  A few, token chairs with green and white stripe cushions were all we'd invest in - it didn't look nice because we knew it wouldn't last.

The evolution of fabric design, furniture design, shading products simply means you now have the option of going beyond green and white stripes and plastic chairs.

The point is to make your patio a place that *you* find inviting.

Quite often a simple setup - dining table, chairs, umbrella, a few plants and accents -works very nicely and requires almost no maintenance.

If you get lots of rain, sling chairs dry quickly.  Sunbrella Sling fabrics are much more attractive and durable than the old plastic strap chairs. (Disclaimer - I work for the company that makes Sunbrella.)

And, by all means, plant a small garden!  It's easy, children love it, and the food is delicious.

I agree with you Elana!

We have an inground pool thus entertain quite frequently. (Weather conditions and Mosquito season permitting  of course.)  As I do NOT have a staff to maintain my outdoor space, have abundant neighbouring trees not to mention all the air borne pollen, I am still  using  Resort style 'resin' furniture with optional cushions.   With the exception of dressing a table(s)  for dining I keep my accessories to a minimum and  basically rely on  lighting and my gardenS for an indoor-outdoor  ambience .....  which works for 'me'.  

-Brenda-

I completely agree and am so sick of this entire trend. Give me a case of Bud and a nice, worn-in muskoka chair and I am a happy man.

This spring, my wife and I made the decision to tear out the back deck and remove all of the sod in the rear of the house. In their place we planted a patch of cucumbers that covers the entire backyard. We love sitting in the living room and looking out over the rapidly plumping-up green tubes.

In the fall we plan to hire several local kids to do the harvesting as I don't like touching fuzzy plants.

There are so many choices for outdoor furniture and accessories, but in all honesty i don't find anything more comfortable than my muskoka chairs.  And the more weathered they get the more i love them, they actually improve with age.  In my opinion the best accessories to an outdoor space are beautiful flowers and foliage, a fire pit and what more can you ask for.