By Becky Moore
July 30, 2008

There are two things that make or break our summer: 1) the return of sunshine and 2) outdoor entertaining. Because what is better than a pitcher of margaritas on the patio? Or a round of croquet matched with a round of raspberry lemonades? The perfect accoutrements, of course! So send out the invites (whether a holler across the lawn or a kitschy save-the-date), prep the deck and celebrate summer in style.

Hanalei’s folding furniture is quintessential patiowear, because it’s festive and sturdy, made of charming yet solid bamboo and available in a range of bright hues, from Antique Orange to Daiquiri Green to Dusty Aqua. Plus, both the chairs and the table fold so moving sipping stations from a sunny front yard to a shaded back yard is as easy as mixing up two iced javas. Hanalei folding chair and folding table: $79.99 and $159.99 at Kitchen Kaboodle

Danish company Eva Solo knows how to bring elegance to outdoor entertaining. This table grill is no exception, with its porcelain bowl and stainless steel insert that add ease and charm to on-the-spot grilling, whether backyard or beachside, s’mores or tapas. Eva Solo tabletop grill: $340 at www.unicahome.com

Because entertaining isn’t always planned, and we prefer our petite patio clutter-free, we adore this setup by German company Daff. Two-toned, double-sided, and made from a gorgeous wool felt, these 13 x 13 seat cushions are ideal for minimalists and modernists — or those who simply don’t want to haul heavy furniture indoors when the Portland rain returns on a whim. Little Seat Cushion by Daff: $69 at Out of Gray

When another one bites the dust, we can’t help but think: what a waste of tequila — er, of a glass. Never again! Novelty meets function with these stainless steel margarita glasses that make great chillers, hold a good eight ounces and come in handy when heading for the backcountry (11 miles with a 30 lb. pack to camp = Margaritaville). GSI stainless steel margarita glass: $9.95 each at REI

We know we sound snobbish when we say this, but kegs are quite unsightly. And when we throw a party, we like to keep it classy. But this genius machine goes well beyond refined, for its ease of pour, optimal head and cooling system that keeps the beer cold — and fresh — for up to a month! Beer tender, beer tender, fix us a draught. Krups’ and Heineken's BeerTender: $299.95 at Williams-Sonoma

Chardonnay was never meant to be served over ice. Nor was it meant to be chilled in a metal bucket. Keep it cool tableside in this tasteful resin chiller designed by Tel Aviv-born artist Ron Arad, whose unique ideas have kept him at the forefront of 20th Century design. Alessi “Chiringuito” wine cooler: $49.50 at hive

Condo-living has its perks. But a backyard fire pit wasn’t one of them — until now. Turn a living room staple from coffee table to fire pit when you take it from carpet to concrete, slide off the top plate and load with logs, so you can bring back the old mallow roast ‘round the fire — or simply bask in the fine ambiance with your friends. Antibes Fire Pit/Coffee Table: $279 at Restoration Hardware

We used to be fans of five o’clock happy hour. That was pre-July. Now we wait for the sun to dip past the horizon, so the sweat soaks and skeeters can fully dissipate. Full moon or not, we like a nice mood-setting glow from lanterns like these, with their bright metal, handblown glass and oversized charm. Napa Lanterns: $49 - $99 at Pottery Barn

In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t do run-of-the-mill. So why would we serve icy bevvies in a boring carafe? This retro pitcher comes in vibrant colors like electric blue and glowing green, and keeps juice chilly so we don’t have to run to the fridge after every pour. Aluminum pitcher (98oz.): $19.99 at Target

Whether toting sweet tea and biscuits or bourbon on the rocks, this his-and-her drink-slinger wins on all counts. Pretty enough for a Belle but mod enough for a man, it’s made from bent plywood and ebony veneer and cast with protective feet, making it easy to stay on task. Service with a smile. Urbana Design tray: $185 at Relish