Summertime is the most casual and laidback season of all. It’s also a time when you tend to socialize more often, with backyard barbecues as the most common type of get-together. We think now is the perfect opportunity to find ways to make your home more welcoming through some carefully chosen outdoor décor pieces. Below are some finds that will make you quite the thoughtful host.
A welcome mat at your front door instantly makes guests feel, well, welcome. This doormat ($19.99, pictured above) from Pottery Barn is made of coconut husk for durability, and its palm leaf design is very appropriate for summer.
Potted plants and flowers are bright and cheery indoors or out. Their cheeriness is only accentuated when paired with equally cute pots. These terra cotta pots ($5.59 each) painted with a fun dot motif are from World Market.
Outdoor pillows are a great way to add comfort to your outdoor space, and Crate and Barrel has these modern Terra June Flowers pillows ($19.95) that are weather-resistant and waterproof.
These quirky and brightly-colored seat pads ($2.99 each) from Ikea are suited for smaller metal garden chairs. They come in a variety of color choices, and can be used for indoor as well as outdoor seating.
Creating a festive vibe outdoors can be as easy as stringing up some lanterns. These square-shaped lanterns ($12.99) from PartyAmerica.com come in hot summer colors such as pink, orange, blue, purple and lime green.
Founded in 2003, TBF is a fashion blog dedicated to helping you live your best for less. We give you the 411 on the latest fashion trends & tips and sample sales. 
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
The way that I make coffee is a crime: this coffee maker is definitely necessary to my Life and Well-Being!
A friend of mine has this machine…It makes the perfect coffee, crema and all. I would love to have one of these! Its perfect if you are the only one in your house that drinks coffee (they have tea pods too!) because you do not wase a whole pot, and if you have several people, everyone can have their own flavor/strength.
You’re right. I wouldn’t buy it, but would LOVE to have it and can visualize it on my counter.
Yes, a new Jetson-like coffee maker is one of my many dream items. My French press is getting tired!
This coffee maker is amazing! One of my friends has one and it is just the best idea ever. Can’t wait to have my own!
My beloved Bodum vacuum coffee maker is about to die. I could sure use this.
Yes! Definitely would like this.
It makes tea too!?! This little machine seems so awesome, especially since we don’t drink tons of coffee, nothing would go to waste! And we always drink tea!
This is so cool! I would be using this everyday to fuel my coffee addiction!
Me please!
I could see this on my counter.
I want!!
Tslk sbout streamlining a morning routine! I always wanted one of these> Oooo! I hope I win!
Definitely need this…I waste incredibly too much coffee in the morning with my gigantic 8 cup coffee maker.
awesome! i would adore one of those =D
Please draw my name!!! *S*
I would love to win one of this! Thanks for holding the contest.
Wow this is fabulous!! We are always drinking coffee and everyone wants a differt flavor – I love it!!! Gotta have it!!! Please!!!!!!!
I used one of these at work and loved it. I would love to have one myself.
Definitely cool; definitely wanted!
i love coffee and i’m lazy! perfect!
This would really help cut down on wasted coffee and water.
oooooh, I want!
I’ve just found this site, and as a incoming college student this fall, this coffee maker sounds wonderful!
I’d love to win this!
my husband would love this!
Wow! Would I love to have one of these in my kitchen!
hope I win!
I’ve heard that these are amazing!
we’ve wanted one of these for our office, they’re amazing!
I can see it now…… a beautiful, sleek black coffee machine on a pristine white counter top. Now don’t you want to live in my world!!!
This would be perfect for me! I only drink one cup of coffee, and don’t like to go to the hassle of making more for just me! This would solve my problem, as I do love a good cup of coffee!
My daughter would love this!
Who would not love this?! As a college student and coffee drinker, I’ll take one!
Oh coffee, how I love thee.
Pick me please! Thank you.
Great contest!
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! I would be very grateful,
I would love to win this!
Love the curve of the machine, and three cheers for caffeine!
I would LOVE this! My hubby doesn’t drink coffee, so it’s never fun to make it for just one. Even after getting a french press, it’s usually just too much of a hassle to make it. <crossing fingers>
I love the look of this coffeemaker! Very cool!
What a dream come true this would be for busy weekday mornings before work, and weekend mornings before play!
This coffeemaker would save me $$$ on crummy deli coffee, and who doesn’t need that right now!