Who else is excited for the unofficial start to summer this weekend?! While I’ve been plodding away at making progress on our house (if anyone had ever warned about the trials and tribulations of gut renovations…I’d still have taken on this project, but I might have built up more stamina), I’ve been eager to make a major update to our backyard. We’ve had zero outdoor furniture or really any way to enjoy our outdoor space. Even though I still have couches and fireplaces to pay for, something had to be done. I’m thrilled to have partnered with Overstock.com to give my yard a mini-makeover. Thankfully, with just a few key pieces you can immediately transform an outdoor space into a picture perfect place to entertain.

We had an empty patio area in our backyard that I knew would make the perfect outdoor dining spot. Overstock has a ton of outdoor dining sets to choose from. I loved this slatted table with bench seating. Benches let you maximize the number of people you can get around a table. This set is casual, but also bright and fun. Zero maintenance too, which is an added bonus.

I’m also a big fan of adding additional pieces into a dining set. To mix things up, I placed white wicker dining chairs by Safavieh at each end of the table. I’m just obsessed with their cool, modern shape.

While I’m not usually drawn to dramatic color, something about Memorial Day and celebrating summer makes it impossible not to embrace bold hues. I’m obsessed with terra cotta right now and that became the inspiration for this table’s color palette. I found a killer dinnerware set on Overstock with a terra cotta rim. The stoneware adds an earthen layer that speaks to the hint of terra cotta that runs through the linens. Paired with beautiful golden hues and bold pops of orange-y red florals, this table has the warm aura of a golden summer evening.

When you have friends over, it’s also really nice to have places other than the dinner table to sit. This is another gorgeous chair that had me at hello. Rattan is having moment – which I’m thrilled about – and this living room chair has such a cool, modern shape. I’ll definitely be bringing this beauty inside come winter! Paired with a cute pedestal table (that has gorgeous texture), you now have a spot for a guest to sit back, relax and drink a nice Memorial Day libation (this is what I’ll be serving this holiday weekend).

So there you have it. I was able to create an inviting outdoor dining area that I know we’ll use all summer long – no yard work required! All I needed were a few key pieces of outdoor furniture, and some beautiful place settings to set a welcoming scene.

If you’re looking do a quick upgrade of your outdoor space, Overstock.com has everything you need to get your patio or backyard prepped for summer, and right now, you can find some amazing deals during their Memorial Day Sale happening through May 29. You can find deep discounts on outdoor rugs, patio furniture and accessories, garden décor and more. Another reason to head over to their site is that during the Memorial Day sales period Overstock will be matching all customer donations to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation that provides scholarship grants to the children of fallen Special Operators. Definitely a fitting tribute.

Happy Memorial Day!

floral design by natasha kolenko / photography by michelle drewes

This post is in partnership with Overstock.com. Thank you for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.