Outdoor Living Season: Preparing Your Patio for Entertaining
February 2026
With warmer spring weather ahead, many homeowners begin turning their attention back to patios, decks, and backyard spaces. Outdoor entertaining is more popular than ever, and creating a polished, comfortable living environment outside is just as important as what you curate inside your home. This season, early planning is key. Ordering custom outdoor furniture now ensures your pieces arrive in time for the peak of spring and early summer gatherings, dinner parties, and long, relaxing evenings outdoors.
Below is a guide to preparing your patio for the upcoming outdoor living season, including updates to consider, maintenance reminders, and a look at emerging trends shaping luxury patio furniture in 2026.
Start with a Vision for Outdoor Entertaining
Think about how you plan to use your outdoor space this year. Are you hosting large gatherings, like a graduation party or a large summer reunion? Setting up an intimate fireside seating area? Planning an outdoor space that transitions easily from daytime lounging to evening conversation?
Consider the following layout elements:
A central seating area anchored by a sectional or deep seating sofa
Dining options for al fresco meals
Zones for sun and shade depending on how you like to spend time outdoors
Soft transitions and coordinated color through outdoor rugs, lantern lighting, and greenery
Once you establish how you want to entertain, selecting furniture and accessories becomes clearer and more purposeful.
Order Custom Outdoor Furniture Early
Custom outdoor furniture offers the benefit of choosing your preferred frame materials, cushions, silhouettes, and finishes. Whether you gravitate toward modern minimalism, coastal textures, or timeless transitional looks, customized pieces align with your home's overall design.
For a truly one-of-a-kind look, consider custom pieces, but be sure to plan ahead as custom orders require additional lead time—especially during spring and early summer. By placing your order now, you ensure delivery and setup before peak season. This allows time for:
Cushion and fabric selection tailored to your style and climate
Coordinated accessory options like umbrellas or ottomans from an array of options now available
Stress-free planning instead of rushing quick decisions based on availability as summer approaches
Early preparation also gives you the opportunity to work with a design professional who can help with layout, scale, and product selection to create a cohesive outdoor entertaining environment that’s an extension of your indoor living space.
Choosing Luxury Patio Furniture That Lasts
Outdoor furniture needs to be both beautiful and resilient. High-quality construction ensures that your investment maintains its condition season after season.
Key indicators of luxury and longevity include:
Teak, aluminum, or high-density resin wicker frames that resist weathering with proper maintenance and will last for seasons of use.
Outdoor performance fabrics engineered to resist fading, mildew, and moisture
Deep cushioning and ergonomic design for elevated comfort
Even in outdoor settings, comfort and style should align with the standards of your interior spaces. Think of your patio as an extension of your living room—one that invites guests to linger, relax, and enjoy.
Maintenance Tips to Refresh Existing Furniture
If you already own outdoor pieces you love, preparing them for the upcoming season is equally important.
Simple care steps include:
Clean cushions and fabrics using manufacturer-approved cleaners and soft-bristle brushes
Oil or seal teak wood annually to maintain or gracefully transition to a silver patina
Inspect frames and joints for signs of wear and tighten any hardware
Replace worn or faded cushions to instantly refresh your space without replacing full furniture sets. Add items to refresh what is already in place, such as new throw pillows, an updated outdoor rug, or add a bar cart or fire table to enhance the outdoor experience.
Maintaining your current furniture extends its lifespan and keeps your patio inviting year after year.
What’s Coming for the 2026 Outdoor Season
The 2026 season is leaning into elevated naturalism and versatile multi-use spaces.
Emerging trends include:
Earthy color palettes with clay, sand, olive, and mineral-blue tones
Textural materials like rope, resin wicker, and ceramic accents
Modular furniture that adapts to different gathering sizes
Outdoor living accessories like weatherproof coffee tables, decorative lanterns, and plush outdoor rugs
The goal is creating an atmosphere that feels comfortable, curated, and seamlessly connected to your interior aesthetic.
Bring Your Outdoor Vision to Life
Preparing your patio now ensures a smooth transition into the outdoor entertaining season. Whether you’re refreshing what you have or planning a full renovation, investing in custom outdoor furniture allows you to create a space that reflects your personal design style and supports the way you love to gather and relax.
Visit a Gabberts showroom to explore luxury patio furniture collections, speak with a design professional, and begin your custom order while there is still ample time for delivery and setup. Let this be the season your outdoor living space becomes your favorite place to entertain.
