While you may have already made some necessary seasonal summer adjustments inside your home like switching fleece sheets for linen, installing your window AC or plugging in a tower fan, now it’s time for the fun part: shopping for outdoor decor. Whether you plan on hosting some epic summer soirees in your backyard or simply want to add some fun touches to your entryway, there are so many little ways to dress up your space for the season without breaking the bank.
To help make the overwhelming shopping process a breeze, we asked Etsy’s trends expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, to share the top five outdoor decor and entertaining trends for the summer, along with her favorites in each category from Etsy sellers. From lemon-adorned doormats and handmade tabletop pieces to complement your outdoor patio furniture to “dopamine decor” pieces, there are so many easy (and affordable!) ways to instantly elevate your outdoor area without spending too much time or money.
Below, check out Johnson’s favorite outdoor decor trends for the season.
Chef’s kiss
You might have seen dopamine decor trending on TikTok for a while now, and it’s showing up in an extra-tasty way this summer. “This year’s latest iteration is all about food motifs — which we’re attributing to the recent rise of award-winning kitchen culture shows,” Johnson says. “Whether adding playful curb appeal through lemon-printed doormats or adding brightness to an outdoor dinner party with corn-shaped dishware, this joyful trend is proving to be a season favorite for shoppers.”
These playful napkins are just peachy! Go the extra mile (without the effort) by swapping out paper napkins for these more elevated versions that'll impress all your dinner guests.
Summer is all about corn, so give the staple a moment to shine with its own vessel on the table. After all, there's nothing worse than corn on the cob rolling around on a flat plate.
Don't let these accessories fool you — they're not edible. These fruit- and veggie-shaped candles are an unexpected way to create a colorful focal point in the middle of your outdoor tabletop.
Adorn your front doorstep with this cheery mat, which is sure to put a smile on your guests' faces.
Elevated outdoor games
This year, outdoor games won’t just keep your friends and family entertained; they can also double as a cool accessory in your backyard that’ll get everyone talking. According to Johnson, Etsy has seen a 2,159% increase in searches for lawn games?recently. “Etsy?has so many different options — from custom cornhole boards and beanbags to personalized pickleball paddles for those participating in the hottest sport of the year,” she says.
It's no secret it's the summer of pickleball, so you might as well invest in a personalized racket so no one steals yours again.
This classic game gets a larger-than-life upgrade with this outdoor version.
Cornhole gets a quirky twist with this set, which comes with beanbags that look like cute little chickens.
If you prefer to stick to the classics, this version of cornhole is a crowd-pleaser.
Garden girl
“Last year’s ‘cottagecore’ and this winter’s ‘gingerbread girl’ [trends] walked so that this summer’s ‘garden girl’ could frolic in a field of wildflowers,” Johnson says. “Shoppers are inviting all of nature’s beauty into their lives, especially when it comes to their outdoor spaces. Think dried floral wreaths, ruffled table linens that mimic the folds of blossoms and wildflower-patterned glassware.”
Johnson says that Etsy has seen a 390% increase in searches for gardening accessories?lately, meaning people are looking for a multitude of ways to make their outdoor spaces beautiful for the season.
If you thought wreaths were just for the holidays, think again. This one is made with gorgeous dried florals that'll instantly add some life to your front door.
Easily identify what's growing in your garden with these adorable seed markers. You can customize them so no matter what's in your garden, you can label it in style.
No outdoor table is complete without a cheerful tablecloth, and nothing says summer like classic gingham and ruffles.
Time-honored materials
We love a bargain, but sometimes, it’s better to invest a little more up front to save money in the long run. According to Johnson, more people are buying higher-quality alfresco dining pieces that won’t go out of style after one season, “so there’s no surprise we’re seeing a turn toward tried-and-true materials like ceramic pitchers, quilted place mats, wooden bowls and even cork vases,” she says.
Upgrade your traditional glass vase with this lighter, more summer-appropriate version made with cork. (Bonus: It won't shatter if someone accidentally knocks it over!)
Add textural and visual interest to your tabletop with these colorblocked linen place mats.
Bread is already the star of the dinner table, so make sure to show it off appropriately with this gorgeous handmade bowl.
Store juices, water or a signature cocktail in this artisanal jug, which will also dress up your tabletop.
Western 2.0
Dolly Parton’s been influencing trends for quite some time, so it’s no surprise her Southern influence has entered into outdoor decor. “We’ve seen a major resurgence in Western aesthetics — with a glam twist — in fashion, and now it’s making its way not only into decor but outdoor decor as well,” Johnson says. There are so many fun (and not cheesy!) ways to incorporate country-inspired elements in your outdoor space this year — see Johnson’s favorites below.
This quirky tray is the perfect accessory for passing around appetizers or curating a charcuterie board.
Greet your guests with a cowgirl-approved "hello" with this adorable front door essential.
Tea towels are one of the easiest ways to decorate your kitchen or table for the season. These cowgirl-themed versions are making "yeehaw" so chic.
Add a dose of Southern charm to your outdoor table with this adorable boot mug candle.
