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Play Dates And Date Night At Home: Creating The Perfect Outdoor Patio Space

I have partnered with Raymour & Flanigan to share outdoor patio seating ideas, and received product in exchange for this post. All expressed opinions are 100% my own.

Summer’s almost here and we are turning our attention to creating an amazing outdoor patio area, perfect for summer entertaining, whether it’s fun play dates or romantic evenings at home after everyone else is asleep.

Last year we designed our outdoor area with the Moreaux patio set from Raymour & Flanigan, and it’s ideal for dining outdoors on our patio. It has an umbrella to protect us from the hot sun or a light drizzle while we enjoy our barbecue, and beautiful cast aluminum seats with padded cushions. I love the elegance of intricately designed metal so use it as is (no cushions) to keep it simple and sophisticated.

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This year we added the Moreaux Glider Bench, and it pretty much completes our outdoor patio area. During the day our sons swing on it and relax on it while they play games, create chalk artwork on the ground, or play ball. The Moreaux Ice Bucket Table stores their smaller toys and balls, and it easily converts from storage (for toy trinkets or ice- the actual use of the ice bucket) to a table for guests to place plates or their beverages on. I love that pretty much everything from Raymour & Flanigan does double and triple duty!

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raymour moreaux bench-3
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raymour ice bucket

After the boys are in bed and the day draws to a close, the basket-weave designed swinging bench is perfect for an at-home date night for us two. We can put some wine over ice in the ice bucket, and sit together swinging on the glider as a warm breeze passes through. A great way to snuggle together and unwind at the end of the day without having to go out anywhere. It’s romantic and private, and we can enjoy a dessert or some sweet fruit for two on the sturdy little table too.

A little wine at the end of the day while waiting for the sun to set and the stars to come out…

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Or a quick snuggle with some pillows and sweet fruit while we chat alone on a pretty, drizzly afternoon….

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If you are looking to update your outdoor patio area for the spring, an outdoor bench from Raymour & Flanigan is a great idea. Many offer storage, some double as swings, and all are really beautiful and well-made. Here are some other pieces being offered I love from their Spring 2016 collection-

The Anchor Bay set- it’s strong and lightweight:

Anchor Bay

The Brisbane Outdoor Bench (with storage also- it’s very roomy!):

Brisbane Outdoor bench

And of course, my favorite is the one I feature here, the Moreaux Glider Bench that seats two- perfect for barbecues, playtime, and romantic evening dates at home. Find more at Raymour & Flanigan during their patio and outdoor furnutire sale, going on now!