Choose outdoor furniture and fabrics that wear well in sun and take a bit of rain. In a protected space, like a covered porch, bring your favorite old sofa outdoors for the season, or set a nem one on casters to use in fine weather.
To protect your upsholstery from sun damage, adopt the southern tradition of dressing furniture for the summer with waterproof or canvas slipcovers. Lightweight wicker armchairs fitted with removable cushions make ideal seating for a crowd.