Dust off the grazing platters and start pulling together the mood board—hosting season is here. If you’re chasing some fresh styling inspo for a luxe, al-fresco setup, you’ve come to the right place.
Our hot tip? Start with the foundations by giving your deck some much-needed TLC. Go in for a quick and easy refresh with Cabot's Aquadeck—a deck oil that nourishes timber and protects against the sun’s harsh UV rays in just a few easy steps. Then it’s all about picking timeless, hardy pieces that’ll survive more than a season in the hot Aussie sun. We’ve picked out some of our absolute faves that’ll help your outdoor setup survive the summer fun.
Mimosa Malibu Timber Corner Lounge
Made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus hardwood, this slick timber corner lounge is a winning outdoor piece for the hotter months. It’s more durable than medium or soft-density timber and has a higher resistance to water—so won’t split or crack under the pressure of unpredictable Aussie weather patterns. Plus, the set comes with UV-stabilised, stain-resistant cushions, so you’re protected against any chaotic party spills.
Trace Outdoor Drinks Trolley
Put down the serving tray and let the furniture do the hard work with this elegant outdoor drinks trolley. Made locally from stainless steel, with a UV-stable powder coat and sustainable timber tray inserts and wheels, this piece ticks all the style and durability boxes. It also comes in a couple of refined colourways—so it’s an easy match to your existing deck and furniture.
Charcoal Brampton Cantilever Umbrella
No outdoor summer setup is complete without a sprawling, shady umbrella to ward off the sun and keep your party guests cool. This one sits at 3x4 metres so can cover a decent portion of your outdoor lounge or dining set—plus it comes with a 360-degree rotation, a UPF50+ protection rating and water-repellent fabric. If that’s not enough to convince you, it’s also endorsed by the sun-safety legends over at the Cancer Council.
Maui Outdoor Coffee Table
Add a touch of luxe to your iced coffee or spicy marg this summer with the Maui Outdoor Coffee Table. Solid acacia wood with a natural lacquer stain, this piece has a timeless, contemporary finish—making it easy to slip right into your existing deck setup and keep around for more than just party season. It’s also worth chucking the table cover in your basket—it’s water, fade, and mildew-resistant, adding a little extra line of defence against the hectic Aussie elements.
Northcote Pottery Planter
Conjure up the Italian terrazzo vibes with one of these glazed terracotta flower pots. Available in four sizes, they’ll level up any outdoor setup with a couple of young flowering fruit trees. We’re digging the forest green, but they also come in a range of other natural tones.
Mooncake End Table
Add a fun pop of colour to your al-fresco dining setup with the Mooncake End Table in olive. This aluminium piece is waterproof, easy to clean, and doubles as a stool—always handy for those extra plus ones that show up around the dinner table in summer. Olive, not your vibe? This versatile unit comes in orange or a neutral terracotta, too.
Mimosa Malibu Daybed
Spend all of summer blissfully poolside on the Mimosa Malibu Daybed—a piece that was made to maximise relaxation. Crafted from eucalyptus hardwood with a natural oil finish, it’s a timeless addition to your outdoor setup. Plus, it comes with comfy, durable cushions that are ideal for lazy afternoon naps. Hot tip: keep your fave timber pieces looking fresh and party-ready with Cabot's garden furniture oil—a quick and easy recoat will bring it back to life in just two hours.
Softline Planter
Add some well-placed accents of greenery to your deck with a Softline Planter. Featuring soft, smooth curves and a UV-stable powder coat, these funky pots can show off your ever-growing plant collection in all weather conditions. Sold in over a dozen earthy colourways, you can mix and match to create your own sprawling urban ecosystem.
Bailie Eucalyptus Wood Outdoor Dining Set
Host your whole crew around the dinner table for the silly season with this ultra-comfy outdoor set. Conjuring up major beach shack vibes with a simple table design and classic wicker dining chairs, the materials are also super durable—so you can sit back, relax and sink a couple of chilled vinos with your mates all summer long.
Feeling inspired? Head to Cabot's for all the products you’ll need to get your timber furniture and deck ready for summer—or check out our five-step guide to refreshing your timber deck here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Cabot's and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image Credit: Urban List, Tait, Bunnings, Castlery & Domo