How to Style the Perfect Lowcountry Summer Party

There’s nothing quite like summer in the Lowcountry. Long days, warm breezes drifting off the marsh, and a slower pace that invites you to stay a little longer outdoors. It’s the season for relaxed gatherings where comfort meets effortless style.

At GDC Home, we believe outdoor entertaining should feel just as curated and beautiful as what’s inside your home. As a leading Charleston furniture store, we offer a curated collection of globally inspired decor and furniture pieces perfect for the summer months.

Style your outdoor space for the ultimate Lowcountry gathering. From must-have furniture pieces to elegant styling tips and statement accessories, you’ll find everything you need to host in style.

Set the Scene with Summer Staples

The foundation of any perfect Lowcountry summer party is stylish and durable outdoor furniture pieces. 

Choose a teak dining table or a cozy bistro set to gather guests for meals, paired with custom seating designed for comfort and lasting quality. Add woven outdoor sectionals with striped pillows for relaxed conversation and a coastal vibe. Accents like citrus centerpieces bring that signature Lowcountry charm.

For added flair, consider adding a sleek bar cart or drink station to keep refreshments and your space effortlessly elegant.

Style with Intention: Sophisticated Yet Simple Décor

Elevate your outdoor space with décor that feels both effortless and refined. Layered lighting—think lanterns, string lights, and candles—creates a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets, perfect for lingering conversations.

Mix materials and textures to add depth and interest. Combine natural elements like woven placemats and grass centerpieces with sleek dinnerware sets and silver flatware for a timeless look.

When styling your table, focus on thoughtful tabletop pieces that balance function and beauty. Linen napkins, artisanal decorative objects, and subtle home lighting details transform every meal into a memorable occasion.


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Add Comfort & Character with Lowcountry Accessories

Finish your outdoor space with accessories designed for both comfort and Charleston’s humid climate. Choose fade-resistant outdoor pillows and textiles that will stay vibrant season after season, adding softness and style to your seating areas.

Performance rugs are essential for durability. They handle humidity and foot traffic while grounding your space with texture and warmth. To keep guests cool and comfortable, incorporate shade solutions like elegant umbrellas or breezy outdoor curtains that sway with the Lowcountry breeze.

For a pop of color, consider adding red and white linens and crisp white dinnerware. These pieces will add a refreshing touch.

Global Charm for Southern Gatherings

Character sets a lowcountry gathering apart. And our favorite way to incorporate it is with one-of-a-kind accents from around the world. These pieces bring a sense of personality to your outdoor entertaining space.

From hand-painted blue and white dinnerware to bold floral centerpieces and artisan-crafted fruit bowls, these layered touches add joy, color, and visual interest to your summer table.

Blending globally inspired finds with classic coastal elements creates a setting that feels both elevated and effortless, perfect for warm-weather entertaining with a personal touch. These globally sourced tabletop pieces and decorative objects bring depth, texture, and charm to every Southern gathering.

Personalized Design Help from GDC Home

Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re updating a single seating area or planning a full patio makeover, GDC Home’s experienced Design Consultants are here to help bring your vision to life.

With both in-store and in-home services available, our team makes it easy to personalize your space with pieces that reflect your style and suit your lifestyle. From selecting the perfect furniture to curating décor and layout, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.

Visit one of our three Lowcountry locations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Kiawah Island to work with a dedicated design professional. Prefer to start from home? Browse our curated collections online and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Effortless Entertaining Starts Here

With the right mix of furniture, thoughtful styling, and a few well-chosen accents, summer entertaining can feel as easy as a Lowcountry breeze. From foundational dining pieces to globally inspired details and performance-ready accessories, every element works together to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.

Planning your next summer party? Visit gdchome.com or stop by your nearest GDC Home location in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or Kiawah Island. Explore outdoor collections that blend comfort, character, and timeless design, all at GDC’s Charleston furniture and home decor stores.

Shop the Look

Hana Sofa

Solid Grade A teak frames are complemented by the contrasting texture of Sisal all-weather wicker. The lounge pieces, enhanced by sling seat decks beneath the cushions, invite moments of sheer relaxation.

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Vero Ottoman

The Vero collection gives a nod to the relaxed style of the historic coastal town that inspired it. Frames have gentle curves and a flared skirt for understated elegance.

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Awning Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Woven with a slubby texture, prominent weave, and heathered yarns, this linen-like performance fabric brings understated elegance to these boldly striped pillow covers.

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Organic Embrace Bowl

Embrace the raw beauty of nature with this handcrafted teak wood bowl. Featuring an organic, live-edge design, each piece is uniquely shaped by the tree’s natural form.

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