Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design emphasizes clean lines, functionality, and a connection to nature—ideal for creating tranquil outdoor environments. Incorporate minimalist furniture, neutral colour palettes, and natural materials to achieve this aesthetic. Our curated collections at Cottage Culture embody these principles, ensuring your outdoor spaces are both stylish and comfortable.

Featured Products for Your May Long Weekend

To help you prepare for the upcoming holiday, we've selected a few standout pieces that combine Scandinavian design with modern functionality:

​Laurion Teak Rectangle Dining Table: This elegant table features a unique black aluminum frame, giving it a modern twist to the natural teak top that is characterized by nestled oblique, tapered boards. A true statement of exquisite craftsmanship in sustainable teak.​

​The Weldon Sectional Sofa: A minimalist series with stringent lines, this modern lounge concept offers flexibility and comfort. Its light aluminum frame and Scandinavian design make it a perfect addition to any outdoor space.​ With all-weather designed cushions, this set is both durable and stylish.

​Kira Lounge Chair: With its Scandinavian design and clean lines, this chair adds a modern touch to your outdoor seating area. Kira is a versatile piece that can stand alone, yet the netural palate of the Kira allows it to meld easily with existing outdoor furniture.

Tips for Alfresco Entertaining

Tips for Effortless, Elegant Alfresco Entertaining

Whether you're hosting a backyard brunch, lakeside lunch, or a fireside dinner at the cottage, alfresco entertaining should feel natural, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. Here’s how to make the most of your outdoor setting:

1. Set the Scene with Thoughtful Layouts

A great alfresco experience starts with how you arrange your space.

Use Zones: Create distinct areas for dining, lounging, and serving. Use an outdoor rug under your dining set to anchor the space, and separate seating like the Horizon Modular Sofa to encourage relaxed conversations.

Maximize Flow: Make sure there’s a natural walking path between areas, especially from kitchen to table.

Free Layout Help: At Cottage Culture, we offer complimentary layout and design consultations to help you make the most of your patio, deck, or dockside setup.

2. Layer Lighting for Mood and Function

Once the sun sets, lighting becomes essential to keep the party going.

Soft, Ambient Lighting: Use string lights, battery-powered lanterns, or LED candles to cast a warm glow.

Task Lighting: If you're grilling or serving drinks outdoors, include a few brighter sources (e.g., portable lanterns) near those work areas.

Design Tip: Stick with warm-toned light for a cozy, Scandinavian hygge effect.

3. Embrace Scandinavian Minimalism with Decor

Keep the decor clean, intentional, and connected to nature.

Neutral Palette: Use whites, greys, taupes, and black for a sophisticated, modern feel.
Natural Elements: Incorporate wood, stone, and linen for texture and warmth.
Functional Beauty: Scandinavian style values aesthetics and purpose—opt for multifunctional pieces like benches with storage or nesting tables that can adapt as needed.

4. Create Cozy Comforts

Even on warm spring days, evenings can get cool—so be prepared.

Layer Throws and Pillows: Use lightweight throws and weather-resistant pillows in soft textures to make guests feel comfortable and encourage lingering after sunset.

Add a Fire Element: A modern fire pit or tabletop fireplace adds visual warmth and extends your time outdoors. It’s also a great gathering point.

5. Serve Smart & Stylish

Scandinavian entertaining focuses on shared experiences—opt for casual, beautiful setups:

Family-Style Meals: Arrange food on wooden boards or ceramic platters to encourage guests to serve themselves.

Use Elevation: Vary the height of your serving dishes or use crates, trays, and pedestals to create visual interest.

Outdoor-Ready Serveware: Choose unbreakable yet elegant options like melamine or enamelware in matte finishes to maintain a modern look without the stress.

6. Incorporate Natural Scents

Let your environment be part of the sensory experience.

Herbs & Citrus: Bowls of lemons, rosemary sprigs, or lavender bunches double as table decor and subtle scent diffusers.

Essential Oil Bug Repellent: Blend lemon eucalyptus or citronella in diffusers to keep bugs at bay while avoiding harsh chemical smells.

7. Plan for All Weather

Spring weather can be unpredictable—stay one step ahead.

Umbrellas or Canopy: Provide shade and shelter with modern cantilever umbrellas or minimalist pergolas.

Have Throws Ready: As mentioned above, cozy blankets also serve as a stylish backup plan for chillier nights.

Flexible Furniture: Modular pieces like those from the Villac series can be reconfigured quickly if rain pushes you under cover.

8. Music & Atmosphere

The right soundtrack can transform your outdoor experience.

Create a Playlist: Keep it light and upbeat with jazz, acoustic indie, or Nordic chill playlists.

Bluetooth Speakers: Opt for weatherproof, design-forward options like Bang & Olufsen’s outdoor speakers for both quality and aesthetics.

9. Style Your Table with Intention

Skip the overly formal tablescape. Focus on elements that feel effortless but refined:

Linen Napkins: Drape soft napkins casually over plates or fold with a fresh herb sprig.

Mixed Materials: Combine stoneware plates with wooden chargers or matte cutlery for a modern Nordic look.

Centerpiece Simplicity: A single vase of foraged greens or wildflowers can be more striking than a large arrangement.

10. Personal Touches Matter

Elevate the gathering with small gestures:

Place Cards: Handmade or printed cards clipped to a sprig of rosemary or tied with twine show thoughtfulness.

Signature Drink Station: Offer one curated cocktail with a self-serve setup.

Takeaways: Small jars of infused sea salt, herb bundles, or locally sourced honey are memorable, easy-to-make parting gifts.

Final Thought

Alfresco entertaining is about slowing down and enjoying the company of others in the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you're hosting a casual cottage lunch or an elevated evening soiree, the right furniture, thoughtful layout, and a few cozy details can turn any outdoor gathering into a celebration of the season.

Let Cottage Culture help you bring it to life with free design consultations, Scandinavian-modern outdoor furniture, and personalized service built for Ontario’s lake life. 

Now that you have the “stage” or patio set, let the food and beverages flow! We have put together a selection of some of our favourite seasonal recipes to share with your friends and family this May Long Weekend!

Laid-Back Luxury: May 24 Alfresco Menu

Appetizers & Nibbles

1. Scandinavian Smørrebrød Bites (Makes ~12 pieces)

Ingredients (per topping idea):

• 6 slices dense rye or pumpernickel, cut in halves or quarters

Topping 1: Smoked salmon, dill crème fraîche (crème fraîche + chopped fresh dill), cucumber slices
Topping 2: Cooked shrimp, lemon mayo (mayo + lemon zest + lemon juice), microgreens
Topping 3: Roasted beet slices, goat cheese, chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Lightly toast the bread slices for structure.
2. Spread a thin layer of your base (crème fraîche, lemon mayo, or goat cheese).
3. Add toppings and garnish with dill, lemon zest, or walnuts.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature on a wooden platter.

2. Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Honey-Lemon Drizzle

Ingredients:

• 1–2 blocks of halloumi cheese, cubed
• Cherry tomatoes and zucchini slices (optional)
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Thread halloumi cubes (and veggies, if using) onto skewers. Brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Grill on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.Drizzle with honey-lemon mixture and sprinkle with chopped mint before serving.

3. Crudité Platter with Herbed Skyr Dip

Ingredients:

• Seasonal vegetables: rainbow carrots, radishes, snap peas, cucumbers
• 1 cup Icelandic-style skyr or thick Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt with herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange vegetables around a bowl of the dip.
3. Chill until ready to serve.

�� Drinks

1. Elderflower Gin Spritz (Makes 1 drink)

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
• 2 oz prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Mint leaves and cucumber ribbon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish with mint and cucumber.

2. Rhubarb Fizz Mocktail (Makes 1 drink)

Rhubarb Syrup:

• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

→ Simmer until rhubarb softens and syrup thickens (~10 mins). Strain and cool.

Mocktail Ingredients:

• 1 oz rhubarb syrup
• 1 oz lime juice
• Soda water
• Basil leaf

Instructions:

1. In a glass with ice, add rhubarb syrup and lime.
2. Top with soda water.
3. Garnish with a basil leaf.

��️ Main Course

1. Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Dill Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 large salmon fillet (skin-on)
• 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
• Salt, pepper, lemon slices
• Dill butter: 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 clove garlic (minced), zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Place salmon skin-side down on the soaked plank. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread dill butter on top and layer with lemon slices.
4. Grill with lid closed ~15–20 minutes or until just cooked through.

2. Warm New Potato Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped dill
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender (~15 min), then drain.
2. Whisk together mustard, vinegar, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss potatoes in warm vinaigrette and serve immediately or room temp.

3. Grilled Asparagus & Spring Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• Olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill over high heat for 4–6 minutes, turning once.
3. Finish with lemon juice before serving.

�� Desserts

1. Lemon Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 packet (2½ tsp) unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsp cold water
• Fresh berries and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 mins.
2. Heat cream, milk, sugar, zest, and vanilla until just simmering.
3. Remove from heat; stir in gelatin until dissolved.
4. Pour into jars/cups and chill for at least 4 hours.
5. Top with berries and mint to serve.

2. Mini Rhubarb Galettes (Makes 6 small galettes)

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry or pie dough
• 2–3 stalks rhubarb, chopped
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: coarse sugar for crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss rhubarb with sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch.
3. Cut dough into 6 circles. Fill each with rhubarb mix, leaving a 1" edge.
4. Fold edges over fruit, brush crust with egg, sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake 25–30 mins until golden.

Choosing Teak Patio Furniture

With interior and exterior design trends incorporating more natural colours and materials, teak patio furniture is a hot item for summer 2023. Historically used to build ships and yachts, teak wood is a highly sought-after, high-quality material that stands the test of time. Teak’s natural characteristics also make it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.

Are you shopping for patio furniture and considering teak dining sets, chairs, benches, storage boxes, or other teak outdoor furnishings? Then you have come to the perfect place! Below, we answer common questions and provide details on key things you need to know before you purchase teak patio furniture near you. Read on to learn more!

What is Teak Wood? 

Teak wood is a type of tropical hardwood harvested from Tectona Grandis trees. Tectona Grandis trees are very fast-growing and native to South and Southeast Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

When milled and dried, teak wood is close-grained, dense, strong, high in natural oils, durable, and very resistant to pests and rot. These qualities make teak a top choice for building wooden items that need to last – including outdoor furniture!

Different Types of Teak Wood 

While there are over a dozen kinds of teak wood available from various regions worldwide, there are typically only three grades or classifications for the material. These classifications/types of teak indicate the quality, colour, durability, and resistance of lumber. Each grade is derived from different parts of Tectona Grandis trees, which impacts wood density and oil content.

The three types/grades of teak wood are:

• “Grade A”
• “Grade B”
• “Grade C”

We explain each in greater detail below, as it is important to understand how the overall quality, durability, and appearance of teak vary across each grade.  

“Grade A” teak

Grade A teak is the highest quality teak available on the market. This grade of teak is extracted from the heartwood (also known as the centre) of mature trees. In its natural form, it is the highly desirable honey-brown colour that is characteristic of teak wood. Grade A is also rich in natural oils, making products crafted from teak exceptionally durable and resistant to pests and severe weather. The superior quality of this type of teak is reflected in the price, but it is worth the investment!

“Grade B” teak

Grade B teak is mid-grade quality wood, but it is still suitable for a variety of wooden products. This grade is extracted from the outer heartwood of trees. While not as strong as Grade A, Grade B still has sufficient strength, durability, and resistance to pests and harsh weather conditions.

The price of Grade B teak is lower than Grade A. Grade B teak also tends to be lighter in colour than higher quality alternatives.

“Grade C” teak

Grade C teak is the lowest quality compared to Grade A and B teak. It is extracted from the exterior wood (sapwood) of trees, which is less dense than heartwood and outer heartwood. Sapwood does not have sufficient strength or durability and is lacking in natural oils, making it unsuitable for patio furniture.

In addition, the colour of Grade C teak wood tends to be lighter and less vibrant in colour, usually appearing more white or cream than higher grade teak. Low-grade teak is also often uneven in colour and more prone to damage.

The Benefits of Teak Patio Furniture 

As indicated above, there are many benefits of teak outdoor furniture, including:

• Durability and longevity

• Rot and pest resistance

• Natural beauty

• Low maintenance requirements

• Versatility with style options

All of these qualities make teak outdoor patio furniture a worthwhile investment.

How Long Does Teak Outdoor Furniture Last? 

With proper care, teak furniture can last an impressive 50-75+ years! The natural oils in teak wood make it naturally resistant to intense conditions, including exposure to rain, snow, and even salty ocean air. Teak oils also make the wood resistant to rot and pests.

The best part about teak is that even if you neglect i

t or leave it sitting out, it will still hold up longer than other types of wood without warping, cracking, bending, or looking rundown.

 How Often Does Teak Need to Be Cleaned or Maintained?

Teak is low maintenance and only requires a thorough cleaning with a soft brush and soap/water (or a teak-specific cleaner) once per season. After that, you can keep your teak clean by wiping up spills or accumulations of dust and dirt as they happen.

Over time, teak outdoor furniture will weather and develop a silvery-grey patina which helps protect the wood. Many people like this weathered look, while others prefer to maintain the honey-brown colour. If you wish to avoid patina development on teak, simply apply teak protector products once or twice per year.

To help your teak last longer, you can opt to bring it indoors or use a cover when you are done with your set for the season.

What Should I Look for When Buying Teak Patio Furniture? 

Not all teak is created equal. Before you make a purchase, ensure you understand the differences in all three grades of teak. Opt for grade A to ensure maximum strength, durability, and natural beauty. High-quality teak will be a rich honey-brown, indicating a high oil content. The colouring will also be even throughout.

In addition, pay attention to the craftsmanship of the teak pieces you are considering. The manufacturing is poor if you see visible nails, knots, cracks, or separation around joints. Look for mortise and tenon joinery, which is one of the strongest joint types used in furniture construction.

For the reasons above, it is recommended that you only order from a retailer with a respected reputation, positive reviews, excellent customer service, and product warranties.

If a retailer is advertising genuine teak furniture at a very low price, that is another red flag that you will not want to ignore. Teak furniture is an investment that lasts decades, which is reflected in the retail price.

On-Trend Teak Patio Furniture 

Teak is an incredibly versatile material which is why it has been one of the most popular types of outdoor furniture for countless decades. Teak’s natural appeal and adaptability also make the material suitable for a variety of décor items in your backyard oasis.

Some patio sets, loungers, benches, and storage boxes are fully constructed with teak wood, which enhances an airy, natural, and casual aesthetic. Pair these items with beiges, browns, and greens to create a relaxing and inviting outdoor living space. For this aesthetic, consider the Circus Dining Table made of cultivated and certified teak. 

The Circus Dining Table is a large table in teak's signature honey-brown colour. You'll love the 70-inch Lazy Susan made of durable and attractive superstone. This table looks fabulous surrounded by rattan chairs, but it also lends itself well to black and slate chair frames if you prefer a more modern look.

Opt to apply teak protectant to the Circus Dining Table to preserve its stunning colour, or allow it to form a patina over time.

Whether you want a fully teak patio set or prefer to pair teak with other materials, there is sure to be a teak outdoor furniture option that suits your unique style! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, teak patio furniture is the perfect option for anyone who values making investments in high-quality items that will last for decades with minimal care and maintenance.

Teak offers many benefits in terms of strength, durability, versatility, sustainability, and resistance to pests and rot. It is also naturally beautiful when sealed to preserve the prized honey-brown colour. It is equally attractive when left to weather and develop a silvery-grey patina.

When shopping for teak patio furniture, always ask about which type/grade of teak was used. Teak grades (A,B, and C) vary significantly in terms of quality, strength, durability, weather resistance, and colour. Therefore, it is important to ensure you purchase furniture pieces or sets that will stand the test of time.

In addition to asking about teak grade, pay attention to the quality of the craftsmanship and only purchase outdoor teak patio furniture from a reputable retailer. Remember that teak furniture is an investment; inexpensive sets are likely poor quality or made with imitation teak that will quickly disappoint you.

Due to teak’s versatility and ability to pair well with a variety of other materials like aluminum and rattan, there is a teak patio set available on the market for everyone’s unique styles and tastes. Opt for a fully teak set, pair teak with matte black accents, or incorporate teak accents into your outdoor décor for an upscale aesthetic that is very on-trend this summer.         

Shop with Cottage Culture 

Are you ready to start shopping for high-quality teak patio furniture that will last the test of time? Do you also want to find a comfortable patio set that exudes elegance and matches your style? Then consider shopping with Cottage Culture! 

We are proud to be a family-owned and operated patio-furniture retailer in Canada. We are committed to offering only superior customer service, warranties, and support to every client who walks through our doors.   

We invite you to browse our online patio furniture collection or visit our showroom in beautiful Hensall, Ontario.

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