Between the elements and chance encounters with crawly guests, outdoor entertaining has its challenges. But, according to renowned interior designer Jake Arnold, beautiful furniture and barware can make everything else — yes, even the food — secondary. For him, the key to effortless alfresco hosting isn’t just about the menu but the mood. A space that doesn’t just read as outdoor (no cheap plastics, no forgettable beige), but one that feels as “elevated, layered, and personal as your interiors.”

That’s exactly the ethos behind Jake Arnold’s new Crate & Barrel outdoor collection — bringing bespoke sensibilities to the best outdoor furniture, so guests feel just as at home under the stars as they do indoors.

Wellness — living holistically and blurring the lines between indoors and out — is woven throughout the outdoor living lineup, creating a synergy that feels both intentional and inevitable, given Jake’s LA roots. “It all comes back to escapism — creating pockets of tranquility at home that make you feel like you’re on holiday,” he tells Livingetc.

Comfort and function are paramount: “If a space doesn’t invite you to relax and unwind, it’s not truly serving you,” he continues. The collection reflects that philosophy in full, delivering warmth, ease, and a sense of transportive luxury. Take the Harpen Metal Chaise, for instance, where wrought-iron diamond motifs lend an unexpected touch of whimsy to an otherwise sleek frame.