March Keepsakes

March has opened with that itch to clear out and refresh. A little less hibernation, a little more air and light. We started a couple weeks ago by tackling the garage, and last weekend we moved on to the patio. After four years of real life and real sun, our outdoor rug and umbrella had reached that point where they were still functional, but no longer adding to the space in the way I wanted them to.

For the March Keepsakes patio refresh, I wanted to highlight the simple patio staples we are reaching for most right now. With bigger home projects on the horizon this year, this refresh was never meant to be a full overhaul, just a few practical updates that make the space feel cared for and ready for everyday living.

This month, I replaced three staples that do the heavy lifting outdoors. A new natural rug to ground the dining area, a crisp white umbrella with fringe for shade, and battery operated pendant lights to bring back that cozy evening glow. Outdoor pieces live a harder life than most things inside our homes, and sun exposure alone can shorten the lifespan of even the prettiest items. An umbrella, especially, is usually a three to five year item even with good care. Sometimes the most thoughtful choice is simply the one that fits the season and the need.

If you have followed along for awhile, you know I have a soft spot for anything that feels classic but not too precious. That is exactly why I love a white umbrella outdoors. It instantly brightens the space, and the fringe adds just enough charm to keep it feeling playful. The pendant lights do the same thing in a different way, they make the patio feel like an actual room, not just an outdoor zone we pass through.

You may notice a teak dining table and chair on this month’s board. Those pieces are part of an upcoming collaboration, and I will be sharing the full reveal and styling details a little later. For now, consider them a sneak peek of where this outdoor space is headed as we keep layering it in.

To round out the look, I am also linking a few extras from the board that make outdoor dining feel more intentional without being fussy, easy string lights, melamine plates, natural fiber placemats, and a potting bench moment that makes the patio feel useful and lived in. Simple pieces, practical pieces, and a few that feel like small everyday upgrades.

This month’s Keepsakes is about balance. A reminder that a well loved home is not only built from heirlooms and forever pieces, but also from the practical layers that help it function beautifully in real life.

xo Ashley Southworth