Stripes aren’t a trend. They’re a tool. And if you know how to use them, they can carry you from summer cocktails to cozy fall dinners and all the way through the holidays. But today we’re focusing on the stripe of the season: the classic cabana stripe.

Whether you’re setting a table, styling your patio, or zhuzhing up your bar cart, cabana stripes bring that effortlessly pulled-together look that feels both bold and timeless. Here’s how I style them, where I use them, and why they’re the most versatile pattern in my hosting toolkit.

1. Start with One Piece

If you’re new to stripes, don’t feel like you have to go full resort. Start with one foundational piece—a table runner, an umbrella, or a few outdoor pillows. Let the stripe be your base or your accent piece, then build from there.

Try:

• A cabana stripe runner on a wood table
• Striped napkins layered with florals
• A bold stripe cushion on neutral patio furniture

2. Mix with Florals, Solids, Texture—or Go Bold

Cabana stripes are graphic and strong, which makes them perfect for mixing. Pair them with:

• Florals (for contrast)
• Solids (for calm)
• Rattan, wood, or woven textures (for depth)
• Global or bohemian prints (for an eclectic, collected feel)

You can even layer different colored stripes together—navy with red, or black with a bright citrus tone—for a look that feels unexpected but totally intentional.

They also play well with pops of citrus tones—think bold yellows, oranges, and vibrant greens—plus fresh greenery or even red if you’re feeling festive.

3. Rotate by Season

Don’t pack them away after the Fourth. Cabana stripes stretch through every season:

• Summer: Pair with navy, white, citrus tones, and light woods
• Patriotic Holidays: Red or navy stripes + white dishes + one bold accent (a napkin, a drink, a flag toothpick)
• Christmas: Red stripes + greenery + candlelight
• Valentine’s Day: Red or pink stripe + blush florals + metallic flatware

They’re endlessly adaptable, which is why I never treat them like a theme. I treat them like a neutral.

4. Match the Mood, Not Just the Color

Think beyond color coordination. Are you going for breezy and casual? Go with oversized stripes and linen textures. Want something a little more polished? Try thinner stripes, crisp cotton, or a stripe layered under glass.

5. Shop Smarter (My Picks)

If you’re building a hosting collection, invest in striped pieces that work hard:

• Washable table runners
• Cloth napkins (they double as placemats)
• Outdoor cushions and towels
• Drinkware trays and serving pieces with stripe detail
• Striped dinnerware – Melamine or ceramic pieces that make even takeout feel styled

Hosting Hack:

Stripes are your styling shortcut. If your table feels flat or your patio looks bare, throw in a stripe. It adds structure, visual interest, and pulls mismatched pieces together instantly.

Want more stripe styling ideas? Follow me on Instagram @LangstonLiving.