Hello everyone~
Here’s hoping you all had a great weekend. I trust that all the fathers were given the royal treatment?
We had a nice weekend enjoying the great outdoors on our boat. It was so nice to be out on the water and seeing the other boaters taking advantage of the weather also. There were many people kayaking as well. I saw some people doing the latest craze, Stand Up Paddle Surfing. From what I’ve heard, it’s supposed to really work your core muscles. I don’t think my core muscles would appreciate that kind of test. I’m sticking right now with the good old fashioned crunches at the gym!
Before I continue today’s post, I want to thank everyone who sent me notes either personally or via Facebook about the new re-design of my site. The comments were very complimentary and I’m glad that I took the time to get it redone. As I mentioned in Friday’s blog, there will be some more design changes as times goes on. For today’s post, I’m excited to announce that there is a change you will immediately notice: larger photos!
It’s time to entertain outdoors again. Time to enjoy the backyard surrounded by your garden. All those plants and shrubs you have painstakingly nurtured for weeks will blossom during the warm weather. It’s also time to mesmerize your guests with your skills at the grill. I’m a person who loves to entertain outdoors, especially when the weather is warm and sunny.
Also, remember to have mosquito and bug deterrents around. In our backyard, Christopher sprays our shrubs with mosquito repellent every summer. It keeps them away for a quite a while.
Having the girls over for afternoon of gossip? I think that they would be in awe of this lovely arrangement of pink and green. I know I would.
It’s all about the yellow here. Lemonade would be all the tastier here.
Can’t you just see yourself entertaining in this peaceful and tranquil setting? It’s almost your own private oasis surrounded by trees and high walls. Bring out the sangria and the champagne!
This is such a welcoming simple look. It’s just a lovely little vignette in the backyard. I love the cushions; the colors are so vibrant against those gold chairs.
Let’s look at outdoor spaces that come with the luxury of living outside of the city. Don’t be intimated by having too much space, you can still entertain in a fun and chic way.
Entertaining and eating underneath a pergola! How perfect is that?
It’s a perfect venue for a wine and cheese party. I’m imagining grapes growing above the pergola.
Here’s a more formal design. I like that the blue hydrangeas is used on the tablescape. The topiaries are all low enough as not to distract you from talking with other guests. Very chic!
For me it’s the fact that there are so many colors that surround you, compliments of what you’ve already planted and what nature has provided. I don’t feel it’s necessary for me to go crazy with decorating the table or patio area. I just keep it simple. Some key elements to remember are color and comfort.
I recommend the use of soft lighting to help you in creating your atmosphere.
I love this idea of including potted plants among the candles in this “chandelier”. Very creative!
Another favorite, strings of globe lighting.
What better way to entertain your guests or even your own family on a warm sunny day than to enjoy the outdoors? Whether you’re having a small and intimate gathering or a big party, you’ll have fun being out in the fresh air.
I certainly hope that you liked the change with this post? I think the bigger pictures give you so much more detail. Fantastic! Isn’t it?
I hope, too, that you are experiencing beautiful weather and are inspired to entertain outdoors.
Simone
