Tips for a Fab Outdoor Space

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Every space outside of your home is worthy of your attention. You will not regret taking some time to carve out a bit of outdoor beauty. Capture those spaces and create! Even if you are overwhelmed with the size of your yard, pick one of the items below and make it happen. Even if you are underwhelmed by the size of your yard, am intimate space can be created. 

1. DINING

This is perfect for a small space for a couple of reasons. It adds a pop of color and style even without any throw pillows, and weathers well. It's also very affordable from Target. Ooh La La, very French!

In the Pacific NW I am a huge fan of metal if it is not under cover. Way less maintenance and worry. Also found at Target.

My all time favorite is a wood farm table but that has to be under cover. I even store mine inside over the winter. They can be high maintenance for sure but warm and welcoming.

2. ENTERTAINING

It helps to have something to set your fabulous appetizers and craft cocktails on. And this bar cart makes a great statement without taking up a ton of space. 

Of course if you have a larger area you can go with a larger bar.

3. CHILL SPACE

And then there is the relaxing area. A welcoming sectional. Once again, this weathers well but here in Seattle I would never leave my cushions out all year-never.

Or go with  2-4 chairs for a smaller space. These chairs read comfort for sure.

4. NAPPING or RELAXING

A hammock or a chaise lounge chair!

5. GARDENING

A large planter works even in a somewhat small space. A trio of planters makes a great statement as well, especially if they are repeated.

It doesn't all need to fall on your "Operation Fab Outdoor Space" to-do list but I can assure you doing just 1 of these ideas will make you want to be outside. I will not overwhelm you with throw pillows, heaters, fire pits and rugs (but I would like to!). We are brimming with design ideas.

Thank you to Target for all of these great products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Dinner Party

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It is often a challenge to find creative gifts for our parents so Sister Ex and I offered our entertaining services. We helped our Mother put together a dinner party and what fun it was to plan and execute.

A rough outline of our menu:

The beginnings of our place cards with the supplies and classes found here.

 The beginning of the tablescape


Cute bowls for the Cheddar Granny Smith Apple Soup


 Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Shrimp with a Kalamata Aioli
 Herbed Goat Cheese Endive Boats with Slivered Beets and Snipped Chives
 Pear and Gorgonzola Bruschetta
 The kitchen staff enjoyed wine from our favorite Washington Spa- Cave B.

 Mother took some time away from the guests to teach Sister Ex and I how to prepare the Risotto.
The ingredients were premeasured just like a cooking show.
 The bar wench..

 A Creamy Lemon Custard Tart from Macrina Bakery

 And of course the guests!