I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on the 30 Second Mom twitter chat. I went on to share some of my best tips for outdoor summer living and style. I provided ideas for easy ways to update your outdoor space, how to re-purpose items for outdoor living and a couple styling secrets for hosting guests outdoors.
Here are the questions I was asked and I only hope I was able to give some useful Outdoor Summer Living and entertaining tips.
Outdoor Summer Living
Q: What are some easy ways to update your outdoor space?
- Color, color, color. Even if you prefer all white, add a pop of one color, like blue or salmon.
- Pillows. You can get outdoor pillows for as low as $10, so stock up. I buy a lot on sale and save some for the next summer.
- Patterns. Have fun outdoors, mix patterns. Geometrics with florals, stripes, oh my. Why not?
Q. Without breaking the bank, how can you repurpose items to use in outdoor living spaces?
- If I invest in a piece I make sure it is something I can also use indoors, like a garden stool.
- Lanterns. Tall, short, white, blue lanterns. Stock up. Come Thanksgiving or an indoor party I use them for tablescapes or décor.
Here are white garden stools I use outdoors and bring them into my living room in the winter months.
Outdoor Summer Living
Also, lanterns outdoors and indoors for my Thanksgiving tablescape.
This vase I use outdoors and in my bedroom.
Q: When hosting outdoors what are some of your styling secrets?
- Tablescapes. Whether you are having a sit down or not, always do an elaborate tablescape. It sets the stage.
- It’s summer! Use your garden flowers. Even if it is just greenery and sticks to style the space!
- More is more. NEVER LESS. Add lanterns, votive candles, fresh arrangements, shells, sand. MORE is ALWAYS BETTER.
Q: What are some of your go-to items for styling small spaces? For instance, porches or balconies?
- Potting benches. Use them for actually potting flowers but then repurpose them as a buffet or bar cart when hosting.
- Outdoor rugs. When you add color and design to your floor, it will make a space feel inviting and larger at the same time.
- Chaise or outdoor daybed instead of loveseats and chairs. Allows people to sit and converse or for one to lay down and relax!
Q: If you had no budget, what would be your dream outdoor space?
- A large wood-framed pergola with hanging lights and a fireplace.
- We built our fire pits over 4 years ago before many in our hood did. Now, fire pits are out and it’s all about fireplaces and I couldn’t agree more. My dream outdoor space.
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