In the Summer at our house, more often than not, outdoor entertaining is simple and quickly put together. Most of the time it is just me, the hubbs, and our four littles sharing a treat, a yummy sparkling fruit juice or slices of watermelon. Very often it is a simple lunch or dinner on paper plates.
One of my priorities every Spring is to clean up our yard and make our outdoor living space one that we will enjoy the entire season. We clean everything, pull out the cushions and pillows, and add hanging baskets and plants. I still need to sand and reseal the wood on our table (3 Idaho winters have taken their toll), but we have already been using this space every day.
This little antique wash basin was a treasure I snagged from my hubby's grandma's shed after she passed away a few years ago. I was so happy it was left over because it was cute and such a perfect size.
We took the kids to a local berry farm recently and picked a bunch of raspberries. I used some of them to make this delicious raspberry bundt cake with meyer lemon icing. Oh yum, it was good! I will share the recipe soon.
Candles in lanterns or hurricane lanterns are such an easy way to add ambiance to an outdoor space. There is something so relaxing about lighting a candle, so I think there is no reason to only enjoy them indoors. They are such a pretty touch for outdoor dinners.
When I am not working in the garden, you can find me here, curled up with a good magazine while the kids play on their play set and in the sandbox. My blankets (quilts), cushions, and pillows are all washable, so I am not afraid to use them outside.
This year I decided to plant my herbs in pots on the patio. I have to be very thoughtful about the layout of my small garden to maximize the space, and I have seen many of my herbs get choked out in years past. They are thriving here in these pots this year.
Here is our little garden so far this year. It will get with a bit taller! I try to maximize every inch, so the arched fencing is for our cucumbers, pumpkins, and watermelon to grow up and over. We also have 7 kinds of tomatoes, zucchini, squash, peppers, radishes, sunflowers, and onions. The littles and I love working in our garden. It is one of my very favorite things.
You can see the tutorial for these tomato cages here.
Ahhhh, I love summer.
Here are 8 more beautiful spaces for outdoor entertaining inspiration. I love seeing a peek of how everyone lives with their families.
Ella Claire | My Sweet Savannah | Julie Blanner | Jennifer Rizzo
French Country Cottage | Kindred Vintage | Rooms For Rent | Shades of Blue Interiors
Sources:
Navy Pillows- Costco (smilar here)
Striped Pillows- Homegoods (cute outdoor ones here, here, here, here, here)
Checkered pillow- Here
Vases (used as hurricane lantern)- IKEA
Bistro Chairs- IKEA
Julie Blanner
Your garden is looking just beautiful! What a gorgeous outdoor space you've created.
Rachel
Your garden is so lush and beautiful Kristen! What a cozy space you have on the patio!