This article is like a breath of fresh air for me, filled with images of beautiful spaces that are sure to inspire you for your own summer soiree, so take it away, Michelle! 

“It’s almost that time of year again. Time to bring out your grill tools, pull out your picnic baskets and grab the bug spray.  As our days grow longer and there’s more daylight to enjoy, the best place to spend your spring and summer is none other than the great outdoors.  One of my favorite aspects of spending time outdoors is hosting a great outdoor party.

Lonny Mag

Better Homes & Gardens, 100 Ideas

The key ingredient in outdoor entertaining is fun.  Whether laid-back or slightly formal, there should be nothing stuffy about an outdoor party!

 

Domino

House Beautiful

Whether you have the luxury of living in the country with twenty acres at your disposal, in the city with a ten foot by ten foot balcony, or something in between, hosting a dinner party outdoors can be fun, easy and done with incredible style.

Design Sponge

Lonny Mag

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Celerie Kemble, Lonny

When it comes to decorating when you are entertaining outdoors, it’s always best to keep your decor whimsical and easy.  Some of the key ingredients for decorating an outdoor space are color, comfort, and soft lighting. 

Don’t forget that you will likely have to work with the elements that Mother Nature has given you. Is it too windy?  Lose the tablecloth.  Lots of bugs? Flip colanders over to cover your food. Too warm? Create some shade.

Elle Decor

Real Simple

Apartment Therapy

When you’re setting your outdoor table, keep things simple.  Use bright, colorful foods or other natural elements to set the stage as your centerpieces.   Hanging globe lights, lanterns or stringing twinkle lights is always enchanting in summer.

Pottery Barn

The Kitchn

If you decide to use flowers, use inexpensive vessels to hold them, such as recycled mason jars or serving bowls. Don’t be concerned about serving guests in the traditional, sit down fashion.  Set up food and drink stations around the entertaining area so that guests feel comfortable mingling and enjoying your beautiful outdoor space. 

Also, it helps if you stock up a bar cart or beverage station with the essentials- drinks, napkins, silverware, etc. so you don’t find yourself running inside for each and every item needed.

Hip Hip Hooray

via Libby James

 

You Are My Fave

The Inspired Bride

Martha Stewart

Above all, remember to have fun. After all, it is a party! And what better a way to spend a beautiful day than by hosting your friends or family outdoors?”

Exactly!  Thank you Michelle for such great tips and gorgeous inspiration!  Be sure to pop over and say hello to Michelle at her blog Ten June. 

I’ll definitely be bringing out some outdoor place settings and also fluffing the outdoor cushions and pillows this weekend.  Speaking of outdoor inspiration, here’s a friendly reminder that the Home May’d link parties start next week beginning with Sarah, so get your spray paint cans ready!

We hope you’ll join us for the par-tays! 

.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the planters I made using regular plastics for the outside mold.  For the inside mold, I used the plastic container that housed my plant from the nursery.

A fern planter for my master bath:

For my outdoor patio table:

A striped version for a guest room windowsill:

How to Make Cement Planters:

Supplies :

1. Plastics in various sizes for outside mold.  They can be storage containers, deli containers, or juice jugs
2. Plastic container from your plant for the inside mold
3. Non-stick cooking spray
4. Plastic straws
5. Plastic sheeting
6. Rapid set cement mix from home improvement store (I recommend the 55 lb. bag over the 10 lb. box if you want to do more than just a few small tea light candleholders.)
7. Plastic bucket for mixing
8. Stir stick (pick up a free one in the paint department)
9. Measuring cup
10. Sanding pad
11. Latex gloves
12. Outdoor ‘Patio Paint’ in colors of choice

Step One: Clean and dry your plastic molds.  Spray the inside of your plastic mold with a thin coat of cooking spray.  The cooking spray isn’t absolutely essential, but it does help ease your plastic away from the cement when you pop it out of the molds.

To allow for drainage, use a knife to make small holes in the bottom of your outside mold and slide your straws up through the outside mold and through the drainage holes in your inside mold.

Like this:

Step Two:  Lay down plastic sheeting on your workspace, and put on your latex gloves – cement is irritating and very drying to your hands.

Step Three: Mix your cement with 4 parts cement powder and 1 part water as directed on the bag.  It should be similar to the consistency of cake mix.

Step Four:  Working quickly, pour your cement into your plastic mold, and set the inside mold on top, over your straws.  Use some pebbles or small rocks to weigh your inside plastic mold down, because it tends to want to rise up out of the cement. The easiest way to get into small crevices between your molds is by stealing a baker’s trick and clipping the corner off of your own ‘pastry bag’ filled with the cement mixture.

Note:  A small amount of your cement will creep up through the other drainage holes.  You could use plastic wrap to cover the holes.  I just scooped it out with my gloved hands and put it back into the outside mold.  If you leave it in the bottom of the inside of your planter, it will solidify and make the removal of your inside mold very difficult.  Be sure to twist your straws every five minutes.

Make sure your plastic mold is on a level surface.  Gently tap your planter mold about a dozen times to bring any bubbles to the surface.  At this point, you can also add pebbles, marbles, shells or other decorative items to the top of your planter mold like I did with this candleholder from my last post.

Step Five:  If your rapid set mix will solidify in 15 minutes, then let your mold sit for approximately 10 minutes, and gently pull your inside mold out.  After the full 15 minutes, when you can feel the outside cement is very warm inside its plastic mold, and when it starts to form some condensation, remove the straws and pop it out of the mold.  Do this just before it is permanently set.  It’s about a 2 minute window, so stay by your project. Note:  Your plastic storage containers are reusable after this project – be sure to rinse any cement residue out of your mold right away.  But don’t rinse it down your indoor plumbing, only outdoors.

Step Six:  Take your sanding pad and gently rub away any rough edges on the surface and sides.

Step Seven:  Let your finished planters cure for 12 to 24 hours.  For a painted surface, add your choice of outdoor Patio Paint available at most craft stores.

And that’s how to make a planter out of a lemonade jug or other plastic container!

I hope you’ll look twice at the next plastic container in your kitchen.  It could become something lovely, with your own creative and personal touch!

.

How perfect are these for lighting a twilight path to your door ?

Do you need some candlelight in your garden ?

Perhaps a romantic table for two outdoors?

Believe it or not, these cement candleholders were made with molds from plastics available at your local grocery store!

Supplies to recreate:

1. Plastics in various sizes for outside mold.  They can be storage containers, deli containers, or juice jugs
2. Yogurt cups for inside mold
3. Non-stick cooking spray
4. Plastic sheeting
5. Rapid set cement mix from home improvement store (I recommend the 55 lb. bag over the 10 lb. box if you want to do more than just a few small tea light candleholders.)
6. Plastic bucket for mixing
7. Stir stick (pick up a free one in the paint department)
8. Measuring cup
9. Sanding pad
10. Latex gloves
11. Outdoor ‘Patio Paint’ in colors of choice

Step One: Clean and dry your plastic molds and yogurt cups.  Spray the inside of your plastic mold with a thin coat of cooking spray.  The cooking spray isn’t absolutely essential, but it does help ease your plastic away from the cement when you pop it out of the molds.

Step Two:  Lay down plastic sheeting on your workspace, and put on your latex gloves – cement is irritating and very drying to your hands.

Step Three: Mix your cement with 4 parts cement powder and 1 part water as directed on the bag.  It should be similar to the consistency of cake mix.

Step Four:  Working quickly, pour your cement into your plastic mold, and set your yogurt cups inside.  Use some pebbles or small rocks to weigh your yogurt cups down, because they tend to want to rise up out of the cement.

Make sure your plastic mold is on a level surface.  Gently tap your candle mold about a dozen times to bring any bubbles to the surface.

Step Five:  If your rapid set mix will solidify in 15 minutes, then let your mold sit for approximately 10 minutes, and gently twist your yogurt cups inside the mold to ease in their removal.  After the full 15 minutes, remove the yogurt cups.  When you can feel the outside cement is very warm inside its plastic mold, and when it starts to form some condensation, pop it out of the mold.  Do this just before it is permanently set.  It’s about a 2 minute window, so stay by your project.

Note:  Your plastic storage containers are completely reusable after this project – be sure to rinse any cement residue out of your mold right away.  But don’t rinse it down your indoor plumbing – after all, it is cement.

Step Six:  Take your sanding pad and gently rub away any rough edges on the surface and sides.

Step Seven:  Allow cement candleholders to fully set approximately 12 to 24 hours.

Step Eight:  If you want a painted surface, then apply several coats of outdoor ‘Patio Paint’ to your candleholders.  Allow to dry between coats.

I added some decorative rocks between Step Four and Step Five to create a more rugged looking candleholder for my younger brother’s bachelor pad.  You could also use shells, mosaics, whatever you like.

I painted the inside and outside a mushroom color that I made from a mixture of brown, gray, and green patio paint.  Nestled among succulents, this version is very zen and organic.

Just look what you can create out of ordinary grocery store plastics and some quick drying cement!

My favorite part about these cement candleholders is how useful they will be through the fall and through the holidays. Unlike glass votives, there is no worrying about shattered glass.  Unlike metal luminaries, there is no need to bring them indoors for fear of rust.  These homemade versions should weather outside beautifully, just like any other cement object.

Next post, I’ll share some more tips and tricks about working with cement.  And I’ll also show you how to made a few cement planters out of more plastic containers and a lemonade jug.

.

In the spring of 2008, I started the landscaping process by making my own invisible trellis to hide the wall.  An invisible trellis is an inexpensive way to train a vine up a wall without the expenditure and installation of wood lattice or a metal trellis.

Here’s a look at my version up close:

An invisible trellis is very easy to install, and virtually maintenance free.  The only tools you need are a drill for pilot holes, wire cutters, and a measuring tape.  The only supplies you’ll need are screw eyes and galvanized steel wire, pictured below.

The first step is to map out your trellis on your wall or fence.  I used a pencil to mark off the location for the screw eyes along the upper diagonal of my wall, then created a vertical and horizontal grid 12 inches apart.  The second step is to drill pilot holes where you’ve marked the location for your screw eyes.  Once all of your screw eyes are installed, simply connect the eyes with your galvanized wire to form the trellis.

The invisible trellis virtually disappears on the wall, and allows the beautiful vine to put on a show.  And here is the wall after installing the invisible trellis, a citrus tree, and some shrubs.  It’s amazing how greenery can turn something functional into something lovely.

Last summer, I planted two pink bower vines, a type of jasmine.  In summer, my bower vines give me pink trumpet shaped blooms with dark pink throats.  The added bonus is that the plant is an evergreen, so it stays green all winter long, hiding my wall throughout the year.

For another brief tutorial by Martha on installing an invisible trellis, look here.

Happy trellising !

.

I bargained the vendor down to $300 for my set – she didn’t want to have to load it back up on her truck, so it came home with me.  My next mission was to have custom cushions made with Sunbrella fabric, but I had sticker shock at the amount the local upholstery shops wanted to charge me for foam, batting, fabric and sewing.  So I decided to make them myself. 

Last year, I found an online retailer to custom cut high density foam and wrap it in Dacron.  I wish I could remember the retailer, but I can’t now.  But there are plenty of them online. 

Then I ordered Sunbrella fabric in ‘Dupione Maize’ to cover my cushions.  I love the color in this fabric, because up close there is a deep yellow color woven together with a bit of watery blue.

Because Sunbrella fabric is a bit expensive ($12 to $20 per yard), last year I only purchased enough to do the bottom cushions.  But last month, I ordered enough for the top cushions, hoping the colors would still match.  I was surprised and delighted to find that after a year of summer sun exposure and multiple washings, this fabric hadn’t changed. 

Here’s an up close of the bottom cushions with the fabric from last year, and the top cushions, which I just finished yesterday with the new fabric I ordered last month. 

I’m sure I will offend serious sewers out there, but my technique for sewing outdoor cushions is a bit barbaric.  I simply cut a long strip of fabric to wrap around the cushions, then pinned two rectangles to the sides, and sewed them together.

Confession: I haven’t even finished the openings yet.  Sewing zippers frustrates me to no end, so I’m just going to sew a quick seam and add some Velcro strips later so I can remove these slipcovers for washing.  But I was so tired last night, I didn’t have the energy.  Right now, the back is simply safety pinned.  Sssshhh.  Don’t tell my guests that I’m entertaining this weekend.

Here’s what the sofa looks like now, sitting in my courtyard.  This sofa is 94” long, so my 6 foot tall husband can actually lie down on it. 

Pay no attention to that one seat cushion on the chair that I have yet to finish.  But you get the idea. 

These pillows are from Target and just arrived last week.  Here is the link for the small green flower pillows and the larger floral pillows, if you love them as much as I do.   

This wall fountain is also from Target – I bought it last year, and it has a nice patina. 

For my master balcony, I redid a pair of chairs that I picked up from the local thrift.  I am really loving the new look given to this pair of chairs. I used a spray primer, Rustoleum’s ‘Heirloom White’, and added some new foam and festive fabric to upgrade these vintage chairs.  Now they sit on the balcony off my master, which sadly was unused and lacking in any decor. 

Chair Before and After:

Balcony Before:

Balcony After:

Lime green hanging hurricanes from Joann’s Fabrics, melamine pitcher from Walmart. 

Can you tell I am drawn to green patterned fabrics ?  How do you feel about decorating with green?

Here is a glance at some clippings from my inspiration file. These all draw me to the table in some way or another.

All you need is a simple tablecloth and napkins on a plank picnic table, united with some colored glass, and a bowl of fruit to linger long under this tree. Chairs and bench by Smith and Hawken. Country Living, July 2008

I am loving this fuchsia tablecloth mixed with green chairs in this pretty table setting. Notice the silver chargers and hydrangea napkins. How gorgeous are those French doors ? Source Perrier catalog.

I love the large blue floral on these pillows and ottomans in this home in the Hamptons. A great textural element is added with the use of wood beaded trim on the pillows. This cool mix of sky blue with dark brown sea grass is still fresh, even six years after publication. Traditional Home, July 2003.

This dining scene is just off the kitchen featured in House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Month from August 2008. Look closely at the two tiered chandelier that hangs from the iron trellis, mixing pots of annuals with candles. The tabletop is zinc. Photographer: Reed Davis

This outdoor pergola is centered on a raised deck, and features a sisal rug and striped curtains which help define the space. I love the mix of crisp blue and green, and the whimsy added by the glass bottle chandelier. BH&G DIY magazine, Summer 2008.

This pink infused porch is pretty as a princess. The pillar candles are centered on a mirror and surrounded by bloom filled apothecary jars. How fabulous are those lanterns and parasols overhead? Can’t you taste that pink lemonade? Country Home, June 2008

Simplicity reigns here. The painted yellow benches and red farm table add just the right touch of color to this friendly front porch. The bowl of lemons is perfect, isn’t it? Home magazine, June 2006

Oh how I love the mix of peacock blue and coral. Sunset, June 2008

A perfect tented gazebo in crisp white is paired with lime green painted iron furniture and striped Adirondacks. A red beaded chandelier and red piping on the cushions completes the look. This space still looks fresh six years after publication. Traditional Home, July 2003

This mix of a white farm table and metal bistro chairs is a classic and stylish pairing. Linen table runners, terra cotta planters with topiaries, and pea gravel create a European feel. BH&G Flea Market Style 2009

A medley of bistro furniture and wicker surrounded by lush plantings feels comfortable and casual. Better Homes and Gardens, August 2007

I’ve been crazy about this covered porch ever since I tore it out of a magazine six years ago. Oh, how I love the stone floors, and the mix of an iron daybed, a white metal bench and distressed wood chairs. Together with the lantern fixtures and varied plantings, it all makes me want to move right on in. Traditional Home, March 2003

If I close my eyes, I can feel the ocean breeze as I sit on one of these simple teak stools. Crescent Lane catalog

Oh, how charming is this trestle table, set with a bench and wooden chairs that look like they just came from the house. The collection of lanterns will guarantee an enchanting evening glow. Country Living, March 2009

When your backdrop is as stunning as this brick, you don’t need much more than these simple white slipcovers and glass hurricanes. Traditional Home, April 2004

I am drawn to the use of blue and white here, in the tablecloth and the medley of vases. Somehow, the large birdcage just works in this setting. Source unknown

I hope you’ve enjoyed these spaces as much as I do.

Do you set an outdoor table in the summertime? If so, what special elements do you add to enhance your alfresco experience?

Last week, I found a shelving unit at the local thrift store, and transformed it with outdoor paint for my unique purpose.  In a cheerful shade of pale yellow, this baker’s rack style shelf fits my needs perfectly. 

I was inspired by this blue shelving unit I saw at Crown & Crumpet on last weekend’s San Francisco adventure. 

I bought my own version of a spindly wood shelf at the Goodwill for $12.  Then I brush primed it will oil based primer for durability.  

I then gave the shelf a light sanding, and covered it with Rustoleum’s ‘Strawflower’.  This indoor/outdoor spray paint is a pale yellow hue, and blends beautifully with the shade of the exterior stucco.  What I love about this paint is that since it is designed for outdoor furniture, the shelf should withstand multiple seasons of sunshine.  

I also added some small hooks to one side of my shelf, to hang some colorful tea towels. 

To the plant shelf, I added a thin plastic liner (available wherever oil cloth is sold) just in case the herbs overflow after watering.  An extra hook was added for the wasp trap, which is both decorative and functional.  I don’t want any of those pesky buggers invading my garden party.

The personalized herb pots were created with plastic paint and stickers, using the same spray paint I used here and here. 

The second shelf houses napkin rings, melamine plates and melamine glassware.  I lined the shelf with a crisp white tea towel, restaurant style. 

The bottom shelves hold various cloth placemats, napkins, and citronella candles, ready for setting our outdoor dinner table. 

This wall was bare before this newest addition, and I loved decorating it with an étagère that I will use all season long to hold all things culinary.

Have you added anything new to any of your outdoor spaces lately?

I spent yesterday afternoon redoing some basic fiberglass urns I bought from Home Dept for $39.  I love bronze, but up close, these had an orangey coppery detail that simply did not compliment my decor.  So I decided to give them a more formal and elegant look with the use of (non other than) spray paint. 

Before and After:

I’ve painted plastic planters before with good results, and realized that the same product can be used to paint fiberglass.  Rustoleum makes this paint product in a ‘Shell White’ color that is not too bright of a white.  

How to Transform a Fiberglass Planter:

Step One:  Drill holes in the bottom of your planter with a drill bit if the drainage holes don’t exist. 

Step Two: Coat your fiberglass planter with two coats of spray paint designed for plastic and fiberglass.   I used one can of spray paint for each medium sized planter.  Allow to dry for one hour.

Look at how different they look side by side after just one had been painted:

Step Three:   Plant your urn with your favorite botanical.  I chose a gardenia tree because it’s an evergreen, and in my opinion, there is no such thing as too many twinkle lights at Christmas, so these trees will certainly be included. 

Also, gardenias are one of my favorite flowers.  All it takes is one bloom to fill a room with nature’s perfume. 

I also added some white and blue verbena for added color, texture, and variety.   

I’m feeling pretty good about the cost savings here, given that this ceramic planter from Simply Planters costs $500

And this cast iron urn without the base from Horchow costs $550

This cast iron version from Well Adorned Garden costs $1,400. That’s just criminal. 

Here’s the unadorned porch Before:

Adding the urns, trees, and decorative pillows adds exactly what I wanted, a bit of elegance and style:

Phase Two of my porch makeover will include a new 5 x 8 outdoor rug, and if I’m really lucky, some new light fixtures ! 

Sigh.  A girl can dream. . .

This is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects I’ve ever done.  Well except for that one little mishap I had in the middle, but more on that later.  This planter makes a gorgeous statement, on a wedding table, surrounding your orchids, or adding glamour to your outdoor table. 

How to Make a Jeweled Planter:

Supplies:

1. Inexpensive terra cotta planter(s)
2. Outdoor spray paint
3. Glass marbles (with flat side) from craft store
4. Silicone rubber sealant or epoxy glue from hardware store

Step One:  Spray paint your terra cotta planters with some outdoor spray paint and allow to dry.  I use a beautiful shade of cream by Rustoleum called ‘Heirloom White’.

Step Two: Attach your glass marbles with silicone rubber sealant.  This product is waterproof and will withstand outdoor abuse.   

Note:  If you want to plant flowers inside your planter, you cannot use hot glue to adhere your glass marbles.  I tried this, and half of the marbles fell off due to moisture.  Ooooops.  Lesson learned.  Don’t let this happen to you !

Now if you’re not going to plant your blooms directly into the pot, and you are simply using the pot as a decorative cachepot, then you can use hot glue, and the glass marbles will stick very well.  But just remember to water your plant away from your jeweled planter, and don’t get it wet !

But since I planned on watering mine often, and I didn’t want to worry about my ‘jewelry’ falling off, I ran down to the local hardware store and purchased some silicone rubber sealant.  Epoxy glue would also work just as well.  This takes about 24 hours to cure, but after that, your ‘jewels’ will stay on regardless of moisture. 

This DIY project makes your planters look like they’re wearing jewelry:

And I love mine sitting outside on my patio table. 

Notice how you can leave the basin plain, or add additional beading to the bottom dish:

Idea Gallery:

Wedding:  Purchase glass marbles in your wedding’s color theme and make centerpieces for your shower, rehearsal dinner, or the reception itself.  Complete with topiaries for drama. 

Master Bedroom:  Add a ‘string of pearls’ to a planter to compliment your master decor.  Stunning with orchids !

Bath, Kitchen or Laundry:  Choose clear glass marbles to enhance your greenery and make your pattern look like glass mosaic tile. 

Beach:  Attach shells and/or spa glass for your own ocean themed planter.  Add some twine for additional texture. 

The possibilities are endless !

I’m off to the lake with friends this weekend, but I will be back on Tuesday. 

So do you want to come over for some lemonade and make some jeweled planters ? 

I had a bare patch of fence in my rear yard that was in need of attention.  I really didn’t feel like painting it again, which is what it needed, so I thought I’d distract everyone with some whimsical decor.  And this was such an easy and inexpensive way to do it. 

Here is the fence Before and After:

Up close:  

How To Make a Paint Can Planter:

Supplies:

1. Paint cans, recycled or new.  Plain metal paint cans are available at most home improvement stores.
2. Outdoor spray paint
3. Painter’s tape and/or stickers for lettering
4. Hammer and nail
5. Hooks for fence (if you will be hanging your planters)

Step One:  If your cans are recycled, clean off the labels and scrape off any drips from the sides.  Spray paint your cans with your first color of spray paint.  Allow to dry thoroughly, usually at least 2 to 3 hours.   

Spray paint your hooks and screws to complement.

Step Two:  Apply painter’s tape in your design of choice.  In my case, I wanted striped cans so I used the painter’s tape to allow for green stripes underneath.  Apply your second color of spray paint and allow to dry thoroughly.  When dry, gently remove your painter’s tape. 

Step Three (optional):  Add your word of choice with simple stickers.  In my case, I spelled out the word “BLOOM” for my third paint can.   I also applied more painter’s tape to my striped cans so I would end up with a third white stripe, and then spray painted them with a third shade of white.  When dry, gently remove your painter’s tape and/or stickers. 

Step Four:  Use your hammer and a nail to puncture drainage holes in the bottom of your paint can.  Use a towel underneath your can so you don’t cause any damage to your paint. 

Step Five:  If hanging your planters, then screw your hooks into your fence.   Painting your hooks ties the whole look together. 

Step Six:  Add gravel to the bottom of your planter, then some potting soil and your favorite blooms. In my case, I chose Iceland poppies for their color, and I know they will tolerate heat and full sun. 

Using outdoor spray paint will allow your cans to withstand the seasons, and the sun’s rays.  Can you believe such an industrial object could turn out so lovely? 

These painted cans will brighten any fence, deck or balcony.  They would also make an extra special housewarming gift – imagine them with a monogram, or the homeowner’s new street address ! 

So, are you ready to transform your old paint cans?

.