There’s something about June that makes me long to dine alfresco with friends and family. I love to bring tablecloths and tableware outside, and sit awhile as the sun goes down. We dine later, we drink chilled white wine, and we enjoy the fine weather.

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.

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In summertime, we spend many evenings eating or entertaining in our rear courtyard.  I wanted a shelving unit where I could store linens, citronella candles, and melamine plates, ready to set at a moment’s notice.  Our California home is French Country in style, so I knew I could get away with painted wood shelf. 

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

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Welcome to Phase One of my front porch makeover.  It’s really a lovely little porch, with white columns and benches, divided pane windows, and hydrangea bushes that thrive nearby in their happy spot.  But in my opinion, the porch was still lacking a bit of elegance, so I began the process of sprucing it up. 

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. 

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It’s my belief that ordinary objects can transform into something quite glamorous with some thoughtful accessories.  So why not give your flowers a bit of glitz as well?  Your blooms work hard to give you a show, so give them the gift of their own jewelry.  Glass marble jewelry, that is. 

This is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects I’ve ever done. 

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If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your old paint cans, I have a solution for you.  Turn them into planters !

I had a bare patch of fence in my rear yard that was in need of attention. 

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