Outdoor Soiree Must-Haves

After a long, arduous winter, spring has finally arrived in Minneapolis. The sunny skies and warmer temperatures got me thinking about outdoor entertainment, so I’ve collected some great ideas for jazzing up an outdoor soiree. Here are some of the essentials:

Lanterns:

http://indulgy.com/post/V6h5xiCf41/outdoor-party#/do/page/1

http://www.party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/garden-party-decorations.html

Natural light is the best kind of light there is, but eventually it will get dark and outdoor parties need some artificial light. One of the cutest ways to brighten up the dark sky is to hang little lanterns from trees, like the two pictures above. Hang the lanterns at different lengths and mix up the shapes and sizes for a whimsical look and feel.

Eclectic Seating:

 

http://askannamoseley.com/2012/10/31-ways-to-throw-a-fabulous-party-choosing-a-venue/

 

http://www.momtastic.com/shopping/reviews/167817-summer-diy-build-a-backyard-theater

http://www.bohemiansense.com/

Mixed colors, shapes and sizes make outdoor seating really fun. You can go with chairs of various materials and makes, or cushions in the form of lounges or stools. The outdoors are eclectic so your seating will fit right in if it’s mixed up a bit.

Chandeliers:

http://pinterest.com/pin/159666749260317970/

http://www.frostedpetticoatblog.com/2013/02/cupids-garden-party.html

Chandeliers are typically only seen above a dining room table, but they’re making their marks outside! Just bring out an extension cord, hang a chandelier from a tree and you’ve not only got some extra lighting but a great decoration and conversation piece.

 

Bars:

http://www.frostedpetticoatblog.com/2013/04/antebellum-bridal-luncheon.html

http://worldmarket.tumblr.com/post/23243245316/potting-bench-turned-outdoor-bar-written-by-cyndy

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-aBRUa2Tvp8/Se9lPf7xoeI/AAAAAAAABFw/uCBCiIWve4I/s1600-h/Desk+1.jpg

 

Let’s be honest – no party is complete without a bar! The cool thing about a bar is that it can be very makeshift, like the examples above. As long as there’s room for a few bottles of the drink of choice, some glasses and ice, you’ve got yourself a bar.

Mason Jars:

http://alowcountrywedding.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-06T10:39:00-04:00&max-results=7

http://blueplusred.tumblr.com/post/15949225252

http://alowcountrywedding.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-06T10:39:00-04:00&max-results=7

 

Whether they’re used as candle holders, lanterns or vases, Mason Jars are the perfect touch for an outdoor party. They can be transformed into just about anything, plus they’re cute no matter the use. You can get really crafty here. Just type in Mason Jars to Pinterest or Google and you’ll be amazed at all of the crafty ideas exist out there!

Outdoor parties are so much fun to decorate. Make your soiree one to remember by jazzing it up with one or all of the above ideas.

Is there an outdoor party must-have that I’ve missed? If so I’d love to hear from you!

Textured Walls

It’s one thing to give your room depth by painting the walls a bright color, but it’s a completely different story if you use real texture! From exposed bricks to ancient walls to crazy installations, textured walls are a beautiful way to make your home stand out among the rest.

Here are some great examples:

http://freshome.com/2012/07/03/giles-miller-surface-design-using-texture-and-reflection-as-a-means-of-illustration/

This wall is so retro! And the owner of it clearly saw that, since he or she decorated accordingly. That’s the fun part about a textured wall – you let that set the tone of the room, and you never know what creative theme you could end up with!

http://freshome.com/2011/02/16/how-to-change-your-interior-walls-with-texture/

 

Geometric shapes go with any color, and these white overlapping squares and rectangles are no exception! With a wall like this you don’t even need to think about painting. And just look how much depth the wall adds.

http://dossierjournal.com/blog/art/la-fabrica-barcelonas-architectural-gem/

 

I love this rustic exposed wall. You never know what hides behind your walls, and in this case it’s something truly lovely!

http://freshome.com/2011/02/16/how-to-change-your-interior-walls-with-texture/

This is another fantastic textured wall that must have been a part of the home already. It certainly gives your eyes something to focus on.

http://freshome.com/2011/02/16/how-to-change-your-interior-walls-with-texture/

 

The waves on this white wall really complement this kitchen, not to mention brighten it up. The shapes bring an energy to the space that might not have come about otherwise.

http://www.krusto.ru/2012/06/13/spalni-v-temnyx-tonax-dlya-iyulskogo-vypuska-zhurnala-house-and-garden-dom-i-sad/

Have you ever seen more glorious exposed brick walls? These are just beautiful, and the simple furniture pieces don’t take any attention away to the natural beauty.

Pristine white walls are so passé. It’s time to add some texture to your home, and the walls are a great place to start!

The Indoor Picnic Table

Spring is so close we can almost taste it! If you’re located in Minneapolis like I am, however, you saw the snow last week. Given these conditions it’s quite natural to dream of springtime, which really should be popping up any day now. And what’s more springy than a picnic table? They’re great outdoors of course, but they are absolutely amazing indoors! Never seen it before? Check out these five beautiful indoor picnic tables:

http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/page/3

This mis-matchy picnic table and chair set fits perfectly into the eclectic home. As you can see, you can pull pieces from various table sets and put them together to make a very inviting seating area that holds several people.

http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/page/3

Who knew a picnic table could be so elegant? The pink pops of color are great. If you want to add some color to your picnic table you can easily paint little sections to emulate this one.

 http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/page/3

Whether you pack 10 people into it or use it to sprawl out a nice buffet, this picnic table is perfect for entertaining.

http://www.designsponge.com/2010/09/best-of-dining-rooms-square-tables.html

This is more of a space-filling picnic table than anything, but doesn’t it look fantastic in that little nook? You can take an old table, like this one, and spruce it up with a tablecloth or a plant and it will look like it came with the house!

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/848935/chic-ways-to-use-a-picnic-table-indoors

This one is so cool. It’s industrial and elegant at the same time, meaning it will certainly appeal to both men and women.

As you can see, picnic tables are not only great to look at; they’re really excellent for entertaining! Do any of you have an indoor picnic table? I’d love to see pictures!