A Picnic Basket Full Of Summer Picnic Tips

Summer wastes no time revealing its intended purpose, one of which is to go forth and enjoy the season of warm temps, cool waters, and fun in the sun times practicing stylish ideas and safe picnic tips.

Olli Ella Rattan Picnic Basket

Olli Ella

Packing a picnic meal and heading out to a fun in the sun destination is a time-honored tradition; a simple activity most of us have engaged in and enjoyed during the good old summertime.

picnic-area

Working with a basic get the job done picnic of white paper plates- hamburgers-hot dogs-plastic throw away cups-pass me the bug spray- aluminum webbed lawn chairs passed down through the years picnic theme has worked for years because it works.

Melamine Picnic Plates - Set Of 4

You know what else works?

casual-picnic-tablescape

Country Living Magazine – Photo by John Kernick

Stylish and delicious alternatives to the traditional, reinterpreted vintage, or in the style of vintage wares coupled with simple yet elegant accents perfect for creating a posh picnic.

Resin-Rectangle-Picnic-Basket

Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Picnic-Blanket

Better Homes and Gardens Picnic Blanket

Add a splash of nostalgia to your outdoor living decor with vintage or vintage inspired accessories.

vintage-picnic-supplies-Tattered-tiques

Tattered Tiques

Vintage quilts make wonderful picnic blankets.

French Provincial Inspired Quilt

French Provincial Inspired Quilt

Play with your food and see what edible centerpiece magic you can create.

fresh-vegetables-picnic-centerpiece

Fresh wildflowers from the field or the farmers market flower truck instantly pretty up a picnic table or blanket.

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Fun in the day and stylishly useful to light a summer night, picnic lighting options such as string lights, paper lanterns, solar powered LED landscape path lights, and solar powered LED flameless candle lanterns set a comfy scene.

outdoor-evening-picnic-jsl

For $5.00+tax you can light your picnic space up with a 6-pack (not that kind of lit) solar powered LED landscape path lights from Walmart.

Mainstays Column Solar Powered LED Path Light and Landscape Light, Black Plastic (6-Pack)

Solar Powered Column LED Path Light and Landscape Light, 2 Lumens (6 Count)

woven-basket-on-picnic-blanket

Photo by Salome Shubitidze

Include in your picnic basket of party fun a red and white tablecloth in classic gingham print for draping the picnic table in an instantly recognizable summer classic.

red-and-white-gingham-tablecloth

The Pioneer Woman 100% Cotton Fabric Tablecloth, Just Red Gingham

Layer the look with summer themed table and serveware in a picnic friendly mix and match of melamine.

melamine-figural-appetizer-plates

Set of 4  Melamine Figural Appetizer Plates

Disposables drive the easy express, and today’s options are super cute.

Summer-Red-Gingham-Small-Paper-Plates-8ct

wooden-utensils-for-picnic

Coastal or oceanside beaches provide a picturesque picnic point for sure, but not all that picnic are blessed with this location option.

Folding Rattan Beach Chair

Folding Rattan Beach Chair

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Options are always good, and imaginations adapt well to an entertaining challenge.

picnic-spread-watermelon-fruits

Photo by Julia Ivanina on Unsplash

Have backyard, will picnic is the summer picnic spot of choice offering entertaining options for a casual affair for two or a take it up a notch nosh set for friends and family.

Indian-Creek-recreation-park

Indian Creek Recreation Area

Local recreation areas and state parks provide picnic sites and man-made beaches – a summertime fun in the sun requirement.

picnic-pointers-graphic

Easy is a picnic must, and the rule of Kiss, Keep It Summer Simple, applies to the season.

Make it simple, but significant.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Folding Sports Wagon with Removable Bed

Academy Sports + Outdoors Folding Sport Wagon

Packing your picnic goods from vehicle to table becomes a much easier trek with this inexpensive folding sports wagon.

picnic-food-packed-in-basket

Urban Outfitters

French baskets make great options, too.

Straw Bag Natural French Basket Handle Leather

Straw Bag Natural French Basket Handle Leather Outline

picnic-time-parisian-picnic-basket

Parisian Picnic Basket

Summer activities should be relaxing, carefree, easy, and safe.

poolside-summer-backyard

Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, a roll or two of paper towels, and a mild mix of dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle will get you where you need to be in the fight against summer picnic cooties.

yellow-and-white-plastic-container

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

For a chilled picnic me up during and after your outdoor soiree, include a chilled package of cucumber and mint facial wipes zipped up in a zippered storage bag in your cold drinks cooler.

burt-s-bees-facial-cleansing-towelettes-30ct

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes – 30ct

Refrigerate a package of cucumber and mint facial wipes the night before and bring along for a deliciously fragrant and instantly cooling refresher course.

fresh mint ice cubes

Speaking of fresh mint, fresh mint ice cubes add a minty fresh kick to picnic beverages.

Place gently rinsed fresh mint leaves into each individual square of the ice cube tray.

Fill each square with water.

Pop ice cube tray into freezer until cubes are frozen solid.

Food Safety

fried-chicken-corn-sliced-watermelon-waffle-cookies-picnic-food-Martha-Stewart-photo-Kate-Mathis

Martha Stewart-Photo by Kate Mathis

Food safety and temperature regulation is key to outdoor picnic safety.

Fill empty, clean 2 liter soda bottles, milk containers, or a trio of water bottles ½ full with water (allow for expansion).

Saratoga-Still-Spring-Water-16-fl-oz-6-Pack-Plastic-Bottles (1)

Place bottles in the freezer the day before your picnic.  Use the frozen bottles to aid in keeping cooler items cold.

checking-food-temperature-BHG-Blaine Moats

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Blaine Moats

Food poisoning temperatures range between 40°F and 140°F.

Perishable foods should be kept at or below 40°F.

Hot foods should be kept at or higher than 140°F.

Make sure meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

FDA suggestions: Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors

safe-meat-serving-temps

The Poultry Site

Mixing and mingling does not apply to picnic food and beverages. I highly suggest using 2 coolers; one for beverages and the other for perishable food items.

Wait until just before leaving home to pack perishable foods in the cooler.

Igloo 48 QT Laguna Ice Chest Cooler, Red

Igloo 48 QT Laguna Ice Chest Cooler, Red

Place cooler in a shaded area, and use a refrigerator thermometer to check and verify the temperature inside the cooler remains at or below 40°F.

After each picnic use be sure to wash out your coolers with hot, soapy water.

TRUTEMP Fridge Freezer Thermometer

Throw away food left out for more than two (2) hours.

On a day where the outdoor temperature is 90°F or above, I would exercise extreme caution by throwing away any food that has been out for more than one (1) hour.

‘Tis better picnic safe than picnic sorry.

picnic food safety

My Recipes

Great option, too.

Refrigerator Garden Pickles

Refrigerator Garden Pickles

Ingredients

6 cups sugar

6 cups white vinegar

¼ cup celery seed

¼ cup mustard seed

2 tablespoons canning salt

10 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces

3 medium cucumbers, sliced

3 medium sweet red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 large onions, halved and sliced

1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Directions

In a Dutch oven, combine the first 5 ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Meanwhile, place the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour hot liquid over vegetables; cool.

Transfer to jars, if desired; cover tightly.  Refrigerate for 6-8 hours before serving.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Makes 7 pints.

-Taste of Home

cowboy-caviar (1)

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

deli-sandwich

Just add chips.

hot-dogs-with-quick-cast-iron-beans-recipe

Hot Dogs With Quick Cast-Iron Beans

Grilled summer vegetables in foil packets make an easy and tasty best of the season side dish.

summer-picnic-vegetables-grill-packs

My husband came up with an easy potato season and steam recipe that proved a winner.

Peel, rinse, and cube potatoes (he went with a 5lb. bag of either russet or Yukon gold-whatever was on sale).

basket-russet-potatoes

Photo by Maria Kovalets

Butter or spray with olive oil non-stick cooking oil the inside of a sheet of heavy-duty foil large enough to hold potatoes.  Place potatoes onto foil, drizzle with oil or add a generous pat of butter on top (or both).

Season potatoes with desired amount of Creole seasoning (see recipe below) and grated Parmesan cheese. Place a piece of foil over the top of the potatoes and seal sides together.

Place on preheated/prepared grill and let it do its thing.  Allow to cook for approximately 25-35 minutes.

cubed-golden-potatoes

Photo by Gilberto Olimpio 

Creole-Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients

1/3  cup paprika

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon granulated onion

4 teaspoons dried thyme

4 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions

In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic.  Stir to combine.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.

summer-fruits-charcuterie-board

Include a fruit and snack board or tray with items that place the emphasis on summer fresh and filling without fear of spoilage or the dreaded sugar high.

Better-Homes-Gardens-Seagrass-Tray-Storage-Basket-with-Handles

Better Homes & Gardens Seagrass Tray Storage Basket with Handles

Cook-With-Color-sage-snackle-box

Cook With Color 8-Compartment Charcuterie Container

blueberries-pineapple-pears

Chilled in-season fruits satisfy on a hot summer day.

picnic-snack-foods

Pop it up and pack it up.

recipes-cracker-jack-pretzel-treats-Brian-Woodcock

Cracker Jack Pretzel Treats – Photo by Brian Woodcock

strawberry_poke_cake_recipe

Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe

Store bought items enter into the picnic picture because, well, who wants to spend the entire time cooking?

Hey, if you do, do your thing. For those of us who don’t, enter store bought convenience.

store-bought-drinks-for-picnic

Drinks, chips, buns, breads, good lunch meats, even prepared deli items find a place at the picnic table.

jewel-tone-aluminum-tumbler-set-of-6

Jewel-Tone Aluminum Tumbler, Set of 6

“It just wouldn’t be a picnic without the ants.”

 —Author Unknown

ants-picnic

Mix up a simple 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Add a couple of drops of dish soap and you have an excellent solution to an ant situation.

palmolive-ultra-watermelon-liquid-dish-soap

Simply spray the ant invaded area with the mix, wait a few minutes, then resume your picnic activities ant free.

Woven-Serving-Basket

Food tents and domes keep the fresh in, the flying and crawling visitors out.

 

Cut and cart your watermelon wedges or slice on-site.

Avoid cross contamination by never using the same knife used for cutting raw meat, poultry, or seafood to chop or slice fruits and vegetables.

watermelon-wedge-popsicles

craft-sticks

Aluminum foil makes a great grill or pot scrubber.

aluminum-foil

tongs-with-foil

An onion makes a super easy grill cleaner, too!

peeled-onion

Get the grill really hot (be careful!) in order to burn off any food leftover on the grills from previous use.

Stick an onion half on the end of a grilling fork.  A heavy-handed spray of lemon juice or vinegar will assist with its acidity in super cleaning off the grills.

Onions have natural antibacterial properties, and that’s a good thing especially in these times.

Bertolli-Extra-Virgin-Olive-Oil-Rich-Taste

Pour vegetable or olive oil onto a couple of paper towels or clean cloth, place between tongs and wipe down the grill to prevent sticking.

Vegetable or olive oil works best.  Cooking spray burns too easy and will compromise the flavor of the meat.

craft-paper-brownCraft or butcher paper makes a great disposable table cover.

Roll it out.

Roll it up.

Toss it in the trash.

Coppertone-tanning-without-sunburn-vintage-advertising1

Knowing what we now know about overexposure to the sun proves we’ve all come a long way, sun babies.

Scallop Straw Floppy Hat

edged-oversized-square-sunglasses

Sunscreen now prevents sun scream later.

summer-SPF-50-sunscreen

If you find yourself overly sun kissed keep calm and moisturize on!

First, refrigerate a bottle of vinegar, preferably apple cider vinegar.

Cold vinegar applied to the burn will ease the pain of the burn.

Soaking for twenty minutes in a cool bath with 1 cup of baking soda added to the water will calm and sooth skin.

Allow your skin to air dry and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

All the Buzz

sage-over-charcoal

Pinterest

Burn a bundle of fresh sage or rosemary over charcoal to help keep mosquitos and other bugs away.

Coleman-Color-Changing-LED-Citronella-Outdoor-Scented-Candle

Coleman Color Changing LED Citronella Outdoor Scented Candle

Citronella candles; the if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mosquito defeater.

Coleman-Citronella-Candle-Outdoor-Lantern-70-Hours-6-7-Ounce-Green

Coleman Citronella Candle Outdoor Lantern – 70+ Hours, 6.7 Ounce, Green

Pack a picnic basket full of summer picnic tips and celebrate summer down by the lazy river, on the beach, at a local recreation area, or in your own backyard with family and friends.

tubing (1)

Lost in America

It’s one of the best parts of summer!

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Citrus Sugar Hand Scrub

Easy as a sweet summer vibe, this homemade Citrus Sugar Hand Scrub is a spring into summer solution for keeping hands (and feet, too!) soft and silky.

lemons-oranges

Timing is everything, and this affordable, easy to make, and effective scrub is a pampered treat perfectly timed for the summer mani and sandal pedi season.

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Photo by Meghan Schiereck 

More than simply a hand scrub, it’s  a wonderful barefoot on the beach foot scrub for guys and gals.

toes-in-sand

Mother’s Day add on or star, whip up a second batch of this for the gardener or fun in the sun mom to treat herself to.

pink-ribbon-jar

Coconut oil is a beauty staple these days, and is well represented in this homemade scrub for its softening ability.

Summer is calling, and this citrus sugar hand scrub treats hands and feet to an at-home spa refresh. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dampen hands with tepid water.  Apply the citrus sugar hand scrub and gently massage in a circular movement to exfoliate and renew skin. Rinse well with warm water and gently pat dry.

purple-and-pink-flower-in-hand

Photo by Mimi Di Cianni

Complete the at home spa experience by applying your favorite hand cream to seal in the moisture and protect.

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Soak feet in warm water for approximately five (5) minutes in order to soften the skin.  Apply scrub to each foot and work in circular motions to properly exfoliate. Rinse feet with tepid water and gently dry with a towel.

Feet will be soft and moisturized so watch your step!

Now is the time to try out those new summer flip-flops or spa socks to prevent doing the Ow! That hurts! twist and shout.

citrus-sugar-hand-scrub-summer

Citrus Sugar Hand Scrub

Ingredients

½  cup raw sugar

½  cup coarse salt

½ cup melted coconut oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 medium-size lemon = approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon zest)

1 tablespoon orange zest

several drops favorite essential oil

Directions

Mix all ingredients together until combined.

citrus-sugar-hand-feet-scrub

Spoon scrub into container of choice and seal tightly. It will keep for up to one month.

purple-ice-cream-cone

Photo by Irena Carpaccio

Spring is here and summer is calling, and this citrus sugar hand scrub treats hands and feet to an at-home spa refresh.

Darleen-signature-love

Patriotic Party Ideas

Patriotic party ideas ranging from color-rich decorations to delicious food and beverage recipes to beat the summer heat welcome the best of 4th of July style.

americana-home-heart-faux-coir-outdoor-doormat-sun-squad (1)

summer-door-wreath-pink-purple-red

Patriotic pretty-seasonal delicious-summer essential themed decorating, entertaining, and tablescape goodies; this patriotic party ideas picnic basket is brimming with party essentials.

patriotic-party-ideas-picnic-basket

patriotic-party-ideas

Southern Living-Photography by Laurey W. Glenn

Also included throughout this post will be lovely photos of interiors awash in colors red, white, and blue for the sake of continuity and stylish measure.

turquoise-blue-settee

 Mark D. Sikes

Clove-Brook-Spaniels-Fanny

1stDibs – Photography by Emily Andrews

Keeping cool and comfortable is essential element number one in the party in the U.S.A. equation.

Today’s temperature in this neck of the woods…102°.

That’s hot, and not in the good way.

summer-temperature-outdoor

Popular opinion proves the only thing you want hot is the look, the style, the music, the grill, and the decor.

red-white-blue-box-fan

Call me old-fashioned, but it is my long-held belief it isn’t summer without a summer sittin’ session on the porch, deck, patio, balcony, or just out in the yard.

lazy-river-creek

Who says the party has to be on dry land?

Pure joy!

norman-rockwell-boys-fishing (1)

Color, texture, and pattern combinations reminiscent of blue watercolors visually associated with summer strike a chord of style.

Building a celebration around patriotic party ideas is the primary theme, however, tablewares and serveware in classic summer colors and themes will stand up for use at other holiday and entertaining events.

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Blue and white plates never fail to catch the eye and set a party table in classic form.

corn-fresh-cob

Hey gang, did you know ears of fresh corn with the husks slightly peeled back exposing the corn kernels, grouped in threes, and tied with woven ribbon of your color, pattern and texture choice or metallic twisted rope makes a fresh summer centerpiece?

corn-centerpiece

Keeping with the summer fresh theme, personal watermelons on a natural table runner paired with Pittosporum and Lemon Lime Nandina is yet another summer simple and summer chic centerpiece option.

personal-watermelon-natural-table-runner-summer-centerpiece

Summer chic.

Easy and affordable.

Eye catching.

baseball players

Baseball is a beloved summer sport.

Baseball Ball Planter

“Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet,
they go together in the good ol’ USA.”

Fill a baseball themed container with blooming flowers or greenery fresh from nature’s arts and crafts store (your yard).

Baseball Wood Wall DecorHit a charcuterie or cheese board home run with this Baseball Wood Wall Decor piece from Hobby Lobby (measures 13″ in diameter making it a good fit for a serving board).

Tip: pop off the sawtooth hanger on the back so the piece will be lay even when flat.

Using small bowls and platters to house your cheeses, nuts, fruits, and meats will keep the board base clean and eliminate any cross contamination to the food from the finish.

patriotic-fluted-serving-bowl

Summer tastes highlight these go fourth and celebrate recipes.

let's-eat-graphic

Red White and Blue Mason Jar Salad (Fruit and Feta Salad)

Red White and Blue Mason Jar Salad (Fruit and Feta Salad)

fried-chicken

Fried Crispy Chicken via Your Favorite Deli Department…
How Easy and Delicious Is That?

Root Beer Baked Beans

Root Beer Baked Beans

Brined, Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Brined, Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Fairground Corn Holders, Set Of 4

fresh-blue-raspberries-market

Nature lends a helping hand to assist in color coordinated food and drink.

Firecracker Sangria

Firecracker Sangria

Alma Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Alma Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Pretzel Crumb Caramel Banana Cream Pudding

Pretzel Crumb Caramel Banana Cream Pudding

Simple projects result in casually elegant and a much needed accessory to help combat mosquitoes- the party guest pest of summer outdoor living times.

Citronella Candle in a Mason Jar

DIY Citronella candles – Click HERE for DIY details

Float seasonal flowers from the floral department at your local grocery store or nature’s arts and crafts store ( your yard) in a large galvanized bucket filled with water along with a floating candle for an impressive party light option.

flowers-floating-candle-in-bucketMidwest Living

Proven patriotic classic.

patriotic-Tiki-torch

Louisiana hurricane season has begun, and hurricane lanterns become a necessary addition for our storm kits.  The upside of preparation is the purchase of several of these lanterns and their immediate use as outdoor party lights.

red-hurricane-lantern

Stansport 12″ Hurricane Lantern

Fabric is a party go-to solution for making tablecloths, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.

Independence-Toile-1

Independence-Toile

Independence Toile

Pack a patriotic party pail for partygoers with festive items that carry out the theme and the fun.

red-beach-pail-blue-shovel (1)

Suggestions for items to fill your plastic beach pails with are as follows:

mens-red-blue-flip-flops

His and hers flips and/or slides.

O’Rageous Women’s 2 Buckle Americana Slides

Battery operated plastic hand-held fans paired with  individual aluminum spray bottles filled with chilled homemade rose water (the guys love this stuff almost as much as the gals).

hand held battery operated fan

Sparklers because they’re just so sparkly.

sparklers-in-hand-at-night

Photo by Ethan Hoover 

Drum up the drama and set off the visual fireworks in shades, hues and tones of regal reds, shades of white, and brilliant blues.

paper fans

Invite the idea of KISS, Keep It Summer Simple, to your summer soiree and  patriotic celebrations.

Happy 4th of July!

Let freedom ring in all your stylish 4th of July party ideas glory.

Darleen-signature-love

Pretty In Pink On The Patio

Looks like we’re a go for summer fun in the sun fetes, celebrations, and gatherings sitting pretty in pink on the patio.

pink-on-the-patio-one-kings-lane

The Frances Collection – One Kings Lane

Summer colors radiate a luminous sense and feel of happiness and cheer.

Faye-Dunaway-morning-after-Oscar

Faye Dunaway Moring After Oscar Win

Inspiration follows, and this is where the fun begins.

Cobbler’s Cove Hotel

Cobbler’s Cove Hotel

Pretty in pink on the patio outdoor spaces visually draw the eye and stunningly communicate come for the style, stay for the view.

pink-poolside-chaise-McCann-Design-Group

McCann Design Group

Simplicity is the calling card of summer making it a sublime backdrop for mixing and mingling with friends and family in the good old summertime.

pink-peach-wicker-chair

summer-pink-paint-colors

Rich.

Deep.

Business-pleasure-pink-white-striped-cabana

Business & Pleasure Co. The Premium Cabana

Bright.

Fresh.

Fun.

Lefedrasticity-6-5-ft-Pink-Boho-Beach-Umbrella-with-Fringe-and-UV-Protection

6.5 ft Pink Boho Beach Umbrella with Fringe and UV Protection

Color your world in shades of pink in style and in the shade for summer.

pink-by-the-pool

HGTV – Tria Giovan

Warm summer days into summer evenings spent on the patio rejuvenate mind and body, serving as the optimum sit, sip, dine and dance in the moonlight opportunity to recharge your battery.

pink-patio-Ballard-Designs

Pink greets its summer patio friend, the color green.

jill-zarin-home-white-palm-leaf-platter

White Palm Leaf Platter

pink-striped-plates

pink-white-striped-dinner-plate

Pink Striped Porcelain Plate

White Palm Leaf Canister

White Palm Leaf Canister

Cozy is the desired result of the summer experience, and is fetchingly achieved through tactile and visual details.

Vandervort+Long+Reclining+Single+Chaise

Metal Adjustable Outdoor Chaise Lounge – White

Lighting is an essential part of setting the mood and the tone of a space, and when nature flips the switch it’s magic.

pink-paper-lantern-Ikea

pink-paper-lanterns

Solar-lamp-pink-shade

Seems the iconic sign of summer lawn and garden kitschy chic may quite possibly be the pink lawn flamingo.

pink-flamingo-lawn-ornament

Invented in 1957 by American artist and sculptor Don Featherstone, the pink lawn flamingo continues to be synonymous with summer fun.

flowers-floating-candle-in-bucket

Midwest Living

Summer flower gardens grant the extra added bonus of fresh bouquets of color rich summer blooms.

summer-pink-hydrangeas

pink-hydrangeas-in-white-plates

Midwest Living

Mosquitoes can ruin that patio retreat vibe in no time.

citronella candle-pink-white-magnolia

Extra force against nature is required in the fight against mosquitoes.

pink-citronella-candle

Patio Essentials Citronella Candle with Holder

We depend on our Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent to kick mosquito butt.  At present pink is not an available color, however, the black option paired with pink accents creates a color combo that works.

pink-rose-covered-arbor

Gardenista – Photo by Justine Hand

Trezza-3-Piece-Steel-and-Wicker-Outdoor-Chat-Set-with-Cushions-Red

Better Homes & Gardens Trezza Wicker 3-Piece Outdoor Chat Set, Terra Cotta

Weaving-Village-Wave-Scalloped-Natural-Jute-Rug-Boho-Jute-Rug-Entryway-Runner-Rug-Farmhouse-Scallop-Rug-Light-Pink

pink-outdoor-rug

HGTV- Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

SAFAVIEH-Handmade-Natural-Fiber-Charlyne-Bordered-Round-Jute-Rug

SAFAVIEH Handmade Natural Fiber Charlyne Bordered Round Jute Rug

SAFAVIEH Handmade Natural Fiber Cezarina Farmhouse Rug

SAFAVIEH Handmade Natural Fiber Cezarina Farmhouse Rug

pretty-in-pink-patio-the-cottage-journal

The Cottage Journal – Photography by Mark Lohman
Styling by Sunday Hendrickson

vintage-white-wicker-chair-Washington-Old-Schoolhouse-Antique-Mall

Washington Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall

Wicker is a summer classic, and this vintage wicker chair is calling my name.

ROSE-GINGHAM-DREAM-Indoor-outdoor-throw-pillow

Rose Gingham Throw Pillow Cover

Oh, so cute!

pink-white-stripe-essential-beach-towel

Vera Bradley Cotton Looped Terry Outlet Essential Beach Towel

Summer entertaining and patio decorating go hand in hand with setting a simple yet elegant summer inspired tablescape.

summer-tablescape-pink-roses-Southern-Lady-Magazine

Southern Lady Magazine

8pk Melamine Lemon Salad And Dinner Plates

8pk Melamine Lemon Salad And Dinner Plates

The Pioneer Woman Ditsy 24-Ounce Embossed Tritan Tumbler, Coral

On-trend decoristas have got this hot hostess style fashionista thing down pat.

germani-flat-slide-sandals-in-pink-floral

Germani Flat Slide Sandals

womens-flower-drop-earrings

Liz Claiborne Womens Flower Drop Earrings

edged-oversized-square-sunglasses

Edged Oversized Square Sunglasses

Flip-Flop Sandals (Partially Plant-Based)

Flip-Flop Sandals (Partially Plant-Based)

Pink portable waterproof wireless speakers let the sweet summer music play on the patio.

clip-bluetooth-speaker

I’m not embarrassed to admit I strive to create a big look for little money.

Light Banana Leaves Removable Wallpaper

Light Banana Leaves Removable Wallpaper

An inexpensive pair of outdoor curtains embellished with trim, tassels, and tiebacks is a super chic way to zhuzh up your outdoor space.

pink-outdoor-drapes

cocktails-graphic

summer-pink-cocktail-watercolor

Watercolor Floral Pink Drink Clipart

Celebrating the moments of your outdoor living life with a cool refreshing beverage is always a good idea.

Summer Cobbler Cocktail

Southern Living

llop-sicles-posicles-in-champagne

Popsicles and champagne come together to make Summer’s Sweetest Sparkling Sipper.

Rose-Lemonade

Rose Lemonade

pink-senoritas-cocktail-recipe

Pink Señoritas Recipe

fruity-patio-drink-Domino-photo-by-Brittany-Ambridge

Domino

freezing-rose-petals1

Simple touches refresh and impress.

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Putting together pretty in pink on the patio place settings is a summer breeze.

FLower-magazine-pink-summerparty-tablescape-Elaine-Griffin-Sea-Island-garden-party

Elaine Griffin Sea Island Garden Party – Photography by Julia Lynn

Acrylic and melamine tablewares give good style at a great price point.

Mainstays-Mars-Pom-Pom-Round-Placemat-Brick (1)

(2 pack) Mainstays Mars Pom Pom Round Placemat, Brick

Roasted Beet & Blueberry Salad

Roasted Beet & Blueberry Salad

cherry-limeade-popsicles

Cherry-Limeade Popsicles

Summer has arrived, and with it comes ample opportunities to kick your sandals off and enjoy a sunny afternoon into moonlit evening sitting pretty in pink on the patio.

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Darleen-signature-love

 

A Most Fetching Friday: Keeping Cool

Today’s A Most Fetching Friday serves as a friendly reminder of the importance of keeping cool in the intense summer heat. Our internet service failed to connect us to the world wide web this past Wednesday morning and as of this posting remains spotty.  Ugh!

fetching-define

Work crews from AT&T have graced the Places In The Home compound with their skilled and professional presence over the last two days. Knowing the importance of staying hydrated and keeping cool in the fight against heat exhaustion, I keep a steady supply and variety of bottle waters on hand for the postman, landscape crews, and utility workers.

bottled-water

sunscreen

The heat is on in these intense summer days making it necessary for those who work and play outdoors to do what it takes to reduce the risks of associated with the unforgiving combination of heat and humidity.

cooling-towels

 

floppy-hat

 

One does want a hint of style.

 

keeping cool

 

fan

Keeping cool is key when working or playing outdoors in the summer. Stay cool, hydrated, sun protected and heat exhaustion educated in these fun in the summer sun months.

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A Most Fetching Friday: Grilled to Perfection Delicious Inspiration

Today’s Fetching Friday features grilled to perfection delicious inspiration for your outdoor living entertaining ideas pleasure.

fetch·ing

/ˈfeCHiNG/

adjective

adjective: fetching

attractive.

synonyms: attractive, appealing, sweet, pretty, good-looking, lovely, delightful, charming, prepossessing, captivating, enchanting, irresistible

salmon with creamed peas

Grilled Salmon with Dijon and Dill Creamed Pea Sauce

201208-HD-grilled-flatbreads-with-mushrooms-ricotta-and-herbs-201208-r-grilled-flatbreads-with-mushrooms-ricotta-and-herbs

Grilled Flatbreads with Mushrooms, Ricotta and Herbs

bfe84a51d3586fd0a5ed3a10ca805116

Grilled Portofino Vegetable Antipasto

grilled-tandoori-chicken

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

grilled-shrimp-with-cranberry-salsa

 Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Cranberry Salsa

grilled-stone-fruit-almond-mascarpone-dip Grilled Stone Fruit with Almond Mascarpone Dip

enjoy-hydrangea