Tag: outdoor living

The on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays season complete with summer ready spots of relaxation and entertaining decked out to impress is ready to a kick off.

Winter is in the rearview mirror, and we are looking ahead to outdoor living, entertaining, and my favorite, decorating, with the full-on colors, patterns, and textures that visually convey the message summer has arrived.

The warm temps of spring every days and summer holidays is inspiration central for those who love decorating and celebrating their outdoor living life on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays.

Heather Garrett Design

Summer evenings set to a serene and tranquil scene usher in a leave the fast track behind and escape to relaxation destination.

Peter Billiards

I love an outdoor space that visually draws you in and stunningly communicates come for the style, stay for the view.

Great lighting is an essential part of framing the space- indoors and outdoors.

Gold Washed Metal Rustic Eclectic Boho Lantern Candle Holder

Large Seagrass Lantern – Threshold™

Maize and Wood Outdoor Lantern with Glass

I always suggest adding or at least consider adding a chandelier and/or table lamp(s) to your patio, porch, terrace or deck space.

Unscented Totem Taper Candles in Box, Set of 2

These lighting options inject a touch of casual elegance and make the space more intimate.

Gil Walsh Interiors

Paper lanterns make an affordable addition to your outdoor lighting scheme.

Paper Lanterns

We use a fire pit as another form of lighting.

And for roasting marshmallows for summer s’mores.

And mosquito control aka natural buzz kill.

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

Convenience makes a fabulous party guest, and a beverage station or bar cart sur le patio is as convenient as it is necessary.

Redondo Outdoor Wicker Bar Cart

The image below reminds me of the vintage sewing machine stand I bought at a flea market when Dave the Builder and I were dating.

Dave found a scrap piece of marble to serve as the top and we were in business.

I first used the marble top sewing machine stand as a bistro table, then a kitchen island, then a microwave stand, and eventually a poolside bar/beverage stand.

Nothing fancy by any means, but unique (at the time) and very versatile.

Domino

Gauthier-Stacy Inc.

Gunn Landscape Architecture

Pueblo Outdoor Wicker Club Chair With Water Resistant Cushions

Antibes Set of 2 Wicker Club Chair with Cushions – Christopher Knight Home

Domino

The vibrancy of summer blooms in seasonal colors is accentuated by color rich decorative planters.

New England Pottery 17.25-in W x 17-in H Red Ceramic Classic Planter

Garden hose be gone, or at least housed in this beehive hose holder.

Do you know what a summer day and this post have in common?

They’re both long.

Summer days, summer nights, and summer holidays- are you ready to show your summer style off on your stylishly decorated patio, porch, terrace or deck?

This post contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It’s that time of year again to get the summer party started with outdoor entertaining tips.

Outdoor areas dressed out for backyard grilling and chilling take center stage this time of year.

Are you ready for spending quality time in the backyard on the patio, porch, courtyard, or deck entertaining and enjoying the summer?

I know I am!

Here’s a few outdoor entertaining tips for getting the summer essentials prepped and ready to go.

Butcher Blocks and Cutting Boards

To deter bacteria from finding a home in the cracks and on the cutting surface, wash the block or board with mild dishwashing detergent and warm water.

Allow the butcher block or cutting board to completely dry.

Cover the butcher block or cutting board with a thin layer of coarse salt to draw residual moisture out of the cracks.

Wipe of excess coarse salt and use a clean cloth to apply mineral oil, rubbing with the grain.

Let dry overnight.

Searching for an easy and inexpensive grill degreaser?

Try baking soda and a steel wool pad.

Apply elbow grease and voilà!

Keeping Outdoor Cushions Neat and Clean 

Keep the comfort and color, lose the mold, mildew, and dirt with a solution of 2 teaspoons borax, 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid, and 2 quarts warm water.

Mix and pour solution in spray bottle.

Liberally spray each cushion down with solution and allow to sit for 15 – 20 minutes.

Hose off cushions with water hose and hang from clothes line or stand up to dry.

 

Flavored Ice Cubes 

The heat and humidity will melt those ice cubes soon enough, but with flavored ice cubes watered down beverages retain their deliciousness.

This is so simple- fill ice trays 3/4 full with the beverage of choice and freeze.

Take the taste to the next level by adding fresh mint to iced tea or punch cubes, rosemary sprigs to lemonade,  pearl onion or halved seasoned green bean to Clamato for bloody marys, or a blend of cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and strong coffee for iced coffees.

Grab the blender (or food processor) and purée watermelon slices or fresh strawberries for a summer kick over watermelon or strawberry flavored ice cubes.

Redbook

Weeds No More 

Weeds between patio pavers, bricks, and deck boards are unsightly summer sights.

Let the sun shine in and down on weeds that have been sprayed with a solution of 1 gallon white vinegar, ½ cup of dishwashing liquid, and 2 Tablespoons salt.

Fill a spray bottle with the mixture, set to stream, and spray the mixture on the weeds.

This works best on a warm and sunny day.

The heat from the sun aids in the process.

Mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus They Carry

Talk about buzz kill!

Keeping these pesky uninvited guests away is outdoor priority number one.

Citronella candles, tiki and table top torches, and decorative lanterns come in a wide assortment of styles, sizes and price points.

Is That a Bee in Your Bonnet?  

No, it’s a dryer sheet!

Strategically placed in an apron pocket, under table linens, or pinned to the corners of a tablecloth, dryer sheets help to keep bees at bay.

Freshen Up With a Twist 

Enjoying the summer good life can get messy, sticky, sweaty, and smelly.

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes work well, but I also like to make individual “freshen up with a twist” packs.

Place two damp paper towels in a Ziploc bag – one with a drop of liquid soap (I love the fresh scent of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbena Liquid Soap) on it for cleansing, and the other for rinsing.

Include a slice of lemon for an extra twist of fresh.

Lemon softens your skin and is a natural odor eliminator.

Place the packs in a gallon Ziploc bag, seal it tight, and place it in a lunch tote or outdoor fridge to keep them nice and cool.

Getting things ready for spending time outdoors entertaining and enjoying the best of summer goes with the backyard territory.

My friends, summer is making its presence known.

Get summer ready, get outdoor entertaining prepped, and go!