Hay bale Heaven: Creative Seating on a Budget . . .

Thinking of having an outdoor affair...perhaps an Autumn wedding, a Fall Harvest Party in the backyard, a Halloween shindig, or just a few friends over for a rustic good time?  I just love the look of outdoor couches and chairs as the temperatures drop, but adding excess rentals to your event can definitely prove costly.

That's why these big old bales of hay just fit the bill when it comes to setting up an unforgettably chic & affordable special day.  Rustic & neutral enough to fit any palette, throw a few of these down and toss some pretty fabric and pillows on top and you have seating for as many as you need in no time!  Take a look . . .

(photo via Grey Likes Weddings)

(courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography)

(via Elizabeth Anne Designs)

(above two images via Green Wedding Shoes)

(photo via Celebrity Bridal Guide)

Why not make a whole conversation set, while you are at it?

(courtesy of Juxtapost)

(via Bee the Buzz Event)

Rustic tabletops . . .

(courtesy of United With Love)

(via Love and Lavender)

And how perfect is this enormous couch for your backyard Halloween party?

(photo from I love SW Mag)

(via SC Media)

(from Photography by Yui)

Add in elegant fabric for just the right mix of style . . .

(photo courtesy of Simply Springfield Weddings)

And there you have it!  Hope this first week in October is starting of fantastically for you!!  

Golden Harvest Inspiration....

The start of summer is always full of so much sun & fun & possibility...but it is the first promise of Autumn that will always have my heart.  That certain something in the air just sneaks up on you sometime in the middle of August, and you find yourself dreaming of toasting s'mores and drinking spiced cider in your favorite cozy socks and chunky knit sweater.  

And this stunning 'Golden Harvest' Inspiration shoot is the most delightful way to celebrate fall and all of the gorgeous color and charm it has to offer.  Brought to us via Magnolia Rouge, styled by Antonia Christianson Events, and photographed by Allyson Magda, this stunning mix of elegance and rustic beauty is sure to have you feeling ready for the cooler weather indeed . . .

Bronze fabric perfection . . .

Planning/Design: Antonia Christianson Events, Photography: Allyson Magda, Photography Produced by: Be Inspired PR, Stationery: Azulsahara, Bridal Gown: Jenny Yoo, Accessories: Lo Boheme, Floral Design: Camilla Svennson Burns Couture Floral and Event Design, Wedding Ring: Diamond in the Rough, Cake: Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach, Hair/Makeup: Rhonda Johnson, Venue: Hammer Sky Vineyards, Paso Robles California, Sparkling Wine: OneHope Weddings, Linen: La Tavola, Napkins: Custom made by Antonia Christianson Events

Is it just me, or do you feel a MAJOR bronze moment coming our way?

Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under the Stars, Part 5 . . .

Wow, five weeks sure have flown by!  I can't believe we have come to the end of our series . . . I still have so much inspiration to show you.  But, as we wrap up summer and the kids head back to school, I suppose it is time to prepare for the cold months ahead and start dreaming of tricks, treats, & turkey.

But that sure doesn't mean we can't squeeze a few more moments out in the lovely outdoors before it is too late!  And just wait until you see all of the autumn awesomeness I have for you this week . . .

How about this pom-pom perfect spot for a picnic?

Nothing says 'back to school' dinner like a big basket of apples for a centerpiece . . .

Got a big brick building for a neighbor, no worries!

Fall fabulousness . . .

And I saved my favorite for last . . .

Now tell me that isn't the perfect way to wrap up our series and kiss sweet summer goodbye!  Have an amazing weekend!

Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under The Stars, Part 4 . . .

Well another Friday has snuck up on us again, much like the end of summer is doing, and you need to head outside and take advantage of this beautiful weather while you still can!  And all set to help inspire you to do just that is part 4 in our series, "Entertaining Under the Stars'.

From a gorgeous urban rooftop setting to the most glamorous picnic you've ever seen, this week's parties are sure to have you fluffing up those outdoor cushions and hanging your backyard party linens on the line one last time before we say a final adieu to all that splendid sunshine this gorgeous summer has had to offer!

Lets kick things off with some grub in the grove . . .

And who can resist a pinwheel or two?

A vintage record player makes an excellent partner to picnic with . . .

Taking the picnic to a whole new level of glam . . .

Don't be shy about color . . .

Or keep it rustic & elegant . . .

A stunning Urban Rooftop Retreat . . .

There now, go and pack up those picnic baskets and have yourselves a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under the Stars, Part 3 . . .

Well here we are, back to Friday again so soon and all set for another round of gorgeous outdoor inspiration to take us into the weekend.  This week brings us all sorts of glamour and color, from lazy afternoons spent hiding from the heat in the shade of an oak tree to a chic & delightful lemon & blush brunch.  So kick your heels up, pour yourself a crisp glass of pinot grigio, and get ready to celebrate the end of summer in the best way that we know how . . .

Oh those hanging paper lanterns again . . .

Or you could hang some fabulous streamers instead . . .

A cozy picnic is a timeless classic . . .

Or an elegant affair in plum & eggplant . . .

This amazing color palette makes a beautiful brunch . . .

Or perhaps you are more of a sunset on the beach kind of a gal or guy . . .

But no matter what fits your fancy, you can never, ever go wrong with a pure explosion of vintage color . . .

Stay tuned for part four in our series, coming next week, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!!