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!

Tutorial Tuesday: Tissue Paper Petal Lanterns . . .

Now you know me, I just love a hanging tissue paper pom or globe lantern for any special occasion, from a casual dinner in the backyard with friends to the most elaborate outdoor evening wedding reception.  So when I saw these amazing Tissue Paper Petal Lanterns, I literally gasped.  And when I discovered how very easy they were to make, well I just haven't stopped smiling since!

Take a look . . .

Tissue Paper Petal Lanterns


Supplies You Will Need:

~ basic rice paper lantern (you can find these on Amazon or at Pier 1 Imports for around $3.95-$5.00 each, or buy them from Japanese Style in packs of 12 for around $12:)



~ 70 tissue paper circles - size 5 inches (You can use a circle paper punch and go with a bit smaller size circles or a circle cutter for a nice clean edge, or hand cut, whatever you prefer.)

~ double-sided tape

Directions:
1.) Starting at the bottom of the lantern, use small squares of double-stick tape to attach your tissue paper circles around the hole at the base of the lantern, working around in a circle and overlapping them as you go. You will use approximately 70 of the 5" tissue paper disks, depending on the size lantern that you choose to use.

2.) Working toward the top, continue sticking and overlapping disks to completely cover the lantern.

3.) And there you have it, the perfect paper petal lantern.  No joke, it is really THAT simple!

* Tip:  You may find it easier to rest the lantern upside down before you start sticking the circles from the bottom up (**see the left image of the very first picture at the start of our tutorial.)

And now, for inspiration . . .

Who says you have to stick with tissue paper when you could pull out those lace doilies instead . . .

For the Bookworm, why not use pages from a copy of your favorite novel . . .

Oh so simple and oh so lovely.  And how pretty would a gradual shift in color be (the ombre technique!),  from dark coral along the top of the lantern to the palest shade of blush when you get to the bottom.  Complete paper perfection, I say . . .

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!!

Pleasingly Personal: Custom Melamine . . .

Okay, I am going to be completely honest here.  There are times I know that pulling out my fantastic dinnerware to eat out on the patio is completely ridiculous.  Yes, there are oh-so-many nights when I absolutely go for it.  But on those extra casual evenings, I feel a bit absurd . . . and drab paper plates just make me shudder.

Well all of my worries went the way of the wind the minute I discovered these amazing custom melamine plates & platters.  All of the carefree, effortless 'I just threw this dinner together in five minutes' attitude with all of the 'chic' I need, to boot!  I love them . . . love them!  And did I mention they were BPA free, dishwasher friendly, and completely break proof from slippery little fingers!  Ah, fab meets function, at last!

A few by Clairebella . . . .









And my favorites, by Sincerely Yours Paper . . .










Not sure you can commit to an entire plate set?  These personalized platters are stylish & chic and make excellent gifts, right?


A few more goodies from Clairebella . . .









A couple from Lipstick Shades . . .

A Rouge & Co favorite . . .






And more from SYP . . .







And how's this for a gift, a personalized platter with a set of custom recipe cards for that lovely chef in your life.





Who knew melamine could be so fabulous?!  

Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under the Stars (Part 2)

Another Friday, another series, and here we are with part 2 in our 5 parter of 'Entertaining Under the Stars'.  Last week brought you all sorts of outdoor dining goodness, from a terrace tea party to a Moroccan picnic and this week's backyard beauty will not disappoint.

Let's kick things off with a sweet supper in the orchard . . .

And a Provencal Picnic . . .

Why not hang a lantern or two . . .

Or just string up a few vases of flowers . . .

The shade of a tree is always a nice spot for a spread . . .

Or how about a Glamorous Girl's Night Get-Together . . .

No picnic table?  No worries, the bed of a truck will do just fine . . .

And campground confectioneries are usually a hit . . .

Perhaps, lucky you, your backyard is the beach?

Do I see a ruffle cake?  Fab.

There.  I hope you are feeling inspired and are all set to cut that grass and wipe down your patio furniture for dinner with friends this weekend.  Have a wonderful one and enjoy that lovely August sunshine while you still can:)