We thought it would be fun to show you ways to make your backyard the focal point of outdoor entertaining this summer. With outdoor fabric you can turn your backyard or patio into a festive space to fit any occasion.
Casual Patio Dining –
For casual dining, floral cotton and duct tape go a long way. Use a collapsible table for the buffet and cover with un-hemmed floral cotton. Simply duct-tape in place along the underside. There’s no need to iron, since the fabric is stretched tight. Quick stitch up contrasting color napkins and wrap with raffia or leftover ribbon from other craft projects.
Add a string of floral paper lanterns overhead. They don’t have lights in them, but they provide an immediate casual feel. What could be easier?
Backyard Picnic
We may not all have the luxury of living at the beach, but that doesn’t mean a little imagination and colorful outdoor fabric can’t make it feel like we do.
Take a weather-resistant mix of outdoor fabric and sew up a few charming floor cushions to throw on the lawn. For the blankets, you can use a beach cover up, like a Bali-inspired sarong, or a use a retro fabric you can create on your own. It may not be prudent to ship in a truckload of sand. How about buying a large remnant of sisal to recreate the beaches of Mexico? After all, sisal comes from the agave plant and named after a port in the Yukatán.
Pack your picnic basket; set up your beach umbrella; and remember the Tequila and limes!
Romantic Interlude
Create an outdoor harem feel with a tented look made out of outdoor linen fabric. Surround the exterior of your patio with lush, tropical plants. Add brightly colored accent pillows and whimsical garden lamps. Just shake and stir and let the evening unfold.
Nothing says romance more than candlelight and flowers. Place votive candles in a casual irregular pattern and pillar candles set in hurricane lanterns. You can decorate with stickers, perhaps a favorite flower or bird.
Whimsical fixtures add a charming element to modern décor. Polka dots, curlicues, flowers, asymmetrical shapes, delicate details and lively colors distinguish this young, contemporary look. Whimsical designs are clever and creative, often used as decorative pieces to accent existing fixtures. This style is ideal for any space that could use a little pop of color or a cheerful touch.
Martha Stewart may the doyenne of décor, but there’s no reason you can’t be the set director of your own backyard.
