3 Ways to Create A Poolside Retreat Without The Pool

Hello there!  I hope you had a great weekend and are easing back in to the work week.  My mind is still on weekend mode but my to-do list isn’t giving me any time to play this week.  Since I can’t get away in person I’m going to use the power of visualization to transport me to a relaxing poolside retreat.

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How magnificent would it be to spend the day poolside in a space like this?  A perfect spot of an impromptu party or simply relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book.

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This is definitely taking poolside to a new level.  My dream spot for sure.

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I love the idea of a little cabana set into the trees.

Ok, back to reality!  For those of us that don’t have a beautiful pool outside our back door or can get away to luxurious beach resort, here are a couple of easy decorating ideas that will help you create your own personal outdoor retreat.

No. 1 –CREATE A MOBILE BAR

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A barcart makes every outdoor space feel like a relaxing getaway.  Believe it or not, this stylish barcart is an IKEA hack and turned an inexpensive piece into a show stopper.

No.2–CHAISE INSTEAD OF CHAIRS

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If you want to create a relaxing  retreat at home, forego the standard outdoor patio chairs and opt for a beautiful chaise lounge.  A plush cushion and a reclined chair are the formula for instant relaxation.

No. 3–CREATE COZINESS WITH A CABANA

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One of the signature elements of every luxury beach side hotel and resort is a stylish cabana.  With a little DIY work you can create a beautiful tented structure in your own backyard.

The official start to summer is almost here–is your backyard retreat ready to go?

Shelly

Entertaining Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Party Food Prettier

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When it comes to entertaining, I am more about the decor than I am about the food.  I’ve learned a lot about how to create a beautiful party buffet from my friend Robyne, who happens to be food genius and makes some of the most amazing sweet treats ever.

Robyne has taught me that presentation is everything when it comes to party food so I pulled together some ideas to show you just how easy it is to make your party food pretty.

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Party Inspiration: Kentucky Derby Style

I can’t believe that this time last year I was in Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Derby.  Boy was it am amazing experience.

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Despite a little rain (ok, it was a down pour) we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the people, the hats and the festivities.

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Even though I didn’t spend a lot of money on my hat like many people do, it was special because I made it myself.

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This year we’ll be watching the Derby from Atlanta but I still plan to wear my hat and wear a fun and colorful outfit.

For all of you that will be watching from home and want to turn Derby day into a party,  I thought I’d share a few key essentials for the perfect Kentucky Derby Party.

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Entertaining Inspiration: Spring Flowers

Don’t you just love a beautiful party table?  This image caught my eye and represents the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.

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  If you study this image you’ll notice three things that set the tone for this table.  These three elements are great to keep in mind when you build a tablescape and want it to be dynamic.

1)  CONTRAST–a stylish party table brings together contrasting elements in a way that makes the table come to life.  The graphic pattern of the table runner contrast perfectly with the bold impact of the flowers.  The two elements balance each other perfectly.

2) SHINE–Every party table needs elements that add a bit of shine and glimmer.  The silver cups are a simple touch that adds elegance while also offering another element of contrast.

3) COLOR REINFORCEMENT–when you multiply the color statement on a table the entire table setting will be more dynamic.  The mass of flowers down the center of the table is a visual pop and energizes the entire table arrangement.

 I loved the look of this table so much that I went on the hunt for items that would make this tablescape a reality.  Here’s how to get the look…

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 The best part about recreating this tablescape is that it won’t cost you a ton.  Creating the table runner from $7.99/yd Ikea fabric is an easy no-sew project and looking on-line for the best deals will lead you to $9.99 silver mint julep cups at Staples (Staples, not just for office supplies).

When shopping for dinnerware invest in plates that can be mixed and matched with other items you have and use decorative bowls (less expensive) to add the pattern.

And fancy glass goblets are always in style, mix great with other stemware and can be used in both a formal and casual table setting.

 Your Shopping List:

Floral Mums InvitationPaper Source /Black and White Stripe Fabric–Ikea / Nomad Flower Bowls–Cost Plus / Baroque Ogee Plates–Cost Plus
Silver Mint Julep Cups–Staples  / Baroque Scroll Goblet–Pier 1 / North Satin Silverware–Pier 1 / Raspberry Flower Crochet Napkins–Cost Plus World Market
 
Shelly

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Party Inspiration: Pink & Green

Cheers to Monday!  I hope your weekend was good.  My weekend was very productive.  I spent a lot of time purging my magazine collection (only 20 more to go) and have lots of new inspiration photos to file way and new DIY projects to add to the to-do list.  I also cleaned the carpet, started working on some new gift wrap inspiration and an easy fashion accessory DIY project which I’ll share with you later this week. With all the time I’ve spent indoors, I’m itching to go thrifting and the timing couldn’t be any better since the Scott’s Antique Market is this weekend.

One of the other things I did this weekend was to play around with some party theme ideas.  Since summer is winding down I came up with a party theme using colors that are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall.  Just in cast you want to have an impromptu gathering before summers over I hope this inspires you.

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 A little pink and green inspiration mixing feminine details with bohemian patterns and colors. Funky and Fun!

Here’s how you can get the look:

Linley Linens
Quadra Dinnerware
Rouge Flatware
Classique Glassware
Bali Jar Candle
Agua Fresca Beverage Server
Great White Tiered Stand
Paper Lanterns
Mariko Cocktail Napkin
Satin Ribbon
 
Shelly
 

Entertaining Idea: Embossed Napkins

I always keep my entertaining ideas folder filled with ideas for quick, easy and inexpensive ways to up-style a party or sit-down dinner.  My latest fixation is Embossed Paper Napkins.
Embossing guns are used a lot as personalized address stamps but you can also get embossing plates with monograms and designs on them.  With minimal investment, usually under $50 you can buy an embosser and a couple of different plates.
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This classic monogram is one of my favorites and once stamped on a plain paper napkin, the napkin takes on a high-end look.
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Think about using up-styled paper napkins for large parties to save on money and they can also become part of the color theme.
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Single initials are always stylish!  The next time you’re invited to a house-warming party think about giving a embosser as a personal and unique gift.
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Embossers can also be used on gift tags, cards, gift wrap and other paper items.
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Embossers are a great item to add to your party planning kit and will turn a $3.00 pack of paper napkins into the star of the party!
You can shop for embossers here:
Paper Source {great selection of embossing plates to choose from}
Williams Sonoma {nice embossing plates for food related gifts}
Expressionery {good selection of design address plates}

 

Happy Entertaining!

Shelly

Entertaining Inspiration: Tassel Garland

One of my new party décor obsessions is Tassel Garland.  There is just something so playful and charming about these dangling poufs of paper pieces.  I especially love them in metallic but just about any color combination is a great way to style a birthday party, baby shower or cocktail soiree for friends. 
Be Inspired!

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I love the idea of adding a pattern into the mix.
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Dip Dyed Tassel Garland
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If you want to buy Tassel Garland check out these great Etsy shops, TheFlairExchange, StudioMucci and GlamFeteByBri or you can make your own with this DIY tutorial below.

I spent time on Saturday making 30 tassels to use at an event the non-profit I work with was holding on Sunday.  Unfortunately the event was cancelled due to weather so now I’ve got 30 tassels to do something with.  I guess a party is in order!

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Have a great day!

XO Shelly

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