For the last year my husband and I have been working toward giving our new house a face-lift (OK, two years – it is quite the process). It has been a slow and occasionally painful journey only made bearable by my love of finding new decorations and design elements. We have tackled larger projects, like major changes in the kitchen and down-to-the-studs situations in the bathrooms, and now we’re moving through each room, filling them up with all the layers we can squeeze in.
Currently we’re focused on finishing up the nursery for our new little one and the dining room so we can at least pretend to host family holidays. Next on my list was going to be our living room, but I find myself getting distracted.
With the weather gearing up for sunny days, I can’t help but think I need to get my garden and outdoor space elevated from junk pile (most recently piled high with old doors) to backyard oasis. In truth, all it took was one visit to Mary Carol Garrity’s beautiful cottage to see that a stunning setting under the sun and stars is a must-have for the new season ahead.
I have deemed a few outdoor items completely necessary when it comes to my backyard. The first is a large dining table for entertaining both my family and any friends that might happen to stop by. I love having a spot to gather for some lovely al fresco dining. When I am looking to create an outdoor dining area, I know I need something practical but pretty. Size matters when the kitchen is more than a few steps away! Oversized tables with lots of room for dishes and decorations are therefore a must. Feature some sweet potted plants down the center for a seasonal centerpiece that only requires a little watering and perhaps pruning.
