Outdoor Fancy
It's that time again, when garden lovers turn their interests to the great outdoors. The rest of us do, too, but maybe with a little more frustration.
I want, very badly, to be good with gardening, but I'm just not. However, I think I am pretty good at setting the mood outside - and that doesn't always involve a green thumb. Sometimes, it's more about the ability to set a nice table than plant a flower.
My backyard, with its scattering of toys and big honking playset, is casual and kid-friendly. I have dreams, though, of one day creating a sophisticated setting perfect for the kind of cocktail party that probably only happens in magazines and movies. With that in mind, I went in search of some images to inspire my imaginary party - and this is what I found:
I want, very badly, to be good with gardening, but I'm just not. However, I think I am pretty good at setting the mood outside - and that doesn't always involve a green thumb. Sometimes, it's more about the ability to set a nice table than plant a flower.
My backyard, with its scattering of toys and big honking playset, is casual and kid-friendly. I have dreams, though, of one day creating a sophisticated setting perfect for the kind of cocktail party that probably only happens in magazines and movies. With that in mind, I went in search of some images to inspire my imaginary party - and this is what I found:
This photo, from Alek at From the Right Bank to the Left Coast, is one of my all-time favorites here on Houzz. I love the linens, for one thing, but really my attraction has to do with teh layout. I am a sucker for ultra-long, skinny tables on pretty patios, set for a fantastic luncheon or dinner party. The table and its setting are fancy, but it's the promise of the event that's even more so.
I love everything about this setting - from the view to the colors - but it's really the candles on the table that take it over the edge from cute to fancy.
A centrally located fountain - could anything be fancier? This space is just lovely and reminds me of the garden at a high-end boutique hotel.
Speaking of Between Naps on the Porch - how amazing is this flowering bed in her yard? It's so feminine and pretty and, yes, very, very fancy.
There's something about any outdoor space, all lit up at night, that makes it look just a little fancier.
Just one more long table photo - I promise. I love this table, tucked under pretty lanterns. Wouldn't this party be so much fun?
Individually, these elements aren't fancy. But all put together, they create an almost exotic vibe (especially the bright colors and the birdcage) that makes the spot perfect for an intimate, but glamorous event.
Sometimes it just takes one small element to launch a space from regular to "fancy" - like the elaborate candelabra mounted on this wall. If the space looks like this during the day, imagine how gorgeous it would be lit up by candles at night.