Guest Picks: A Blue & Green Outdoor Party
They say a party really starts when the invitations come — I say the party decor begins at the door. Soup up your stoop with this happy doormat.
Bowling need not be relegated to dingy alleys smelling of stale smoke, patronized by paunchy types in bad shirts — no, you can bowl under the stars! And with this adorable lawn bowling set inspired by antique milk bottles, to boot. Strike!
So you want a lantern that's both futuristic and Asian? You mean sort of like downtown Tokyo? Here it is! This lantern sports shimmering silk fabric with a traditional Asian lantern shape. It's even solar powered!
Is that a chill in the air? Here, you take the blanket. No, I insist: it's warm, reversible (should you care for green instead of ecru) and even made from sustainable cotton.
Dinner on the porch? Yes, let's! And how about we spruce up that boring brick with a bit of outdoor wall art? There, that's better.
Wind chimes lend such a relaxing air — except for those jangly ones, which do anything but sooth my soul. These Javanese capiz shell chimes, however, create a calming and understated sound. Plus, they're fair trade.
Just because you're sitting outside doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort. Crafted in India from 100% jute, this lumbar pillow with a playful tassel is both stylish and comfortable.
They call this a stool, but I think it would make a fabulous side table. After all, one can't be expected to hold one's drink all night long...
Yes, this would make a lovely drinking glass, but you know what I would do with it? Candles! Can't you picture a little tea light in the bottom, twinkling against the raised glass and throwing fun patterns of light on the table?
What is it about cobalt glasses? I don't know either, but I know I love them! Maybe it's the way they cast a lovely blue, halo-like hue on the table? Or in this case, it's the tiny bubbles embedded in the hand-blown glass, making each piece unique.
Wouldn't a set of cobalt blue glasses look marvelous on this tray? Filled with recycled wine corks, it makes serving a breeze and can even double as the base for a centerpiece.
A smooth design that feels good in your hand, a delightful apple-green color, designed to stack neatly for storage, and dishwasher safe. Really, what more do you want in an outdoor-ready wine glass?
Pack a set of fiestaware for a picnic or a day on the boat? Perish the thought! This lightweight melamine sports a pretty pattern and is durable too. With the raised feel of a painted design, this is no kiddie-ware.
I love the rustic look, don't you? These distressed white planters just scream, "Oh, I've had these forever, and I'm simply too preoccupied with much more pressing matters to repaint them... like making gin and tonics and looking at the stars." Line your outdoor space with similarly casual aplomb.
The thing about the outdoors is that it's vast — limitless, even. Why, your outdoor dinner party could stretch from here to China (or the end of your property line, whichever comes first). Define your space so that guests don't wander too far with this durable and colorful outdoor rug, available in a variety of sizes.
Signature cocktails are all the rage, and for good reason. Make one batch of drinks and you're done, free to mingle, delight the crowd with another brilliant tale, or ferry off to dark corners — whatever your M.O. for the evening.
At some point, you're going to want to toast marshmallows. Or curl up by some crackling logs. Or bathe in the flattering light of a fire (honestly, everyone looks good in firelight). And when that time comes, you'll want a fire bowl like this one. It's portable, so that you can set it up wherever there's a need for flames.
You're a whiz in the kitchen, so make sure your creations take center stage looking just as pretty as they taste. This melamine plate is perfect for outdoor use.
Leftover wine? Hmm...it doesn't happen too often. But when it does, you'll be ready with these hand-painted glass globe toppers. Colorful, and sure to draw attention (i.e. drain the bottle — after all, that is your goal, right?). Next: More guest blogger product picks
Everything old is cool again, right? This charming crocheted runner looks just like the kind Grandma used to make. "Oh, but it isn't handmade..." you say. No, it is! This piece has definite heirloom potential: just tell your grandchildren you made it — I won't spill your secret.
Q