Tag Archives: outdoor entertaining

Oilcloth: A Little Retro is Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Outdoor, Tabletop

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

oilcloth pillows, , , retro tablescapes

‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining so I must dicuss one of my obsessions:  oilcloth!  Reminiscent of an era gone by – my grandmother had an oilcloth table cloth that was used for everyday meals as well as many rounds of gin rummy as I got older – oilcloth is still very practical today because it is a durable and wipeable surface, and it can add a splash of fun kitsch to any decor.  Currently, my oilcloth splashes are in my tote bags, cosmetic cases and my daughter’s lunch bag, but after finding a couple great shops that sell cut yardage in addition to finished oilcloth goods I am considering adding an oilcloth table cloth into my party closet.

Historically oilcloth was made with a heavy canvas or cotton fabric rendered waterproof with numerous coats of linseed oil; today plastic (PVC) or vinyl is woven into cotton and is far less time-consuming.  Most oilcloth is imported from Mexico and this tangerine inspired table cloth above would be perfectly on trend this summer!  Whether it’s oilcloth or laminated cotton, this old-school accessory is prime for modern day:  outdoor entertaining, a breakfast nook, children’s art tables and more.  Have a little fun and go retro in a fresh way!

There are so many uses for oilcloth today due to crafty oilcloth fans and the modernization of oilcloth production allowing for a wider variety in finished yardage.  If you are intrigued, then check out Modern June’s Sewing with Oilcloth book, Martha Stewart’s Oilcloth Crafts, Wipe Easy Tablelcloths for modern cut yardage, or just search the web and you’ll find a plethora of uses for oilcloth.

Image Sources:
Coquelicot from Provence, Mexican Sugar Skull, Oilcloth Moth, Modern June, Pink Chalk Studio, Modern June, Martha Stewart

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World Market Offers Fantastic Summer Collections at Affordable Prices

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Furniture, furniture, garden, Outdoor, pillows, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Outdoor Decorating Ideas, , World Market

I recently had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the summer collections from Cost Plus World Market. They are really vibrant and fun while still offering classic style that will take you seamlessly from year to year. I’m most excited about the Timber Cove collection–living in Newport automatically draws me to all things navy & white and sea life themed. But I really love the Timber Cove Outdoor Dining Collection as well as it comes in a white wash look and you can mix and match between benches, side chairs, and arm chairs for seating. It definitely needs to be added to my list of best outdoor dining tables under $500.

This furniture will be even more comfortable with these fabulous outdoor throw pillows. I can’t decide which is my favorite!

And I’m really in love with the dishes in the collection which include lobster, crab, starfish, and coral motifs. These would be great for our beach parties this summer.

Of course, the melamine nautical themed plates might be more practical for our beach outings or perhaps I’ll just bring them for the kids.

Another item I love in the summer collection is the Pompeian Metal Garden Stool (also available in white and teal).

It would look great next to their colorful Adirondack chairs.

And I’m quite certain that I would be very comfortable lounging in the Catalina Deep Bench. Can someone get me a Margarita please!

Besides the fabulous designs that World Market offers, one of my favorite things about them is that they are all also really affordable! There are so many more products that are on my must-have list from here. Stay-tuned for a follow-up post!

If you like outdoor living, check out these:
 Colorful Plantation Chairs for Lounging
 New Pillows for the Patio
Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012

Escape in Porch Living

07 Monday May 2012

Posted by in furniture, Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

entertaining, Outdoor, , porch

Too many rainy days in a row have me dreaming of a sunny day on my porch and how to make it an oasis that the experts make look so easy.  Should I explore furniture in dark colors for a striking contrast?  The white architectural details juxtaposed with dark materials above looks great.

Or should it be all white with pops of color in the accessories and the surrounding nature?  Such a crisp and simple look.

Or should I let my favorite fabric set the tone?! (There should be a “jumping off point” in any room!!)  The green looks amazing as does the red popping off the old school ticking stripe.

Or are there architectural details that should be highlighted?  I like the dark shutters and the doorway at the end of the porch above.  Also love the effect of the blue clapboard and floor in the porch below – it feels like an inside room outside!

At some point soon I will need to make decisions if I am going make my porch cozy for family and friends.  For now, I will just day dream and make my wish list!

Image Sources:
Life’s Good, Be Happy, Design Chic, Syracuse, Coastal Living, BHG, Savoring Simplicity, 1884 Paxton House Inn

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5 Fabulous Outdoor Dining Tables for Under $500

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by in furniture, Outdoor

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,


Last year when we were packing away the outdoor furniture, our glass top round table kind of fell apart. I’m not particularly crazy about the table as it’s not my favorite style and while it suited our old deck just fine, the deck at our current home really wants a rectangular table as it has built in benches along the side so I’m quite happy to be able to look for a new one. But as always, I’m not so crazy about having to shell out the cash for it. So here are five outdoor dining tables for under $500! The 79″ Teak Table from The Mill Stores is just the style and size I want for $380.

Ikea’s Applaro Drop-Leaf Table is great because it’s perfect with the leaves down for our family of four to eat together or we can expand it for more when we’re entertaining. And at $139 I really love the price!

For a more modern look, I live West Elm’s Barrow Glass-Top Table for its chicness, although I have to admit the glass top on this one makes me a little nervous. Perhaps it’s best suited for those who don’t have kids throwing baseballs across the yard. But at a price of $399, it’s worth the risk.

J’adore Fermob, the French outdoor furniture company! This powder coated steel furniture is rust resistant and comes in dozens of bright colors at an affordable price. This French Bistro Table is regularly $525, but French Bistro Furniture.com is selling it for $340!

The popular Chesapeake Collection by Pottery Barn includes this 60″ dining table that’s perfect for those that don’t entertain large groups or have a smaller outdoor space. We love it paired with the captain’s chairs.

So which one will I choose? My guess is that we’ll end up with one of the top two. The Mill Stores table is exactly what I want, but Ikea might win me over with it’s amazing price. Plus if I can save the money, they I can get a fun new umbrella to complete the set!

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 Sea Creatures for your Table
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Gorgeous Italian “Pottery” in Melamine

10 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in Dining Room, Kitchen, Outdoor, Tabletop

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Gracious Home, Italian Pottery, kid-friendly dishes, Melamine,

I’ve long been a fan of the vibrant pottery that comes out of the Italian countryside, and while I’m lucky enough to have a few beautiful pieces of it in my home, to have an entire set of dishware is quite an investment as it would easily run you over $1,000. But now you can get the same look for way less with this melamine dishware by Le Cadeaux that recreates popular Italian pottery patterns. Can you believe this is melamine?!

There are loads of patterns to choose from and additional pieces of service as well so you can truly set a beautiful table.

I am generally not a big fan of any dishware that is not pottery for everyday use unless it’s for the kids. However, I think I could change my mind for this, and even if I don’t, what a way to dress up your kids’ dishes.

Of course everyone would also be uber impressed the next time you set up a picnic or tailgate if you were serving in these stunning dishes.

Oh, and don’t forget to finish the table off with these stunning poycarbonate wine glasses.

All pieces are available at Gracious Home.

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