Today I’m joining with a few friends to bring you some summer ideas, sponsored by Amara. Be sure to visit the other posts linked at the bottom of this post.
Hubby and I used to entertain a lot, hosting dinner parties and outdoor barbecues almost every weekend.
But over the last few years, our entertaining has become much more simplified and laid back, usually with just simple cocktails on the patio in the evening.
Sometimes friends or neighbors will stop by, but many times it’s just hubby and I spending a quiet moment at the end of the day, sitting on the patio, sipping a cocktail, enjoying the beautiful evening, and talking about our day.
It’s the perfect end to a day, and gives us a chance to relax and enjoy these Spring evenings.
Our patio area has been pretty neglected since we bought our fixer upper.
It’s still a work in progress, but it’s slowly coming along.
We’ve spent so much time working on the indoors that the patio doesn’t get a lot of attention, however this Spring we did manage to get new cushions for the chairs and new flowers in the pots and planters.
It’s become the perfect place to sit in the morning for coffee, and in the evening, having a cocktail or a glass of wine.
I’ve also added a few new things from an amazing company, Amara, the leading online store for luxury home fashion brands.
These cobalt blue acrylic tumblers are perfect for our evening cocktail hour.
I decided to go with bright and bold colors on the patio this year, so the bright color of the tumblers work perfectly.
I’m also obsessed with this wood tray. It’s perfect for carrying drinks to the patio, or some simple hors d’oeuvres.
Stamped on the side is “Drinks Anyone?”.
Our neighbors stopped by last evening for an impromptu visit, and it was so much fun to serve drinks on this cute tray.
Flowers and plants are an easy way to spruce up an outdoor living space, and every Spring I love walking the aisles of our local nursery and buying flowers and plants for the planters on the patio.
I’ve been wanting some large planters for awhile and when I found these two large galvanized metal planters at Amara, I knew they were perfect for holding the large hydrangeas that I had bought at the nursery.
The hydrangeas will eventually get planted in the yard and then I plan on planting two boxwoods in these fabulous metal planters.
They can be used in so many different areas.
I can see them on the front porch, sitting on each side of the door with a topiary in them, so I may try them in a few different places.
We have a couple of four legged guests that enjoy cocktails on the patio as well.
They have their eyes on the snacks, or maybe it’s those beautiful glasses!
Our grand dog, Zoe Mae, is staying with us while our son relocates for a new job.
RubyLou is enjoying having someone to run and play with.
They both follow me everywhere I go, so it was hard to get pictures without them in it. They both seem to enjoy getting their pictures taken.
Cheers,
Cindy
I would like to thank Amara for providing the products for this post, however all opinions are 100% my own.
Please take some time to visit these other wonderful summer posts below:
I love the cushions, they are bright and playful. My husband and I spend many hours sitting outside on our deck and veranda, so enjoy seeing yours. I love schnauzers and currently have a giant right now. What type of dog is Zoe Mae? Ruby is sure growing fast! I hope your sister is able to enjoy the sunshine, thinking of you!
Nancy
Hi Nancy! Zoe Mae is a Bouvier des Flandres. She’s an amazing dog. We’ve raised many Bouviers over the years and my son was raised with them, so that was the only breed he wanted when he was ready for a dog. They are a wonderful breed. Thank you so much for the sentiment about my sister….unfortunately, she passed away on May 6th. I was able to be with her the last few days, and was with her at the end. I’m very grateful for that, but it still seems pretty unreal. Blessings.
~Cindy~
I was just thinking of you yesterday!! wondering how your sister is doing? and keeping her and family in prayers.
Your patio is so pretty , I love the planters ! I will definitely check out Amara !
You take care sweet gal !
Paula
IN.
p.s. my sister and I have been doing my kitchen ceiling like yours, we will finish up this Sat. hopefully !! I am very pleased with it 🙂 . Question. The white wash , did you paint it on or rag it using the white wash stain???
Paula, I painted the stain on small sections at a time, and as soon as I painted it on, I took a slightly damp rag and wiped it back. I wanted a very light wash, so most of it was wiped back after I applied it. If you want whiter, then just don’t wipe as much back. Good luck! P.S. Thank you for the prayers…they got us through some very dark days.
Thank you !!
Wow, if the beautiful patio is a work in progress I cannot imagine the finished product!! Love those beautiful cobalt blue glasses with that very fun tray. Great planters that are perfect for your patio. Love meeting RubyLou’s playmate and your granddog Zoe Mae!
Such a pretty patio Cindy! I love it! The dogs are over the top cute. We had a schnauzer for many years named The Artful Dodger (Oliver Twist) but we called him Dodger. Loved that pup.
I would have a cocktail on your patio for sure. Beautiful.
Nancy
Such a lovely outdoor space Cindy! I love it.
Your patio looks beautiful! The new urns are so pretty and versatile! Your 2 “assistants” couldn’t be cuter! We do the same and many times have neighbors drop over for a drink too. I think I need those cobalt glasses as my colors this year are blues and tans with pops of orange:) I did a post on our patio today too!
Can I join you on your beautiful patio for a cocktail….lol…..I love your large wire urns, they are gorgeous….well your patio is a stunning place to while away the hours…..
Thanks for sharing great inspiration!
Smiles~~
Mari
Beautiful patio furnishings! I must say, Zoe Mae and RubyLou stole the show!
The patio looks beautiful! Also I LOVE the balcony in the background! Anxiously awaiting the office and living room reveals. Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Oh my goodness, Cindy, how beautiful your patio is! How funny that you mention it’s a work in progress because to me it already looks perfectly delightful! I love your signature statuary and I can just imagine how stunning it will all be as you progress. Love that serving tray, too!!
It looks fabulous Cindy. I’m going to have to check out this new website…loving the things you got from them.
Rubylou and Zoe are always the best feature in tour pictures
Thank you for the fabulous ideas! Gorgeous decorating! I look forward to entertaining in our new home soon in Hawaii 😉
Your patio looks lovely and I especially love your cheerful cushions!
Love those sweet puppies – they do add so much to our daily rounds.
Happy Memorial Weekend to you and yours !
You patio looks beautiful to me now Cindy, so I can’t imagine how amazing it will be if you make improvements! Fun for your Ruby Lou to have a playmate…she’s growing up quickly!
Hugs,
Janet
Thank you Janet!