Summer! How wonderful that word sounds. For me, it means a break from busy school activities, and relaxation with my family. I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Pier 1. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. Backyard BBQ’s, lazy naps on my lounger, and evenings sipping lemonade while watching fireflies, are just days away!!! Pier 1 Imports inspired me to turn my backyard into an oasis, for these very moments, with their colorful line of outdoor items.
I recently refinished a patio set, then revamped it with some new cushions, pillows, and an umbrella. I’m so glad now that I didn’t give the patio set away. I guess I was intimidated by the peeling finish, but, with a steel brush, spray paint and some elbow grease, I breathed life back into it! I knew I wanted to show off my handy work, so what better way to do that than have a get together. This meant I needed accessories to finish sprucing up the outdoor dining space. Off to Pier 1 I went! There is SO much to look at in-store; patio furniture, pillows, lanterns, tableware, decor……it takes the eye a minute to settle down and focus :). Actually, I browsed around online before I went to give myself some ideas. Good thing I did because my favorite outdoor dishes; Carmelo in Turquoise and Indigo, weren’t at the Pier 1 I went too; only available at a store 35 minutes away! TIP: If the Pier 1 Imports you frequent doesn’t carry an item, they can order it from a store kiosk and ship it to your house for free!
5 Things You Need In An Outdoor Dining Space:
- Outdoor Dinnerware (melamine preferably to avoid breakage)
- Goblets or pretty acrylic glasses
- Pitcher (choose a nice size so you don’t have to refill as often)
- Lighting (umbrella lights, string lights, citronella candles)
- Colorful accessories (lanterns, fun napkin rings, pillows)
- Mission accomplished. I found the items on my checklist, and was ready to have my backyard get together.
Carmelo Melamine plates and bowls are vivid in color, and have an amazing crackle look finish which gives the appearance of stoneware. Just because dishes are to be used outside, doesn’t mean they have to be basic. These are durable and can be put in the dishwasher! I love my turquoise and indigo colors, however, Carmelo also comes in orange and yellow. I used my napkins and Pier 1 flower beaded napkin rings to pull in a pop of red and orange for a festive setting. Clarity stemmed goblets add a touch of class and the azure acrylic tumbler adds a bit more color to my outdoor table.A cute pillow, meant to withstand the outdoor elements, ties into my color scheme and adds some softness.
A nice ambience in the evening requires lighting. I purchased this cool Light My Umbrella LED light from Pier 1 that clips around an umbrella pole and runs on AA batteries. It includes a remote control. (For some reason I could’t get the remote to work right away unless it was close to the light during the day, but after dark, I could stand about 10+ feet away from the light to turn it on/off). This light adds a nice glow, without needing electricity on my patio, and has a 2 &4 hour timer, which saves batteries in case I forget to shut it down at the end of a fun evening Citronella candles are a good idea in any outdoor space to ward off bugs…perfect when put in lanterns.My sweet puppy Liberty is enjoying the lounger! I found this cute glass Mosaic Accent Table at Pier 1 with lovely colors and sunflower pattern. Having colorful pieces are wonderful to pull accessory ideas from. I can change out my red accents for yellow, green or multi whenever my tastes change. And what a bargain at less than $50 on sale! My guests enjoyed my raspberry, pina colada swirls, served in tall mason jars. A nice way to cool off in the intense sun.Grilling is king in summer. We enjoyed bbq chicken, fruit salad, and corn cobs on a stick at my relaxed gathering. I found the little yellow ramekins at Pier 1 a couple years ago and use them for a variety of purposes, like condiments, salsa or desserts. You never know what kind of treasures, big or small you’ll find while shopping at Pier 1!
