Discover - Party Supplies

Ruffled

HomeInfatuation.com probably doesn't come straight to mind when you think of party supplies for your outdoor events.  We may not carry balloons or streamers but If you are looking to add to your permanent supply of quality outdoor entertaining accessories, HI has a selection of items that we've seen many event designers use in their outdoor designs.

Click to read more ...

Get The Look - Lounge Area for Outdoor Entertaining

Photo Inspiration - Style Me Pretty/Laurie Arons Special Events

There may be many differences in an event design style but one consistent design element that I see often is the conversation/lounge area.  There will be lots of activities at your outdoor event that you will want to accommodate (eating, games, swimming, etc) and conversation is the one activity (next to eating) that reigns supreme at any event.  Create a comfortable and peaceful area for your guests to converse comfortably.

Click to read more ...

Design 101 - Think Outside the Box for Outdoor Entertaining

Style Me Pretty - Gia Canali Photography

Like other designers, event designers are great outside the box thinkers.  I get such a kick out of their creative use of furnishings, objects, landscapes and lighting to create events.  When planning your next outdoor event take a cue from event designers.  Look at your outdoor and indoor furnishings and landscaping through a new lens - the one where anything goes.  Don't just see planters - see gigantic candle holders!  Here is a selection of some of my favorite event designer creative solutions for outdoor entertaining.

Click to read more ...

Designer Profile - Beth Helmstetter Events

I find Beth Helmstetter to be a very accessible event resource for outdoor entertaining inspiration.  Beth's event designs are very elegant yet very understated and very visually pleasing.  I especially like her creative use of lighting, indoor furnishings outdoors, vignettes, and lounge areas.  Although Beth is clearly talented what I like about her portfolio as inspiration is that I feel like her designs can be so easily recreated by homeowners for outdoor entertaining.

Click to read more ...

Inspiration Board - Outdoor Entertaining

With the official first day of summer tomorrow and the summer's biggest outdoor entertaining opportunity (Fourth of July) just around the corner I thought it would be fun to spend some time thinking about event design and outdoor entertaining.  My greatest resource for party planning is wedding blogs.  Event designers and couples are so wildly creative when it comes to designing receptions these days and with the popularity of wedding blogs there is a constant supply of inspiration.  To start the week off some  inspiration from three of my favorite wedding blogs - Once Wed, Style Me Pretty and Ruffled.

Click to read more ...

Entertain In Style - Balcony Playlist

Barcelona Balconies

I'm back with our second outdoor living playlist for all of your balcony entertaining needs!  Taking a cue from the post on Tuesday about Famous Balcony Design Styles I went to France, Italy and New Orleans for some music inspiration and what I ended up with with was a mix of jazz, funk and tango.  Who needs a balcony?  I think I could put this playlist on and pretend I have gorgeous wrought iron balcony to sit on and sip a cup of coffee.  Happy balcony living!

Click to read more ...

Entertain In Style - Porch Playlist

Sarah Jessica Parker's Hampton Porch via Greige

I love to entertain and I think music is a key element for a great party just like the food and drink.  I'm crazy enough to spend hours...weeks in advance of a party creating the perfect playlist.  Not everyone has the time or desire to put together a playlist however.

Click to read more ...

Entertain In Style - Family Outdoor Dining

Dining Table Styled by Tara Sloggett

Outdoor dining! There is nothing like it for producing a festive mood with no effort. Add in the fact that you can cook a whole meal on a grill if you choose, and you have super easy preparation.  It’s a great way to bring the family together for a relaxed and casual dining experience.  Toss a Frisbee around, play with the kids, or have a cocktail, as dinner sizzles on the grill.

Click to read more ...