This past weekend we celebrated a bunch of summer birthdays on my side of the family. I hosted it here and took some pre-party shots of my yard. It gets to crazy once guests arrive to take photos.
This brick wall is the garage wall for the house behind me. It is a charming backdrop for a backyard.
The big galvanized tub behind the pink hydrangeas will hold ice and drinks.
I love the underside of this big vintage umbrella. I want a couple more floral umbrellas in maybe pinks and yellow.
I used my vintage jug style thermoses for flowers. I also love my bright colored chairs. The green chairs are vintage. The hot pink were an IKEA purchase a few years ago.
I blogged about this window box when I had it made it in last year. It has held up well and filled in nicely.
I also used my favorite collection of patterned utensils.
I have hosted lots of outdoor parties over the years. I always am picking up items in certain color themes/patterns so I have lots of trays and such to pull out to use. I also use tablecloths from my vintage stash. It makes getting ready for a party easier.
A fun backyard to have a party in and I love it when it flowers are in full summer bloom.
A good day for a summer party.
I'm pouring another cup of coffee before work and making my husband look over this post with me. You have so many neat touches throughout your yard. Another fabulously decorated party. Love the outdoor venue.
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | July 17, 2013 at 04:06 AM
This should be a layout in a magazine. Such lovely vintage touches. As I like to say "party hardy."
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Remy | July 17, 2013 at 05:52 AM
What a beautiful yard to have parties in! I've gotten so many ideas from your posts about your yard. Love all the pops of color all over from the tablecloths to the utensils! That umbrella with the floral underside is to die for!! I need to find a trough now or some big metal object like that for drinks....great idea!
Are those perennial sweet peas in your garden in the last pic? Love the color of those flowers.I need to get my coffee now and pour over your blog again. Makes me want to have a party!.....too hot here this week though!
Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Doreen | July 17, 2013 at 06:19 AM
Maddie, Alex, & I all have June birthdays. Maybe next year you will host our party in that adorable backyard of yours:-)
I really need to take a trip to Ikea. I can't believe I've never been.
Stay cool. HOT here today!
~Erica
Posted by: Erica | July 17, 2013 at 06:26 AM
Fabulous!! What lucky guests!
Posted by: Diane | July 17, 2013 at 06:55 AM
You are my decorating,party,vintage,crafting
hero. I want to be just like you!
But I can't, of course. Great decorating, but you stopped too soon! What are you serving? lol! Judy A-
Posted by: Judy A | July 17, 2013 at 07:49 AM
Vintage heaven!
Just love it all!
Melanie
Posted by: Melanie | July 17, 2013 at 07:53 AM
I think I shall have my nest wedding at your house in your fun, happy backyard. I love all the bright happy colors. I'm still on the hunt for an eclectic collection of patterned silverware like your but I still have only ONE fork. Boo. I do have a whole set of cornflower blue silverware with white daisies on them that makes me quite happy.
I love the idea of a framed piece of art on the shed. I have a lot of old signs and stars on mine.
Posted by: Shara | July 17, 2013 at 08:05 AM
Oh, you have a sweet backyard! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Linda | July 17, 2013 at 08:21 AM
I agree with one of the other comments...should have been a layout in a magazine...ME's Home Companion perhaps. I am not a big fan of Martha...but she does have some good ideas as well. Happy Party!
Posted by: shirley hatfield | July 17, 2013 at 09:09 AM
Oh Laurie, Your backyard is decorated just perfectly for a party. Love love love it from the bunting to the flowered umbrella to the planters to the flowers and silverware. I have that same vintage cut out motel chair.
xo Danielle
Posted by: Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity | July 17, 2013 at 09:50 AM
It is magical! When the phrase Garden Party comes up, your space is about what I imagine. Your guests must be enthralled!!
Posted by: Annette | July 17, 2013 at 09:59 AM
Your backyard is lovely!! What a great idea to use the vintage thermos containers as vases!! I will be borrowing this idea!!!
Posted by: chris mckinley | July 17, 2013 at 10:22 AM
It's Heavenly! You're killing me with all those Hydrangeas! Do you have to add acid to the soil in your area? We have to do that in order to get the blue ones here. Someday I swear I'm going to have a yard full like you do!
Thanks for sharing with us,
Erica :)
Posted by: Erica | July 17, 2013 at 11:21 AM
It looks so fun! Decorating for parties and setting the tables, etc, is my favorite part.
Posted by: Kathy | July 17, 2013 at 11:53 AM
Visiting your blog is one of the BEST things I do for myself! So much fun and color and inspiration! Love it all!
Posted by: Patti | July 17, 2013 at 01:38 PM
Wow, such a beautiful backyard filled with such pretties!! Love all your special touches everywhere!! ;) xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | July 17, 2013 at 02:08 PM
I would love to attend a party here. And I love that umbrella.
Posted by: Bella | July 17, 2013 at 04:20 PM
I'm so impressed that you can put your hands on the stuff you collect, in time for the occasion in which you have collected it! LOL! And, I could just take a running dive into your hydrangeas! LOVE!
Posted by: Laurie | July 17, 2013 at 05:47 PM
Oh I love your yard AND party decorating, Laurie! My back yard is pretty bare! ♥
Posted by: Holly- Cutie Pie Cottage | July 18, 2013 at 05:49 AM
As pretty as your house is inside. Love it all.
Posted by: barbara | July 18, 2013 at 12:40 PM
I would LOVE to come to a party at your house! The flowers are gorgeous, the decorations are in my favorite colors and there's lots of vintage goodies too. And I'm crazy about that umbrella. That's next on my must-have list!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | July 19, 2013 at 12:38 PM
I'm just going to day dream for a little bit about your backyard. It looks great! I bet you all had a wonderful time.
Posted by: Melissa | July 20, 2013 at 06:11 AM