Ahhh summer evenings out under the stars…
We take outdoor living pretty seriously around here and have several outdoor areas set up to enjoy. And today it is all about a few tips- and a giveaway to help you decorate and enjoy your own backyard areas this summer.
Outdoor living Ideas
Every morning- I sip my coffee & get a bit of work done out in the crisp air by the lion fountain, we have been enjoying dinners in the greenhouse garden this summer and in the evenings- we are often settled in by the fire pit for relaxing. And when it comes to styling and enjoying these areas- I have a few tried and true go -to elements that I use. You can see a few string lights floating above the rose and ivy wall here- perfect for just a bit of ambiance anytime of the day.
Fire pit lounge area
Another favorite spot is our fire pit lounge area.
Summer is often too hot or dry for lighting an ambiance fire – so we add ambiance in other ways. Twinkle lights, twinkling trees in the background and lanterns with candles that flicker away are all favorites.
Tip: Think beyond those always on repeat favorite twinkle lights- and bring in twinkling trees for year round magic. These trees are outdoor safe, LED trees and proved the perfect amount of ambiance year round.
Greenhouse Garden
The greenhouse garden is a new addition this year- we have wrapped around the sides and back of the greenhouse to create a veggie and flower garden area. We have string lights overhead and pretty lanterns tucked here and there with LED candles inside.
Tip: Use LED candles for safety- and they won’t melt or get ruined inside the lanterns in the great outdoors.
Copper Dreams
And another favorite for creating a setting with ambiance- copper. Copper is one of my favorites to use in entertaining for the rich warm elegance it has. I have used copper tubs for holding drinks and keeping them chilled – and also filled them with flowers and used them on the table.
Tip: Metals reflect the glow from candles and firelight. Use them on the table for added ambiance and in any entertaining setting for warmth and charm.
Inspired Gatherings
Inside the pages of my new book Inspired Gatherings– it is all about ambiance and inspiration on repeat.
This fire pit area brings several favorite elements together to create a welcoming spot to sit and enjoy the evening with family right in your own backyard.
The twinkling trees in the backdrop, twinkle lights and lanterns are all from Balsam Hill- and today- I am so excited to be hosting a fun giveaway for entertaining elements from my Balsam Hill family.
You know how much I love Balsam Hill and their incredible lifelike Christmas trees- and their florals (especially the French Country Cottage collection haha) and I also love all the wonderful year round living and entertaining elements they have. Like this copper tub, Hello Sunshine candle lanterns and my favorite Miracle Flame LED candles.
And they are giving away one of each of these items to one winner- for a total of 3 winners!
One winner will receive a Copper Beverage Tub
Two winners will receive (1) Hello Sunshine lantern with candle included inside.
and Two winners will receive (2) Miracle Flame LED Candles (one 5″ , one 7″ -style may vary)
And it is SO EASY to enter!! This giveaway is being held on Instagram- so simply head on over to:
Balsam Hill Instagram and give them a ‘follow’
Like and Comment on the photo sharing the giveaway on French Country Cottage IG
Tag anyone you want in the comments for an extra chance.
(you can do this EACH day for an extra entry!)
Share the giveaway ( don’t forget to tag or tell me ) for an extra chance – you can do this daily
That is it! Giveaway ends Sunday August 2nd at midnight California time.
And Don’t miss Balsam Hill’s up to 50% off Christmas in July sale going on for a few more days.
sandi says
Beautiful ! just wow!
Kari Judd says
Shared on Facebook and Instagram!
Judy Wadsworth says
Where can I find the grey wicker chairs like the ones you have in your garden? Love their style and color!
Courtney says
They are probably about 8 years old- maybe try Overstock?
ElsA says
I was wondering the sane THING.
😊
Dena Burch says
Shared on IG and tagged 2
its a great oppOrtunity
Raye Lynn Fletcher Longhini says
Liked and followed both! Tagged my daughter @madepley!
Diana says
This is fun, thanks Courtney!
Kari Judd says
Shared on Facebook and Instagram and twitter!
Pat Metzer says
Commented and shared on insta and Fb.
Just wanted to say that copper with the candles and floral tablEscape is just beautiful.
Pat
Veronica thompson says
Shared on twitter! IG: @vibevents
Love your book!!
cecilia from georgia says
I could look through your photographs all day!
bth says
Following. Love the Sunshine lantern!
Andrea says
BeaUtiful, shared on Ins and facebook
Kari Judd says
Shared on Facebook, Instagram and twitter!
ElsA says
Beautiful AND serene.
Karen B. says
This is so beautiful. We live in California as well and I’m always inspired by your ideas for our own outdoor enjoyment. Thank you.
Karen
Kari Judd says
Lovely!! Shared on Facebook, instagram and twitter!
Pat says
Love the copper and those candles together, and that floral aRranGement is beautiful in copper. Pink and copper divine together💕