SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Love these outdoor chairs new this Spring at CB2 here

These go well with the chairs also.

Are you looking forward to time outdoors and relishing the warmer weather?

OUTDOOR COMFORT

As I mentioned, I am getting ready to move in the next couple of weeks and with a move comes re-organization and thoughts about what I'd like to do differently at my next abode. Moving is always a fresh start and always motivates me to pare down, edit and maybe add a piece or 2 as I am throwing out the old.

Fortunately, here in Florida, outdoor living is a year-round reality and I feel blessed that I don't have to wait until Spring to think about enjoying the beautiful weather. The problem sometimes is finding outdoor furniture that is both comfortable and practical for withstanding the weather and moisture, etc.

I like the idea of a "living room alfresco" type set-up where there aren't sharp edges, hard seats, or a mesh pattern that gets imprinted on your backside if you spend more than 10 minutes lounging in a chair!

What do you think of this all-weather rattan sofa option? I dig the thick cushion and the ample arms.

Check out many more options here!

FUNKY CASUAL DINNERWARE

A great alternative to boring, solid colored plastic dinnerware, here is something great via SF Girl By Bay. These are just a sample of the great melamine plates and napkins offered by Pop Ink. I think these would be perfect outdoors for a meal alfresco complete with colorful chinese hanging lanterns. Not your ordinary cookout!

OUTDOOR PIZAZZ!

Charming outdoor tented pavilion (via Domino - photo by Deborah Jaffe)

Houston designer Katie Stassi's backyard

The Angler's Boutique Hotel - Miami- cool pool area

ZGallerie's Veranda Pavilion

Ok, this certainly qualifies as blog "plagiarism", but I can't help it! I just saw the coolest outdoor cabana on Erin's blog. It's a perfect little backyard haven for shade and dining. It could easily "make" your outdoor area, adding instant class, style, shelter and OOMPH! I have a serious thing for awnings and tents (especially with scalloped edges) and seeing this led me on a trail to find more beautiful tented outdoor spaces. One of these could turn a backyard pool area into your own little Palm Beach or Palm Springs style resort. For as much as I love spending time outside and by the pool, something like this would be excellent. It's just so adorable, it's heartbreaking. The Veranda Pavilion is a more budget-friendly option that you can just purchase and set up for instant backyard pizazz! It comes in 3 color choices for the trim. I'd love green! It's available online at ZGallerie.