spring soiree
Lately, we’ve been freshening up our back yard a bit for spring, which has definitely arrived in the tropics of the south.
The green grass has started to peek through, and we couldn’t be happier for some warm weather.
So we freshened up a bit by giving some pieces new coats of paint, some fun spring flowers, and our zinnia and sunflower garden has been planted this year, along a few veggies we can’t wait to peep through.
That is, if the puppies don’t get them first. ;}
In lieu of all things spring and fun and celebration, we had a bit of an impromptu spring soiree at our home the other night.
It was a quaint gathering for sweet friends and beautiful weather.
It was so fun to set the table with bright colors and bring a little sweetness to the outdoor space that’s been a bit neglected all winter. We even made a little watercolor table runner to top it all off.
And since we were overdue for another installation of the party in your pocket series, a few printables to go with it as well. {More on that below}
Here’s what you’ll need for a simple runner:
I had some duck cotton stowed away from our fabric hoarding collection, and brought out some painter’s tape, scissors, a brush and acrylic paints of choice. {This process was a lot like our watercolor pillows from last summer.}
Choose the length you want if fabric allows. If not, {cheater alert} simply layer one piece over another which can easily be disguised with your treatment and place settings, later.
We simply added tape, two at a time, to broaden that white space, and painted in between each one {on top of a protected surface in case of bleed through}.
We started by putting the paint heavier on the edges, and diluting it with water as we went.
No worries if there’s a little bleed through… it added to the watercolor look… the tape is truly for guidance and eyeballing those measurements to keep your lines straight.
When you’re finished, remove the tape and… tada!
A super cool watercolor runner for your spring soiree.
We added some place settings along with a few happy tags, and even some printable stationery {fits a 6.5 x 4.75 – A6 envelope}
Then we layered plates, along with our little vintage goblets for a bejeweled table.
Lots of casual fun for an overdue celebration.
Our old chairs we originally had out here around the table ended up being super heavy and awkward for the kids. They rusted out, {they were supposed to be outdoor so we’re not really sure what happened… boooo} so we donated what was salvageable for something more appropriate for everyone.
Lots of fun a-la sunset.
We have a fun little fire pit that is covered with a tabletop {until we need the actual fire pit for some s’mores goodness. }
And an old door made into a table for simple entertaining. It’s held up just fine in all the weather.
We’ve been photographing the house, slowly but surely before it sells and things get crazy around here. We want to remember it as it is, and the sweet memories we’ve had here.
Check out more for all things regarding back yard bliss, here!
As always, let us know if you use any of #thehandmadehomefreebies on instagram! We’d love to see.
Have an inspired day!
I love those chairs! Where did you get them from?
Hey Jen! Thanks so much! They are from World Market.
what color is the yellow on your door? I love it!
Thanks Tonya! It’s Benjamin Moore’s Corn Husk
I love everything you did! So fun and pretty 🙂 Could you please tell me where you got your big letter ‘ m ‘?
Thanks Penny! The M is from the big flea market in Nashville- the one at the fairgrounds. Hope that helps!
Your colorful porch and backyard make me oh so happy! My favorite thing is that your yard is not huge. It looks to be about the same size as mine. So, we could totally do something like this! 🙂 Very motivating. I’m wondering if you have any tips for keeping your playhouse clean. We have a little plastic one, and it is constantly filthy and full of spiders. It doesn’t get much attention. 🙂 I just wonder if there are some tricks you’ve learned to keep it looking nice. Maybe taking a leaf blower to it once a week? 🙂
Hey Jenny! Thanks for the kind words – I feel ya! We shared a little on this post here, { https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/09/backyard-bliss-reality/ } but we basically have a big spring clean every year with the pressure washer, and then blow it off about weekly. The pecan tree can be a pain in the bootay but it’s a love hate relationship. ;} Right now, pollen is our enemy, so blowing it off definitely helps. Hope that helps a little! You’re not alone on keeping an outdoor space clean!
Ashley, Thank you so much for your reply! I have been wanting a leaf blower for a while now, and I think this may be the final shove for me to convince my husband that we should actually buy one. Plus, he wants a new cordless drill, and I found a Black and Decker one that shares the same battery with a cordless leaf blower. We’ve had lots of trouble with drill batteries dying from lack of use (if you only use it a couple of times a year, the batteries just quit working). Anyway, if we keep the battery in working order by blowing off the porch every week, then it will always be ready to make the drill work too! I say that’s a win-win. Thanks again! 🙂
Ohh, I want the playhouse minus the slide! Never got a tree house and always wanted one, tho probably not wise at my 60+ age.
Thanks, Rose! We say go for it! ;} You can always lower it a bit and have a nice little adult cabana!
Ashley, what size is your painted patio? What about your paver patio? I LOVE everything about your yard. We have already built the door table and hope to build a playhouse and make a paver patio soon.
Dana- We’re not sure on the exact size of the concrete area, probably around 12 x 10??
but you can read more about the painted patio here https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/01/how-to-paint-concrete/ and the fire pit area {10 x 10} here
https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/01/backyard-bliss-installing-patio-pavers-and-a-fire-pit/
Hope that helps!
What kind of mulch do you use around your playhouse and flower beds? Is that pine needles? We’ve got tons of pine needles that clash with our black mulch and I’m wondering if we should do what you’ve done. How’s the upkeep?
Hey Ashley – Pine straw is a pretty common landscape filler here in the south because it’s relatively cheap and super easy to maintain. We refill it about twice a year – once in the spring, and once in the fall. We have it in the front, too and it’s pretty low maintenance… just an issue of filling it. I hope that helps!
What a happy and inviting backyard, can’t wait to do something like this in our backyard…Love the new chairs! Where are they from?
Sorry I just read the string…thanks for the link!!!