Summer Deck Design

Decorating Outdoor Spaces for Summer Entertaining

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With summer approaching quickly/basically here, prepping all outside living areas around the house is a necessity. At our house, there’s always a good chance a last-minute party will pop up out of nowhere, and I need to be prepared! So, my most recent area of focus was our back deck! We had our deck built last year at the end of September (yes, it took almost a year to add it to our house after we moved in!) So, because we waited until fall, we have rarely used this space for entertaining. And it showed! The only elements we had added to the area, were some clearance patio furniture sets we found last year. So after the harsh Western Pennsylvania winter, this area was in desperate need of a good scrub, décor, and restyle.

Here’s a look at our deck last year, after it had just been completed.

And that is how it’s looked until recently! So once I started to tackle this boring space, I decided I would try my best to make this project affordable and restyle using pieces I already owned as much as possible. I would keep the furniture we currently had and use décor and plants to bring this space to life! So I did just that, and I’m very happy with the outcome!

This space is now welcoming and enjoyable!

The first thing I did was make the switch back to the original blue cushions that came with the furniture set. I like the classic look of these and decided to remove and use the brighter turquoise cushions on my patio (which sits directly underneath the deck). I then added this table throw to the small round table. I’d been eyeing this guy up every time I passed it in Target and I finally decided to just go for it! And, I’m so glad I did! I like how it adds color without totally covering the whole table. Plus, I’m really in love with the ball tassels on each corner, so cute!

While shopping at Target, I also found coordinating melamine plates and had to have them! I love the pretty floral pattern! The wood grain plates from Crate and Barrel are also a new purchase for the summer. I love the size and the neutral look that allows me to mix and match festive salad plates to create a new look whenever I feel like it! I added my favorite copper tumblers, perfect to keep any drink cool and refreshing in the hot summer sun! Simple succulents (found at Home Depot) were the perfect centerpiece, so cute and don’t take up much room on the small round table.

My bar cart was the perfect addition to the party! I dragged it outside and stocked it with my favorite lemon-lime punch and copper mugs. Plus, added my favorite tub to fill with any other beverages needed.

In the sitting area, I added outdoor throw pillows to add comfort, perfect for relaxing! The table is ready to serve a light appetizer and refreshing cocktail! Also on the table, my favorite summer décor: cacti! I added my favorite garden stool (found at Home Goods) as a side table and my customized lantern for additional decorative touches. Then, to complete the look, a fern and some hanging flower pots add some color and life to this space.