10 Inspiring Outdoor Spaces And Tips On How To Create Your Own

Now that warmer temperatures are upon us, it's time to work on outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and inviting as your indoors are.  Sharing a few of my favorites:  some created for entertaining summer gatherings and others designed for moments of solitude.  Ideally, wouldn't it be great to have both?!  

Check them out and take a look below for tips on creating your own:  

1. Define your outdoor space and decorate it as you would your indoor space.  Strive to make the two blend and be cohesive.

2.  Create privacy with large plants, billowing curtains or natural screens.

2.  Add lighting.  It can consists of candles, solar or electric lights.

3.  Have plenty of comfortable seating for guests.  Provide pretty cushions, pillows, etc.  Keep cozy throws handy for those chilly nights.

4.  Bring your indoor plants outside.  Mix them with classic annuals or exotic perennials to add interest and depth to your container garden.  

5.  Don't over accessorize with garden sculptures and tchotkes.  In nature, less is definitely more.

6.  Look for unique garden furniture on Craigslist and/or garage, yard sales and flea markets.  Keep in mind that sometimes indoor furniture also works well outdoors.

7.  Forego the fire pit for a full on fireplace. 

8.  Add a swing if that is a possibility.  Children and adults alike get enjoyment out of them.

9.  Paint and exterior door a funky color to liven things up.

10.   Have designated plates and glasses for outdoor use.  I keep a basket stocked with napkins, flatware, dishes and candles.  When that spontaneous BBQ springs out of nowhere, I'm quasi ready.  Hmmm, maybe I should add a flask or two of G&Ts to it...

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9./10.

Scenes From A Weekend Wedding Celebration

Over the weekend we had the pleasure of hosting a wedding reception for a couple of dear friends from Cambridge, Ma.  Having already celebrated their marriage on the East Coast and in their respective home countries of Germany and Malaysia, this latest party was for their many West Coast friends.  We were happy to meet new people and to reunite with old friends.  The couple, true culinary enthusiasts, prepared the majority of the food, while the rest contributed some of their favorite dishes.  The meal was delicious and pretty, the company delightful, and the couple radiant!  

Bodo and Vik, we congratulate you and wish you many happy years together!

Summer Entertaining With Michael Aram And A Reader Giveaway!

When the folks at Madhouse found out that Cocoon was hosting a Botanical Trunk show, they sent a sampling of Michael Aram's new collection of dinnerware for the event.  With metallic and pearlescent finishes, unique textures and nature inspired shapes and designs, the series proved to be a perfect fit for our plant abundant evening.  Not only did they send enough product samples for the festivities, but also included plenty for giveaways both for our trunk show and for the blog.    Take a look at how we utilized the Olive Branch collection to entertain our guests and see below how to win your own Michael Aram Madhouse collection for your next party.

You can enter to win a Michael Aram's Lemonwood tray  with coordinating napkins and plates by doing  3 simple things:

1.  Visit the Madhouse site here and check out the amazing collection.

2.  Comment below on how you would use it, should you be our winnner.

3.  Lastly, visit Madhouse's Facebook page and give it a like.  If you haven't already liked Cocoon's FB page do so here.

Contest ends on midnight Wednesday June 19th.  Good luck!

Congratulations to Shirley S., our trunk show giveaway winner!