5/1 MOOD BOARD MONDAY- Designing My Own Backyard

Happy Mood Board Monday! It’s the first of May, and that means the weather is heating up. I’ve started grilling more and moving my meals outdoors. When I’m not holed up in my apartment in Kansas City, I’m back in my hometown of Carthage, Missouri where… I have a backyard! This is my first time having a backyard to myself. I’m tasked with creating an outdoor space that I love, but that also fits in my budget. I’ve created a shopping list from Amazon for some items I’m seriously considering buying. Keep reading for links, and how I’d style these items!

First up on the list is this fabulous umbrella! I knew I’d want an umbrella for shade protection, as well as to add some color. My house is white with black shutters, so I wanted to continue the black and white theme into my yard accessories. I specifically chose this umbrella for the scalloped detailing which adds great dimension. I would then pair it with this black faux woven base. 

Next I’d add this cute woven rattan bistro table and chair set. I live alone, so I don’t really need a huge table for entertaining. (I’m considering doing an outdoor sofa, chairs and a firepit, but that’s a blog post for another day!) I love the material of this table, as it breaks up the black and white and adds some natural texture. To bring in some color, I selected colorful floral outdoor pillows. However, I’m going to Charleston, South Carolina this week and have my mind set on going to Sewing Down South to look at their outdoor pillows, so updates will come on what I purchase. 

You can’t have an outdoor entertaining space without cozy lighting. I saw these black lanterns on Amazon, and immediately knew I needed them. This particular set comes in two different sizes, which I would recommend to give some different height dimensions. They’re also solar powered, which I love. Of course, I had to throw in some string lights as well.

Lastly, you absolutely can’t have an outdoor entertaining space without chilled wine… or maybe that’s just me? I’m in love with this green chinoiserie wine bucket with cane handles. I’ll be using this all spring and summer to chill my Chamborcin Dry Red Wine from Pennington Wines in Carthage. I also currently have this Ina Garten cookbook for easy hosting recipes in my Amazon cart. I’m so looking forward to hosting friends and family all spring and summer.