Fun, Festive and Inexpensive!!!

In the economy that we are experiencing I think we all need some fun, festive and inexpensive ideas to spruce-up our yards. I think that Chinese lanterns are a great answer to all three criteria. They are fun, festive and inexpensive.

I absolutely love Chinese lanterns. I find them fascinating. The colors, the shapes and even some of the patterns. I love to use Chinese lanterns in my backyard. I have a shade tree over a small patio that I like to hang all white lanterns in different shapes. They look so ethereal to me. When they gently blow in the wind they are hypnotizing. I think they can make a wonderfully festive atmosphere for a backyard patio area. I know they are not a new product by any means, but I wonder how many people actually remember to use them in their outdoor decorating in the Spring and Summer months after the rain has stopped. I found a great source for inexpensive lanterns that can be ordered on line. They have a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. I will show just a few of what you can see on their website...


The first lantern is white eyelet  and I love the unusual shape. You can get it here for only $7.95. The round lantern has been embellished with crystals for a little sparkle for only $19.95.
  
I love these brightly patterned lanterns. The beautiful teal of this lantern would look so fun around a pool area. Both lanterns can be purchased at Luna Bazaar. If you have not gone to this website take time to do so. It is a real treat. You can get so many fun things to add color and make it look festive for very little monies.

These two lanterns are made of linen and wire. I love their shape and the wire almost looks like a lace pattern. You can get these at Luna Bazaar also.
Take a look at some of the ways that Chinese lanterns can be used.

This is probably my favorite way to use Chinese lanterns. I love all white and when they blow in the wind they are even more beautiful to me.

 

If you like color here is a nice mix of colors for you. Chinese lanterns come in so many colors. The combinations can almost be endless.

Whenever one color is done in mass it becomes more of a statement.

How fun is this wedding done in all lime green? Can you imagine making a wire tree in the middle of your yard to hang lanterns on?  I really like this idea. I am going to think about where I could do something like this. Shepherd hooks going down a path are also a fun way to use Chinese lanterns. They don’t have to be lit to be beautiful. White lanterns glow in the dark even without lighting them.

AMAZING!!!

Simple, beautiful, ethereal!

Martha Stewart uses Chinese lanterns in a variety of ways.

Remember these great little vase covers that I posted on here.

Mixing patterns with solid lanterns can look fun and festive!

How about a little embellishment with some paper butterflies.  Notice the butterflies are added to the drinking straws.  I think this would make a wonderful decoration for a Mother's Day luncheon.

Can you think of places in your yard that you could add a fun display of Chinese lanterns?

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Adding some fun and festive Chinese lanterns to your yard.

Kathysue

“ Pretty Shade”

Spring is here and soon we will all be spending more time outdoors. I know I have been planting some pink and white impatiens in my back yard. I love flowers because they just make me smile!! I started thinking of different ways to beautify our yards. I personally love natural canvas Market Umbrellas. I know that there is nothing new or terribly exciting about a Market Umbrella. I think they make a yard look cozy and inviting. I thought I would look around and find some interesting and different Market Umbrellas to share with you.

 

Aren’t these amazing!! They are made of oil treated cotton and hand painted. I think anyone would feel very special sitting under one of these lovelies! You can purchase one of these here. They measure 76” in diameter. You would not use this as your main source of shade but what a great functional conversation piece. Here are a few more patterns and colors……..

I found a few more really interesting and very pretty possibilities for your yard…….

Look at the detail on this bright pink outdoor parasol. This would look amazing in a yard with a pool and a chaise covered in wonderful Moroccan patterned pillows.

I love the black and white on this umbrella. It is such a sharp look and the detailing is gorgeous.You can find these two umbrellas here

I will take ruffles with my umbrella, please!

Purple with fringe, Yummy.

Pink and white striped delight!

How about a basket weave for your umbrella?

Remember the 1960’s daisy pattern. This totally reminds me of that look.The last five umbrellas can be found here

 

Everyone needs a little luxury for their yard. You would surely have it with this white and gold beauty. Look at the detail on the pole. Amazing. You can find this umbrella here

I hope some of these lovely umbrellas and outdoor parasols have inspired you.

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Adding lovely shade to your garden.

Kathysue

I Wish I were BRAVE!!

After looking at a particularly stunning or unusual room do you ever find yourself saying,”I wish I were brave enough to do that!?” I do, all the time. I have a few things that I could put on a list

1. I wish I could paint a rooms walls all black.
2. I would love to have a room full of fanciful colors.
3. I love the look of all black moldings and door frames.
4. Oh! to have a room done in all white furniture.
5. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a brightly colored contemporary room?
6. I would love a pink and feminine room.
7. I am almost sure black and white awnings would look amazing on my house(I actually think I am almost brave enough to do this.)
8. A tented playroom.

That is my list and I am sure there will be additions as time goes along but for now this is what I wish I was brave enough to do. Now let’s look at some examples of my Brave List………..

Black Walls

Fanciful Colors

 Ruthie Summers

Black Moldings

All White Room

Bright contemporary

 

Pink and feminine

 Phoebe Howard

Tented Playroom

 

Material Girl blog

Black and white striped awnings 

What would you like to be brave enough to do in your home?

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Doing something in your home that is out of your comfort zone.

Kathysue