Cozy Outside Entertaining Using My Favorite Accessory

It doesn’t matter what season it is, we love to have friends and family over.  Even though congregating in the kitchen seems to be the norm around here, I love when the weather cooperates for cozy outside entertaining.

If you are arriving from Judy, Life is Better at Home, thank you so much for stopping by and welcome!  I’m delighted to share this cozy nook in our backyard and how decorating this space has made it all the more inviting. Can you guess what key item has made all the difference?

Let me just lay it out there for ya… throw pillows are EVERYTHING!  In this post, I will be focusing on the undeniable force throw pillows provide in every space we decorate, including bringing cozy outside!  You thought I was going to way twinkly lights, didn’t you?  You guys know me so well 🙂

Instant Cozy Space!

Simply put, plopping a pillow in an outdoor space brings the same sense of cozy as it does indoors.  Two of my personal staple decor musts are pillows and candles, and here you can see why.  They create warmth instantly.

When entertaining guests, I try hard at making them feel right at home.  Picture this space with no throw pillows.   Sure, it would still look nice, and maybe even cozy what with the twinkly lights and all, but add in these throw pillows, and they invite you to sit down.  And if you have Adirondack chairs, a pillow to support your back is a must…well for me anyway.

 

This next part may shock you…

In previous posts, I have referenced bringing the outdoors in when decorating.  I love bringing the natural elements of nature inside, and the same is true for taking cozy outside.  The dishes I use when entertaining outdoors are my inside dishes (most of the time), so why not take a few indoor pillows out, too?  Again, I am talking about entertaining guests, I don’t suggest leaving your indoor pillows outside.

• True statement #1 – I don’t have any outdoor fall pillows.  These soft flannel pillow covers are from last year, and perfect for fall.  Since I am not using traditional fall colors inside this season, my pumpkin trio made a visit as well and accompanies this setting quite nicely.
• True Statement #2 – Our fire-pit is gas.  I bet some of you were already shaking your head reading this post at the mere thought of having your indoor pillows smell like a bonfire.  Pretend the fire-pit you see here is an outdoor ottoman, or just didn’t exist at all 😉

Another fantastic reason to bring your indoor pillows out when entertaining is to simply change things up.  This simple refresh will create a whole new look by shopping your own home 😀  Take the cozy up a notch by adding your favorite throw.

And Finally

Probably the biggest reason I enjoy bringing indoor pillows outside when entertaining guests is the simple fact that they are clean!!  I don’t know about you, but I don’t make it outside in time to put away my outdoor pillows before it rains.  The weather here in the Midwest is crazy, and doesn’t always give fair warning.  Mildew, spiderwebs, bird poop, (you get my drift) are all regular consequences with outdoor cushions.  So, I can’t stress enough not to forget bringing them back inside!!

Now, keeping Hank away from my pillows while anticipating the arrival of guests is a bit of a challenge.  He’s not stupid and will try to snuggle in for a quick nap.  So if you find a lint roller next to your chair, you may want to take a quick look before you sit down 😉

I invite you to head on over to Olivia, Reinvented Collection next.  There is oodles of Halloween decorating and more Fall decorating inspo provided by these lovely bloggers listed below.   If you missed last week’s post highlighting my fall mantle decor, you can catch it here.

• Maison de Cinq
• Curls and Cashmere
• Happy Happy Nester
• Life is Better at Home
• Simple Cozy Charm
• Reinvented Collection
• The Design Twins
• Finding Lovely
• 2 Ladies and a Chair
• Modern Glam
• Styled with Lace
• Remington Avenue

 

Author and photos – Martha Knake

Chief Editor – Emily Schunke