Easy Alfresco Entertaining Ideas from Matthew and Amy

Making magic moments....

Would you like some beautiful outdoor entertaining ideas? 

I mentioned in the last blog post that I participated in a short film with Matthew Mead

for his upcoming presentation at Haven, the big blogging conference in Atlanta.

Matthew has given me the green light to share his images with you from that day~

and what inspiration they hold!

We filmed a story of how to create a stunning party, alfresco style. 

The setting was an enchanting pergola made of twigs and logs, 

that had grapevines covering the structure.

But regardless, you can use these ideas for your own patio or backyard or deck to

create some terrific moments for your next party.  Remember that you can always

bring an indoor piece of furniture outdoors, like a side table to use as a bar or server.

How about this centerpiece that Matthew made using a tiered display piece?

  Filled with fruits, vegetables, flowers and votive candles, 

it is a natural and beautiful centerpiece without the fussiness of 

the standard floral centerpiece many of us employ. 

Not to dismiss a floral centerpiece too quickly, Matthew created a show stopper

of a statement piece by clustering flowers in this glass and twig vase he found

at HomeGoods, and then added his own touch by spraying the base of the twigs with

his copper metallic Fusion paint from his own paint collection.  Placed on a

counter height stool, it is a stand alone piece that creates a memorable moment in any setting.

 A hint of how to get started before any party when you want to have decorating options,

just gather bunches of flowers in a theme.  These are all harvest type colors, as the film is 

geared to Fall entertaining.  For summer you could do groupings of hydrangeas and roses,

or multiple blooms from your local grocer or florist in one color-way.  
After you have your flowers, place them in the sink or in

pails and then gather your receptacles for your arrangements.  
Jelly jars, juice glasses, vases, galvanized tins, empty tomato cans...you name it!
Then create smaller centerpieces for your outdoor table tops.

Matthew created small arrangements (3 of these), and then placed them 

at the main table, instead of one large arrangement.  It was casual and chic.

Imagine your own simple picnic table....

totally transformed with fruit and flowers and a few candles.

You will be entertaining with style!

 We had such fun making this film, which was shot by the Wagner Spray Tech peeps.

I got to see the finished film and I was so impressed with how it turned out.

It will make its debut at the blog conference Haven, and then I hope to share it right here!

Until then, use these ideas to create a memorable outdoor dinner party.

Even if its just for you and your regular cast of characters.

These are the things that can add a little zip to life, 

creating moments of beauty in a world of mundane living.  

Make yours magical!