Thursday, May 19, 2011

My Favorite Outdoor Space





Home Mayd Kate

Kate is part of a four-link parties going on this week by four different women. I'm linking up to inspiring outdoor ideas and sharing my favorite entertaining space. It overlooks the back gardens and is close to the kitchen - two reasons why it's my favorite!

When we moved here seven years ago, there was only a concrete slab off the dinning room. I added a brick apron on two sides and dressed it up as best I could.

The next summer, son L added a larger apron with pillars at the corners.
The next year, we added a raftered open roof and planted Akebia Silver Bells, a fifteen to twenty ft vine at the one corner...it was its third move in as many years!
And the next summer we added a composite floor over a part of the concrete slab,
 making the floor space bigger.

Today, when we entertain outdoors, it looks like this. I used HD drop cloth (what else?!) to make panels to fit in between the rafters, using Velcro to fasten them. It makes fabulous shade but does get really dirty if left on for the summer. Good old Clorox takes the stain out!
Last summer, I held a tea for twenty-two ladies here. The table looks like it goes on forever - but it was beautiful!
I used two sets of dishes and alternated them to serve these beautiful ladies.
- five years ago -
- today -
My favorite sitting place is the swing (behind the vine), even if it's only taking a breather from work or just simply to drink in the beauty!

I love this outdoor space!



Link parties:
Cottage Flora Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Beyond the Picket Fence
Tootsie Time
ff
Feathered Nest Friday
French Country Cottage

21 comments:

KK said...

It is gorgeous. You have really fixed it up nice! I love that table shot and your view is amazing.

DIYbyDesign said...

Everything looks really beautiful. Outdoor spaces take time and evolve over the years. I found you over at Centsational Girl's party. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful patio - it has transitioned into a thing of beauty - and wow what a view! I'm "following" you from Centsational Girl's outdoor party.

Mary @ Redo 101

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

I love your outdoor space, too! I loved seeing how it changed over the years. I am not familiar with that vine that you have but it is gorgeous. I saw your link at Cottage Flora Thursday and I am now following.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

So much beauty. I love the hanging baskets and so much more.

I am popping over from the party.

Fondly,
Glenda (#206)

Gg - Notes on the Journey

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

That patio looks so lovely, and a beautiful place to relax... from the photos it looks like that swing being your favorite place is because of that stunning view of hills in the distance?...
I bet its gorgeous in person!

Pat

Joani said...

Gorgeous. The growth of the vine will be over before long. You will be resting there more often I'm sure.

Passionate for White said...

You did a great job transforming that entire area.....love it all.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Esther,
Your outdoor space is absolutely fantastic! I wish i would have gad them extend my awning in the back out a bit further so i would have more sitting room in my tiny back yard.
Your back yard is also stunning!! I LOVE your arbor!! I hope you will show us more pics of your yard???

I enjoyed visiting you today!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Very nice. I love the pergola. They add so much!

a quiet life said...

such a pretty setting and view~

Cindy said...

Hi Esther,
Your yard is so beautiful!!! Your patio is lovely, too! Such a relaxing place to sit. Your tea must have been so fun!
Hugs, cindy

Fishtail Cottage said...

Wow - fabulous patio & garden..i'll bet you enjoy it out there. & i love the whimsy decor you have sitting out there too! i am working on my patio right now as well - so this is a very inspirational post for me! So glad you linked up to Cottage Flora Thursday! xoox, tracie

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

What a gorgeous inspiring space!!! I absolutely love it!! Sooo beautiful!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Just stopping back by to say thanks so much for linking this beautiful space up at Feathered Nest Friday! Hope you will be back to share again soon~have a wonderful weekend!

Selina@CreativeJuicesDecor said...

This is gorgeous! It quite funny too because I've been looking to see a patio that had the pavers around it and now I got to see it! (we are building a house and someone suggested we do it that way.) I can't believe how big your vine is now? How many years old is the vine? I'm in Idaho, could that kind of vine grow in my climate? You are very talented!

French Charmed ~ Chelle said...

Bonsoir and Merci! Just dropped by to say thank you for your participation in our April event. Your comments are appreciated! I just love the transformation of your patio. Just gorgeous! Have a lovely Sunday Esther ~ Au Revoir

Wally said...

Hi. Found my way here via Cottage Flora Thursday. Great post, so interesting to see how gardens evolve, lovely area!

Betsy said...

Beautiful space you have created. What an amazing view to open green pasture and farm. So glad to have found your blog.
Betsy

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

I love your outdoor space - just absolutely beautiful!

maría cecilia said...

I have loved seing how it has evolved with your care and love!!!
hugs from Chile

Post a Comment

I love hearing from you - thank you for taking the time to do so!