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If You Need Me This Summer, I’ll Be Outside

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In the summer, we spend a lot of time on our back porch and in the pool. Most afternoons you will find me sitting in the shade while my girls are in the pool. Then in the evenings, we like to grill and eat outside. And on the weekends, we love to host friends and family to join us swimming and grilling. 

Last month, I was invited to do a little shopping at Pier 1 in search of the perfect summertime accessories to liven up our little outdoor oasis. To make my porch more inviting, I was excited to add a few pops of color to our otherwise monochromatic porch. (One of these days what I really want is one of wicker sofas, but for this summer I was happy to add some color.)

After doing a little furniture rearranging to create myself a relaxing sitting area, K and I took a minute to relax before throwing our first summer party of the season to enjoy our new space. It is the perfect place for me to sit and watch the kids play in the pool, and it is also the perfect place for guests to relax during summer parties. 

Outdoor Patio
One of the things I really wanted for our outdoor space where some colorful pillows, and Pier 1 is full of beautiful outdoor pillows in bright, fun colors. I had a terrible time deciding which pillows would come home with me! Ultimately, I fell in love with these because not only are they my fave color combo — blue and green, but they are also reversible pillows. Which means two looks in one!

Outdoor Reversible Pillows Pier 1
Another thing you can’t miss are the Pier 1 lanterns — so many beautiful options! Even though I don’t have anywhere to hang a lantern like they are shown a Pier 1, they look great as the centerpiece on a table too. Hint, I like to use flameless candles so I never have to worry about fire. In fact, my cute “real” candles that I put around the table never got lit during our party because of all of the babies. But we were able to enjoy the soft glow of candle light with the faux candle in the lantern. 

Pier 1 Lantern
When entertaining kids at a pool party, trips to the bathroom are inevitable. So when I saw this floral outdoor rug that totally goes with my pillows, I had to have it! Not only does it look pretty and dress up the doorway, but it helps all of those wet feet dry off! 

And really, it is so pretty!

Pier 1 Outdoor Floral Rug
But my favorite purchase for my outdoor oasis is my new Mason Jar Drink Dispenser. I have always just borrowed my mom’s drink dispenser for parties, now I have my own — that looks like a giant mason jar no less. 

Oh the drink possibilities! 

Mason Jar Drink Dispenser Pier 1
For our summer kick off party, I made strawberry-infused water. It is refreshing with just a hint of sweet – perfect for parties because everyone can enjoy it.  (Notice that I had outdoor glassware for adults and plastic cups with lids for kids!) 

Mason Jar Paper Straws
I love how a splash of color can quickly and easily liven up a space. This little outdoor makeover came together in an afternoon and will make me smile all summer long. 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Pier 1 Imports. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and to thank me for participating.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy Orvin says

    Two must have items for me would be the Medium Jeweled Lantern – Black and the Barbecue Spreader Set

    Reply

  6. Christina Foley says

    We just had our patio rebuilt and are in the process of making it a space to hang out… I love the Orange Crackle Lanterns and the Sunny Floral Melamine Dinnerware

    Reply

  8. Cassandra Eastman says

    I’d love the Cabana Geometric Rugs – Turquoise, and Santa Barbara Dining Chair – White!

    Reply

  9. Margie says

    I like the terracotta turtle with baby and the Arabella Garden stool.
    Thanks for the giveaway.Margie

    Reply

  12. Tracy Robertson says

    I have a small patio, but I think it’s just big enough for the Caliente Stripe Rug – 5×8 , which is gorgeous!

    Reply

  13. Seyma Shabbir says

    I love the sectional outside chairs. Then I can put together the seating and change the arrangement according to our guests.

    Reply

  15. Barbara Montag says

    Two must have items – Aluminum Tilting Umbrella – Citron & the Montclair Ottoman.
    thank you

    Reply

  18. Pam Gurganus says

    Two of my must-have items from the outdoor collection are the citronella sizzlewick candles and the mellow out bean bag lounger in citrus daisy.

    Reply

  22. Amanda says

    We just bought a play house for my daughter on craigslist. She would love the ceramic cat planter on her porch. And the Light My Lantern LED Light Kit with remote is perfect for her paper lanterns inside! Not to mention there’s a timer feature on them so even if she doesn’t turn them off when she’s done playing, they will eventually go off!! Love it!

    Reply

  30. Natalie Brown says

    Hello! You and your daughter look adorable! Two must have items from the Pier 1 Outdoor Collection are the Cabana Fiesta Stripe Rug and the Lava Stone Standing Buddha. Nice! Thank-you!!

    Reply

  33. Jennifer Reed says

    I visited Pier 1 and two must-have items from the outdoor collection for me is the Cassius Deluxe Settee Cushion for my swing and some fun outdoor games for my family like the Ring Toss Game.

    Reply

  36. Samantha C. says

    I’m loving the Citronella Sizzlewick™ Candle – Yellow and the Lotus Floating LED Candles.S

    Reply

  38. Heather Hayes Panjon says

    My Two Must Have Items Are The Citronella Sizzlewick Candle – Turquoise And The Beverage Tub – Mocha

    Reply

  42. Tammy S says

    I would love the Echo Beach Chaise – Left Arm Facing and the Trellis Melamine Dinnerware in Blue.

    Reply

  45. Vennie M. says

    A must have for me would be several assorted lanterns (to hang at different levels) and a beautiful set of melodic chimes…like the Corinthian wind chimes.

    Reply

  58. Valarie Davenport says

    I love the outdoor sectional furniture…it looks so comfy and I love the beverage tub too which is a must have for outdoor entertaining.

    Reply

  64. Sarah L says

    I like the Caravan Gem Hanging Floor Lantern and the Ciudad Chaise – Gray.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply

  68. Cynthia R says

    I would love to get some new outdoor seat cushions such as Loftonaire Cushion, Loftonaire Settee Cushion, and Loftonaire Pillow – Stripe

    Reply

  72. Laura says

    Definitely the cabana geometric rugs and the mini jeweled lantern. Such festive colors, all perfect for summer!

    Reply

  78. Nicole-Lynn says

    The denim tea towel and chambray apron are so cute! If I won, I’d like some patriotic plates and napkins, so I could host a 4th of July brunch at our place.

    Btw saw you lived in Orlando, I do, too! 🙂

    Reply

  83. Linda Szymoniak says

    I would really love the Oceans Paper Lantern Set to hang in my gazebo and the Buddha Sitting Stone for my garden.

    Reply

  87. Karen Cupstid says

    Love the mini-jeweled lanterns and also would love to get outdoor curtains for privacy from the neighbors (back of pool screened cage).

    Reply

  90. Jackie says

    I really like the Sun & Bells wind chime and the Clarity Acrylic Drinkware for when guests are over & outside – no broken glass sounds good to me.

    Reply

  94. Ann Fantom says

    I like the Starburst Mosaic Hanging Lantern and the Ceramic Sculpture Fountain from Pier 1’s Outdoor Collection

    Reply

  98. Amy Pratt says

    OMG! I have to have the Golden Monk on Elephant! Along with the green mesh food cover, and my party is on.

    Reply

  99. Dawn Keenan says

    I love the Rania Table – Blue and the Carmelo Melamine Dinnerware – Indigo. I am obsessed with blues this summer!

    Reply

  101. Gina M says

    I would love to get a Swingasan and the Hammered Beverage Tub.

    Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  103. Kelly says

    The Iron Frog Birdfeeder is awesome. My dad collects frog and this would be a great Father’s Day present. I would also love the Angelique Modular Cushion. I have a bench on my patio that would be great to have cushions on.

    Reply

  105. Geoff K says

    I love the Blue Reactive Ceramic Planter and Mila Medallion Rugs from Pier One’s Outdoor Collection!

    Reply

  117. Marissa Lynette (@imahappymess) says

    Carmelo Melamine Dinnerware in Turquoise and this Mosaic Bottle Lantern! Beautiful.

    Reply

  118. Lisa Weidknecht says

    I need the Echo Beach Chaise – Left Arm Facing and the Echo Beach Chaise – Right Arm Facing

    Reply

  121. Jill Myrick says

    I would love to have the Beverage Tub in Red and the Caravan Mosaic Lantern for my patio.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply

  137. Angie says

    I browsed the lanterns and I loved the Newport Lanterns and the around Wooden Lantern for my nautical sunroom!

    Reply

  139. Chelsea B. says

    I love the Pier 1 swinging outdoor chairs that hang. Of course if you give a girl a chair like that she is going to need some cozy cushions. Pier 1 has the most eye catching semi boho patterns for their fabric. I love it.

    Reply

  144. Kristina Faricelli says

    1. Carmelo Melamine Dinnerware – It’s so gorgeous, hard to believe it’s Melamine!
    2. Turquoise & Amalie Folding Bench – Vintage looking and added bonus is it folds up for storage!

    Reply

  147. Linda Poplees says

    I love the rania serving cart and the mini jeweled lanterns. Actually I love everything at Pier 1!

    Reply

  155. Eugenia Hall says

    I love the Beehive Drink Dispenser, the Summer Quench Acrylic Pitcher and the matching goblets.

    Reply

  160. Janice Crespo says

    I love their Mini Jeweled Lantern in Blue and their Whimsical Garden Hammock – they would be great to have!

    Reply

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