Backyard Cookout, Part 2

I dug out a few past issues of Southern Living magazine from my closet last night to try to find the article on Nectar and Company that I read a few months ago. If you have not heard about Nectar and Company, I'm so excited to introduce them to you today. This company is a great source for floral design, containers, and garden elements... so if you need to spruce up your home/yard for a party, you've got to give them a call! I love putting a face with a name, so here are the people who make Nectar and Company work...
Tommy Johnston; Carmen Johnston, owner of Nectar and Company; Jani McDaniel; Corinne Johnston; and Angelic Dawson.






Now, let's take a look at their fabulous work! This is the image I saw in the April 2009 issue of Southern Living and instantly I fell in love with this company. How cool is that table below?? I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have that set up for my next party...wouldn't you?!! (Sorry for all the "LOVEs" and exclamation points, but I just get so excited over creative ideas.)

I always enjoy a good before and after picture, so when I found this one I had to include it.

Before: Drab Backyard/Driveway

After: Chic Lounge Area for Backyard Entertaining

What is so great about this company is that if you can't afford to buy, you can rent! Nectar will deliver and stage your event with plants, flowers, furniture and accessories and pick them up when the party is through. The potted plant below is one of the many examples of items you can rent.

I couldn't resist throwing in one last picture that is a twist on the traditional window box. Simple perfection!

"I like to create spaces that are fun for people to explore. Let me plant your next party and I'll turn you into a gardener before you know what happened." - Carmen Johnston

Photos via Southern Living and Nectar and Company

Backyard Cookout, Part 1

My last post got me thinking about some "must haves" for a backyard cookout. I love the casual table setting below. Its modern and classic at the same time, and perfect for an outdoor party. I think my favorite part might just be the wooden utensils! Check out this site for more plate designs and this site for more picnic cutlery.
If you live in the South like me you can't have a party outdoors without at least "trying" to fend off the mosquitos. I'm not so sure these citronella candles actually work, so if anyone has a better suggestion, please leave me a comment!

Decorating for a backyard cookout is easy. Plant your yard/pots at the beginning of the season and you are ready for parties all summer long.

And of course, you can't forget a yard game, right?

Photos via Southern Living and Amazon