As much as I love our backyard and deck, we have hit that time of year when I can only stand to sit out there early in the morning and after dark. It’s just too hot otherwise!
We have an absolutely enormous deck, with two balconies on the second level, and there’s always something to see as golfers play past our house almost every day. The not-so-good ones slice their tee shots into our yard, and Harley gets to retrieve the balls for us.
Our favorite place to sit on this big old deck is the right hand side; it gets the most shade and affords the prettiest views of the yard and the golf course.
I added a few twinkling touches from Balsam Hill. Of course, green is the color of summer, so these square boxwood wreaths are just right on the French doors that lead into our bedroom.
I added green and white striped ribbon to hang them on the door.
As afternoon turns into evening, I love to sit out here with a book and a drink. When it’s this hot, I tend to go for gin and tonics, or just water with lime. Mojitos are so refreshing, too {see our amazing mojito recipe here}.
When it’s dusk, I turn all the lights on.
Just for fun and a touch of whimsy, I wove a strand of BH’s long fairy string lights through the holes of the wood serving tray I use outdoors. They look lovely draped over my ferns, too.
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Balsam Hill is giving our readers a coupon for $30 off any purchase over $299 between July 1st and August 28th, 2016.
Just use code BHSUMMER11M30
*One-time use per customer, cannot be used with another coupon*
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Sources:
Navy & White Pillow: HomeGoods
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Want to visit the rest of Balsam Hill’s Light Up the Night participants?
July 21 – Courtney of French Country Cottage
July 22 – Emily of Table & Hearth
Tara of Lehman Lane
Joan of For the Love of a House
July 23 – Emily of Our House Now a Home
July 24 – Mary Beth of Cupcakes & Crinoline
Christy of 11 Magnolia Lane (me!!)
July 29 – Jennifer of My Fabuless Life
April of House by Hoff
July 30 – Sarah of Homeology Modern Vintage
Rhoda of Southern Hospitality
July 31 –Balsam Hill Blog
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Cheers to a beautiful weekend, and thanks for stopping by–
Balsam Hill provided me with products to review as a part of this series; my opinions are always my own.
My porch overlooks a golf course, as well. I love it – and it’s one of the reasons we purchased our home. Many yards in the Santa Barbara area are fairly small. Our’s “Seems” to be huge – with the view of the fairway straight up to the mountains. I have enjoyed seeing the photos of your yard. I really like your cute napkins. Adorable!
Best & Bisous,
Michelle from Simply Santa Barbara
Michelle–that sounds just gorgeous! The views around Santa Barbara are to die for. So glad you stopped by!
Your Deck looks so pretty Christy! I love your boxwood wreaths hanging on yours doors and I like the look of the fairy lights on your tray too. very creative! You have me officially craving Mojitos (my summer fav:) now! Harley is super cute, I bet he loves chasing those golf balls :). Have a great rest of your weekend and take care, Tara
Thanks so much, Tara! I’ll admit that this week it’s been in the upper 90s, so I’ve mostly been admiring the deck from inside an air conditioned house. 🙂
XOXO from Christy and Harley
Christy, I really think this is the “perfect” house! The space, the storage and the yard and deck are just beautiful! I could sit out there and relax too, barring the heat. Mojitos are delish! I have a tray with the tiny twinkle lights inside. I really enjoy having them inside and outside. The wreaths are perfect on the doors and I love the lanterns.
Hope you have a blessed week!
xo
Pat
It really is the perfect house, Pat, and I’m so thankful that we get to stay here for another year to enjoy it and this sweet little town. I feel ya on the heat–it’s been ridiculous this summer. Thank God for air conditioning!
Do you have other sources for boxwood wreaths that would be of quality but at a low price.
Boxwood wreaths are EXPENSIVE and these are actually very reasonably priced for ones that are for outdoor use and lighted. You wouldn’t be able to use a preserved boxwood wreath outdoors because they wouldn’t tolerate getting wet and they’d fade in the sunlight. If you don’t want to use one outside, you might check Pinterest for instructions on dying and preserving your own boxwood that you can then make into wreaths. Good luck!
Love those Boxwood wreaths and fairy lights that look fabulous on your beautiful deck!
Thanks, Shirley! I hope it cools down soon so I can stand to go sit out there! 🙂
So lovely, love the lights. Great way too spend the evening.
All you need is a ceiling fan.
I know, right? Or an outdoor air conditioner. Do such things even exist? If so, we need one for sure!!
You’re home looks so beautiful all lit up for summer fun!
Thanks so much, Mary Beth! Now, if only the temperature would drop below 100 so we can enjoy it out there again! 🙂
Christy
It’s all so lovely! enjoying the outdoors during the dog days of summer isn’t easy, yet you’ve made the space feel so welcoming. Love all those twinkling lights!