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7.02.2012

Flirty Thirty: In Home Entertaining/Dates

Happy Monday, friends!
I bet you didn't expect to see another Flirty Thirty post so soon!
With the Holiday on Wednesday, I knew I had to get this post up SOONER rather than later. If you are a new reader please check out the first couple posts in this series HERE. Since last week's post was a little on the heavier side I wanted to make sure that this post was a little more fun. :)

The BEST thing about being 30 is that I have a space that I can call my own. I have a townhouse that my parents and I just remodeled gutted. I spent so much time picking out paint, carpet, blinds, tile etc. I am still working on the decorating but I have a space that feels like me. One thing that was SUPER important to me was to have a nice patio for entertaining. As of last Sunday there was NOTHING in my backyard. My mom and I went to pick out furniture and brick. My dad got to work on filling in the dirt holes. I ordered a fire pit and headed to Cost Plus World Market to check out their decor.  I actually looked at Lowes, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and numerous places on line as well, BUT Cost Plus World Market had the best selection AND prices of them all. Crazy as it may sound...I had NEVER shopped there before. 

 Mixing and Matching to make the perfect combo for my style
 Headed back this week to pick up this cool lantern holder and colored lantern


I wanted to create a fun and colorful space because the inside of my house is very neutral. I felt like I needed the backyard to feel more like a vacation spot. I knew that I wanted to incorporate some kind of ikat print as well. I originally fell in love with a blue and white ikat collection but it didn't feel right for the whole theme. Then I found the yellow and white ikat print seat cushions. They were perfect for my chairs but they didn't have matching bench seat cushions. After pairing up different color combos we decided to mix prints. I found striped cushions that had yellow and white in them and knew I had the ultimate combo. After walking through the store a couple of times trying to NOT go crazy buying things I found a really cool tray that matched the ikat cushions. It is perfect for setting up drinks and glasses or a S'Mores station. I also found a killer deal on a little side table that matches my furniture. It was 20 bucks on sale and I had an additional 10% off. SCORE! I was surprised at the deals and sales that they had. In addition to great prices they are also giving a coupon away for 15% off of a Southwest flight when you spend 20 dollars or more. Buy and Fly? I could get bought onto that. They also have a really fun Summer Getaway Sweepstakes in which Cost Plus World Market is giving away a trip a week for four weeks to anywhere Southwest flies including hotel accommodations AND a $500 gift card to Cost Plus World Market. Moral of the story is that you must check out the store and get rewarded for doing it!


 Make sure to Check out Cost Plus World Market on Facebook and Twitter
All of my goodies...TWO baskets full!!

 The furniture set, new cushions, fire pit, table and serving tray
 Adult beverage offering with my matching tumblers and stemless wine glasses. Don't forget the wine opener ;)
 All of the brick work was done by my Dad. He worked so hard! THANK YOU DAD! You have blessed me so much!!
 
Living in So Cal my favorite thing to do is to sit outside, by a fire pit and have some cocktails. It is something that can pretty much happen year round. I wanted to make sure that I could have a place to have my girl friends over or even a date! I think that having a designated space in your home that is intimate without being 'dangerous' for dating is key. Through the years I have found that some of my best dates have been in a more "homey" environment. I am such a social person. Being able to just sit, relax and chat with someone is very stimulating to me. Plus creating an environment that is welcoming really helps people to open up and be themselves. It really takes the pressure of impressing someone off.


These are my "RULES" for having Dates at home:

1. Stay in the safe zone, meaning avoid bedrooms! You want your date to feel comfortable and you need to keep the focus on getting to know one another and NOT on sex.


2. Create the mood and set the ambiance. Lighting, music, food, drinks and possibly a blanket if the night gets chilly.


3. Have a set of serving ware that matches. Matching plates, bowls, cups etc. shows that you take pride in presentation.

4. Create a playlist that will set the mood or has artists that mean something to the both of you.

5. Have something fun prepared. You can roast marshmallows, have a game set up or BBQ together. The best dates are when you do something together that allows your personality and traits to shine.


My hope is that whether you are married, dating or single that these tips will help you with entertaining in your home. If you are inspired to try something new or plan a fun date for yourself then I have done my job. I plan to entertain ASAP! My backyard looks too pretty to wait!




***This shop has been compensated by Cost Plus World Market but all opinions about the store and products are my own***

19 comments:

  1. I love this!!!!! Your backyard space looks great and is perfect for entertaining. So when are you inviting me over? hehe

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    1. Thanks friend...I am planning a girls night in the next two weeks. Make sure you clear that busy, busy calendar of yours :)

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  2. Your back yard looks fabulous! Love the set you picked up! And your tips are perfect! I say definitely avoid the bedroom :)

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    1. Thank you...I only showed one corner as we are finishing up the rest. And yes...bedrooms are bad news when you are beginning to date someone. ;) I might hvae stated the obvious. Haha

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  3. Your space looks fabulous!! That makes me want to run out to Cost Plus ASAP to spruce up our outdoor space! This gives me so much inspiration for a date night in!!

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    1. YAY!!! I am so excited that I am inspiring the married folks ;) You need to head to Cost Plus...so much on SALE!!

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  4. That store looks so great! I just checked and there isn't one in my area :( Love what you picked out!!

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    1. BOOOOOO!!! You can always shop online (I am aware that I am enabler). I am glad you liked it. Now if you only didn't live on the other side of the country :(

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  5. realllly cute! i adore cost plus SO much. I love that you guys gutted and did the townhome together! what a fun experience to share. And got to love a Dad who will tile brick for you, awww.

    love your new space- i'd definitely chill there on a date or with friends.

    nice rules, it's so easy to "get intimate" with someone when you're at home, drinking wine, like the person and are on a 2-4th date or something. Rules are important! :)

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    1. Thank you so much. I now adore Cost plus as well. I am not super domestic so I hadn't ventured in much and now I have to stop myself.

      My dad is AMAZING... I have been so lucky that both my parents were so supportive and helpful.

      You need to come to So CAl SO you can chill ;)

      Rules are muy importante because it is too easy to rush a relationship in the wrong ways. Glad you agree!

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  6. i can't believe you've never shopped world market before! i love them!

    all the goodies are gorgeous, i love the mix and mathc, the area looks fabulous. you have the best style.

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    1. I know, right?? I cannot believe it either! I am obsessed now.

      You are too kind to me!! I love the mix and match too. Had to put a little fashion out there :)

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  7. I LOVE it all! And I am SO jealous that you can sit in your backyard and get some sun! Here in the Pac NW I think we have reached over 70 only 4 times so far this year...soak up some of that SoCal sun for me!!

    And great date rules- love this series!

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    1. Oh my friend.... I only last in the PNW for 11 months! I NEED sunshine, I learned that the hard way! I will soak it all in ;)

      I am so glad you are loving the series. Next week is a little more personal again :)

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  8. That's cool! Wish I had SPACE for a firepit outdoors!

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    1. Thanks for commenting! I am glad you like the space. The fire pit was non negotiable. Haha.

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  9. OMG. I love what you've done here! And, being newly single, I appreciate your rules!

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  10. I am so mad I missed this post - love it.

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  11. I love the cushions that you chose. Your patio looks great!

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