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.
Thanks to Pier 1 Imports, I had the perfect reason to kick off summer with an “Outdoor Oasis” themed party. I headed to my local Pier 1 Imports in Gilroy, CA to check out their latest outdoor collection. I loved the colors of this year’s summer collections! The bright colors were exactly what I wanted to incorporate with my existing items in my backyard. 
I chose some pillows for my chairs, some new outdoor friendly plates/items for my table, and some battery operated candles and lights as the items I would be adding to my “Outdoor Oasis.” I couldn’t have everything I wanted. I would love to go back and get the Amelia Pedestal table, an Umbrella for our table, and many other items to complete our “Outdoor Oasis,” but that will come in time over the summer. The staff was very friendly and helpful while I was trying to make my final decisions.
In order to prepare for my “Outdoor Oasis” party, my husband and I cleaned up the backyard by mowing the lawn, putting away items that got left out from some projects, and sweeping/hosing off the layer of dust from the winter. It looked great! Makes you wonder why it takes a party to have your yard look that way. I think we are going to make it a priority to keep it that way. We also temporarily rearranged the yard and moved our outdoor couch, chairs, and rug under our e-z-up to make an additional seating area and allow for more tables on the patio. 
I used the battery operated votive candles in a hanging piece I already owned. I hung it from the e-z-up and I loved the quaint feel this gave, making it more of an outdoor room. The battery operated votive candles were a much safer choice than traditional votive candles since we were sitting under them. Moving the furniture worked great and I think we will continue doing this until we can re-landscape to add more concrete and make it permanent.
With the timing of my “Outdoor Oasis” party and my son’s 8th graduation, we ended up combining the two parties, which worked out great. I love being able to have people over, but we all have busy schedules and the two separate events just weren’t going to work together. 
I think my friends appreciated that too. I had one friend over who wasn’t going to make it to the actual party and set everything up for her. We enjoyed a nice evening chatting and having drinks on my patio. For the actual party, I kept food simple, and had family bring side dishes. We had plenty of food and great weather!
I used my new plates as serving dishes for cupcakes and the candles and patio lights added a great ambiance to the night. One of my favorite items is the red wood placemat I purchased at Pier 1. I added a lazy susan underneath it, and placed it in the center of my table. I can use it for so many different things and love that we can serve condiments or snacks from it on all sides of the table if needed.
I added just a few items to my backyard and they have made such a difference! I’m excited to spend time outside in my “Outdoor Oasis” and I look forward to adding a few more items from Pier 1 Imports later this summer. We will continue to use this space not only for our family but for entertaining over the summer as well.
WIN IT!
I would like to offer one of you the chance to win a $25 Pier 1 Imports gift card to start creating your own “Outdoor Oasis.” Visit the Pier 1 Imports website to check out their Outdoor Collection. Comment what you would like to add to your backyard to help make your own “Outdoor Oasis.” Who knows, it might even inspire you to host your own “Outdoor Oasis” party! {24 hour giveaway-one entry per person, contest ends 11:59pm Pacific 6/17}
Giveaway entrants are only eligible to win one gift card from this giveaway that is hosted on multiple blogs.
About Julie: I’m a 41 year old (and yes that seems old) SAHM, independent demonstrator with Uppercase Living, a self-taught artist/crafter (whichever term you want to put with what I create), and former social worker. My life revolves around myself, husband, son (12), daughter (9), and twin daughters (7). That makes 6 to keep up with! We have an active family who loves the outdoors, scouting, swimming, and volunteering. You can find me at http://juliecorrigan.
**While this was a sponsored post, and I did receive some products for this post, all opinions are my own.
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What is the first thing you think of when hear the words, “
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