OUTDOOR DINING

Lately I have been scouring all the catalogs and websites to find the best deal on some patio furniture for Melrose's backyard project. The hubby has me on a tight budget so in order to fit everything in, I have to find a steal! I'm looking for a long table that can accomodate six guests and then some sort of "lounge seating" in front of the fire place. Of course, I gravitate more towards rustic, gray toned pieces, but I am open to anything right now! Here are some of my favorite options that I have found:

The more I re-visit this set, the more I love it. I really like the gray toned slats and overall simplicity. It reminds me of something you would see along the coast of Nantucket by a quaint cedar shake house.

ikea sundero table with 2 benches and 4 chairs: $850

And we could place a few of these around the patio and by the fireplace to "relax":

ikea sundero deck chair: $150

Another favorite option is this white washed, cottage chic set from Ballard Designs. I want to say they are having a sale right now and their outdoor furniture is discounted even further so that is nice!

ballard designs ceylon 7-piece dining set: $1,200

Another dining set in the running is this collection from World Market. They are always running a special so I do think we could get a good deal, my only question is quality. I am drawn to the simple, refined lines and gray tone - plus, it offers a variety of seating which is fun.

 world market laguna dining collection: $800


This matching deep sofa looks so cozy for in front of the fire! Stack up a few pillows and a good book -- what a perfect Sunday afternoon.

world market laguna deep bench: $250

Have you checked out the Smith and Hawken line available at Target? I did for the first time and it has some gorgeous (and expensive) items. But, this dining set actually finds itself in the somewhat affordable range! 

smith and hawken brooks island wood patio collection: $900

This set is a little too funky for me, but it does have a retro vibe that could be really fun. And you can't beat the price! This collection has a lot of chair options that you could mix and match too (two featured below).

ikea applaro table and chairs: $620

ikea applaro arm chair and side chair

These are just my personal favorites, but check out more options on my pinterest board. Do you have a favorite or another dining set you have found? 

SOCIETY SOCIAL

Remember my bar dilema here and my resolution I revealed here along with the bar art? Well, if only this line would have been out a few months ago my issue would have been solved quicker! (side note - is it okay to have two bars in your home? better yet, your own bar in your bedroom!? just trying to figure out how I can introduce another one to Melrose!)

Society Social is a new brand that designs custom bar carts, chairs, and other furniture. And, let me tell you - they are amazing and at such affordable prices! The colors, fabrics, patterns, styling, shapes are all so perfectly designed. They also have a fabulous "magalog" that covers all the details. Here is the description from their website:

At Society Social, we enthusiastically subscribe to living sparkly - as in vivacious, legendary, always ridiculous, and never for a second boring!  We believe in following your heart and chasing your dreams, after all that's why we're here.  We believe that life is a grand celebration, that means every day, and poppin' bottles is something we do with frightening regularity.  It is this contagious joie de vivre and our tremendous love for a shared celebration that inspires every piece we create.  We hope our handcrafted line from the colorful cocktail carts to our playful haute hostess attire induce frolic and merriment from our home to yours.

Now, to some of my favorite products! I am obsessed with The Draper console table. It is custom made in an array of colors from sparkly faux croc to python! Best part - it is available in gold! But, I also have a thing for the stone python.  Wouldn't Melrose love one of these?

 Check out this gold ... beautiful, shimmery croc!

I also really love The Stanton vintage inspired faux bamboo cart. And yes, it is available in gold as well. But, better than the gold - it has a removable top tray, stemware and wine bottle rack, and is mobile! Talk about perfection. While designing my bar, I really wanted a stemware and wine rack, but I couldn't seem to locate a piece with that. But, here you go! Again, very reasonable at $439, with free shipping!

Next, I have a crush on The Double rolling bar car that can double as an end table. It has all the same amenities as The Stanton but with a handle bar for truly easy access. You can't beat this striking cart for $295 with free shipping too.

Those are my favorite items, but there are more amazing products on their site for you to check out. I'll leave you with a few last items I have my eye on as well. All of these beautiful pieces make me want to entertain and serve cocktails! Now.

Lacey and Jessica - I think this piece has ya'lls names all over it!

The Piper - at $189 for a custom skirted, piped, and bright parsons chair is phenomenal! You get to pick your fabric, skirt, and leg paint!

The Cocktail - I can totally visualize this piece under a trellis with greenery growing up it (like I posted here) sipping cocktails with my girlfriends. What a perfect day!

Head on over and check out the remaining pieces. Which piece is your favorite? Please share!

BAR ART: finished

Well, I did it! The "bar" is complete. If you remember, I posted about the art arrangement here in hopes that sharing it with the blog world would encourage me to follow through. And, it did. What do you think? 

many thanks to Ann Yates for the precious cocktail glasses - definitely a focal point!

I used an antique mirrored vanity tray for displaying my decanters. It was the perfect size for the narrow counter top. I love the touch of gold it adds amongst the glass and pewter.

 

My B&A post on this room was the refinishing of the dining table and then about the DIY drop cloth curtains. Wow, has it come a long way! I would still love some large baskets or straw hats to hang above the buffet. Always on the search for something!

check out all my sources on my pinterest board

BAR ART

After my post yesterday, I got design happy and could not stop thinking about the art and sconces that I want to mount above the bar. I finally settled on this arrangement and I can't wait to get going on collecting the pieces ...

It is a collection of framed photographs, plates, and candle scones. I will share all the sources once I post actual photos (just in case anything changes in the meantime). What do you think?

CONSOLE/BAR UPDATE

Remember my post about how I was on the search for a skinny console to be placed a against a wall that leads into Melrose's kitchen? Probably not ... but you can refresh your memory here. Well, I have been starring this piece down for forever and I finally bit the bullet. Here is the new console/bar that is now in the dining room:

look at how narrow she is ... 

two lined up against this back wall

I found this piece at CB2 and it received great reviews so I went for it. I thought the industrial, welded piece would complement the rustic theme of Melrose. Here is a mock up of the wall that I have created with some options:

I am using this accent table as a bar and I have some fun accessories all ready on top and have filled the baskets below ... I just need a goal for the wall above. There aren't any electrical outlets in this area so I am thinking of mounting 2 candle sconces on either side of some art or a mirror. I laid out the options of 1 large, 2 on top of each other, or a grouping of 4 ... ???

I found these rustic, industrial sconces at Wisteria that I thought would be perfect-

then I noticed Pottery Barn carries the exact ones for cheaper -

How nice is that? Just goes to show that you should explore all options! I also love these mirrored scones I found on the West Elm site, although they do not sell them! Frustrating ... anyone know where I can find these?

And they look very similar to these found in this picture that I shared in 

my previous post -

Again, Wisteria has some that are close -

But, I do like the simplicity of these rod iron ones at Pottery Barn as well -

I just don't think they will do the job. The baskets below the table sit on the frame nicely and display my Pellegrino and Bellini mix. I believe I will fill the other with baby tonic waters like this -

via brabourne farm

I wanted something to house my wine glasses, but I just don't think I have the room. This piece would be ideal if it had a middle shelf ... so, should I attempt this innovation instead?

I have to admit, it is quit tempting. 

Everything Fabulous had a recent post on 'chic bar carts + bar basics' and here is what she listed as the necessities at a bar:

Bar Basics: A martini shaker, cocktails glasses, Champagne flutes, wine glasses and martini glasses (keep a couple in the freezer at all times). Always have a supply of cocktail napkins on hand—linen are best!

Bar Essentials: A bar should include a mixture of dark and light liquors, beer, and wine {at least one white and one red}. Plus Vodka • Gin • Light rum • Scotch • Bourbon • Canadian whiskey • Dry vermouth • Campari • Champagne • Club soda • Tonic • Coca-Cola • Sprite or ginger ale • Lemons, limes and large cocktail olives.

Once I have the candle sconces and art mounted, I will share an update and my personal bar favorites.