Outdoor Living Spaces

Mother nature is a cruel, cruel lady! After teasing us with beautiful weather last week we got snow all weekend long! I’m hoping this will be the last of winter. Until then I’ll be day-dreaming of lounging in one of these Srote & Co Architects outdoor spaces!

Have a great week!

Spring Is In The Air

Mother Nature has been teasing us with a few sunny, warm days here and there! In St. Louis, the magnolias, dogwoods and other trees have already begun to blossom. It has definitely given me spring fever and the urge to bring more greenery into the home. Here are some vases and planters I am loving at the moment – perfect for displaying branch clippings or your favorite spring flowers.succulents in concrete planters

potted indoor plants

cherry blossoms in a white vaseThere are also TONS of beautiful options at some great local shops in St. Louis. Bowood Garden + Supply is always a great place to look!

Have a great week!

Outdoor Entertaining

Outdoor parties are one of the best parts of summer.  The vibe is relaxed and the focus is on enjoying the nice weather while creating fun memories with friends and family.  Read our 5 tips for getting your summer soiree just right, and let us know, what are your tricks for a successful party?

KEEP THE BUGS AT BAY

In the Midwest, outdoor entertaining can be difficult to enjoy with the amount of mosquitoes that linger outside. Adding lanterns with citronella candles add ambiance while deterring bugs.  Arm your backyard with bug deterring plants.  Planting garlic, basil and peppermint in your garden bed and strategically placing potted plants of lavender, lemon balm, and marigolds around seating areas will do double duty adding color to your patio while keeping your guests safe from bug bites!  Also having plenty of insect repellent on hand is a must! potted lavender on a brick patio

KEEP FOOD FRESH

On hot summer days it is essential to keep food fresh for your guests.  If your kitchen is close to the back door, set up a buffet inside on the island.  If not, set up the food table near the door to keep temperatures stable and remember to periodically replenish ice.  Room temperature snacks are also great to have around seating areas. indoor food buffet

AVOID OVERCROWDING

Planning separate stations for food, drinks and activities combats potential jams and helps maintain a nice flow. Also, creating various seating areas allow guests to easily move around and engage in smaller, more intimate conversations. outdoor seating area with table and floral

CREATE AMBIANCE

String cafe lights around your patio or along your fence to add instant charm to your backyard. Position a seating area around a fire pit and roast s’mores.  Don’t forget the tunes!  For those who do not have outdoor speakers, have a Bluetooth speaker ready with your perfectly curated playlist.  When decorating your outdoor space, treat it like a room.  Adding indoor elements like a rug, pillows, throws and a mirror will create a cozy and inviting place for your guests. outdoor family style dining table with string lights

PLAN FOR GAMES AND PREP THE POOL

Having activities ready creates an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether it’s a round of cards or tournament of bags or washers, games always ensure that guests are having a great time.  If you have a pool, make sure to keep extra towels, sunblock, and floats for guests.outdoor foosball table game