Guest Picks: Summer Style for Small Spaces

Rebecca of Loving. Living. Small. Shows How to Get Big Style In the Smallest of Outdoor Spaces

Hi, I'm Rebecca, the gal behind loving. living. small. {editors pick for InStyle's Best of the Web 2010} I believe that everyone should live their best selves no matter how small or big their home is. I love a good zig zag, white rooms, mirrored accents and my domino magazine collection.
Hi, I'm Rebecca, the gal behind loving. living. small. {editors pick for... More »
We are halfway through an amazing 2011 and that means it's time for summer! With long summer days, gorgeous weather and relaxed care, creating a summer space to enjoy is what it's about. From entertaining with friends and family to enjoying a lazy afternoon on your own at home, making your space feel good and summer ready is key. Here are some small space ideas for your summer entertaining list. Not only are these interesting and affordable products, but items that can be re-used inside your home year-round. — Rebecca from loving. living. small.
I love a good zig zag and it's fun to introduce this pattern at a summer party. Take what is traditionally used for something else and flip it. While I love this as a basket for bathroom items, consider using it for your party. Throw in a ton of bread baguettes and serve some salted butter during your cocktail part of dinner.
Add tons of energy and interactive fun to your summer party with this sweet wallpaper from Graham & Brown. Place a section on a poster and leave a few polaroids for your guests to snap the night away. When the night is through, you'll have a fun keepsake for your walls.
These white sandstone hurricanes are completely elegant in an understated and accessible way. Place a few of these on your table on top of a mirror and let the pretty reflection and style shine during your summer party.
Instead of making dessert for your guests, make them work! This s'mores set is one of the best dessert ideas — complete with tiny flame to burn those marshmallows. Yum!
Forget super fancy glasses for summer parties and consider using solid mason jars to liven up your event. I love this table scape that shows a few used for mason jars - as drinking glasses or as a vase. With a little money and a lot of creativity, you can create a rich and successful style in your (small) space.
As a host, you often end up working more then sharing a party with your friends. Forget serving and go family style - including your drinks. I absolutely love these glass drink dispensers. Create flavored water or a chic cocktail. And when you are not using them to entertain, turn your dispenser into a bowl or vase.
Color, pattern, texture - yes! These very cool and affordable lanterns offer all three design vibes and will add tons of style to your summer parties. Hang them from a tree or wire or place a few together right on your table to add a very cool and stylized design to your soiree.
Turn your small space into a design-happy destination by using bright colors. This pretty and poppy table runner from AphroChic is not only easy on the eyes but it will add a great base to your table scape. And when it's not in use for a summer party, consider hanging it up as art work - why not?
Many summer parties are outside in the back yard with friends lounging grass-side in the lawn. Throw down a bunch of comfy blankets and some poufs for comfort. These Moroccan-inspired poufs with color and embroidery will definitely add some life to any party.
How cool are these ice cube trays? Aside from their amazing under $2 price tag, these little guys from Ikea can truly turn your party into an event by adding small details. I love the stick-style ice — throw in raspberries and mint to the water before freezing and then pop the ice sticks into a mojito for your guests — yum! Your guests will love the special touch and you'll love all the smiles.
Now this is called double design duty. The Hot Pot BBQ is not just a grill but a terracotta planter. First, enjoy grilling up your favorite summer time dishes for your friends. Then, create a cool design vibe on your patio or inside with a large terracotta planter to add some foliage. This is an item all space dwellers need.
Going vertical in a small space draws the eye up and adds visual depth - a great way to open up a space. These very cool vases look great and will make a sweet impact in your space.
When enjoying your small outside space with friends, don't forget to offer a little extra warmth. Have a few throws on hand to share with your guest. I love throw with color and pattern too. These are great to throw over a chair or on your bed when not in use.
How cute is this chai tea set? Entertain your own senses when making tea for your guests. Love the mix of styles and spice color as well — fun!
You may have some comfy floor cushions for you guests to lounge on but you can also add in some more seating options. Folding chairs are always an efficient small space item but they aren't always the best looking. Check out this very cool and completely small space friendly folding chair.
Keep your party in eco-friendly style by using these sustainable bamboo plates. Not only do they look great but they are great for the environment. When not in use, they can double as a tray for small details like frames or decorative accents.
Mirrors are one of my fave small space tips. They make any small space appear bigger — love this! Even small mirrored items provide big style. Serve your guests cocktails on a mirrored tray or use as a centerpiece for flowers.
Love love love these small wood planters. These are great tablescape options or gifts for your guests. Fill them with your favorite plant or succulent.
Whimsical and fun — chalkboards are a great way to share your summer party menu or list of activities with your party guests. Forget the boring wood and paint it a bright color or shiny metallic.
Cheese and crackers — yum! Serve your guests delicious apps on this very cute and small space–friendly cheese board. When you are done for the night, the knives store right inside. Perfect!

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