“There’s something just freeing about spending time outside with those you love,” says Atlanta designer Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow. “Whether it’s a happy hour on a restaurant rooftop or dinner and drinks with friends on your back porch, it’s an immediate mood booster and fills my heart with gratitude for good weather and great people.”
Here, Guyton fills us in on her tips for designing the ultimate gathering space, her preferred summer playlist, and a single essential outdoor item.
Your quick and easy tips for outdoor entertaining and decorating?
AG: Refresh your flower beds and planters. Add new pillows with color and pattern. Create zones for conversation. Use natural repellents for bothersome insects. Share meals and bring indoor activities outside.
Go-tos for outdoor decor and wares?
AG: I’m obsessed with HomeGoods. They have a surprisingly amazing selection for outdoor furniture, rugs, glass and dinnerware, planters, lighting, and accessories. A few other affordable, go-to places include Wayfair, Overstock, At Home, Target, and Amazon Home.
3-piece resin wicker swivel chair chat set with cushions
Photo courtesy of HomeGoods
Stansel 6-piece acrylic assorted glassware set
Photo courtesy of Wayfair
Artistic Weavers Powlett vintage southwestern indoor/ outdoor area rug
Photo courtesy of Overstock
Navy 16-inch Seneca outdoor throw pillow
Photo courtesy of At Home
All-Weather rattan brown pod by Opalhouse™ designed with Jungalow™
Photos courtesy of Target
Aqua Outdoors in-pool chaise lounger
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Your summer playlist?
AG: “Summer” by Calvin Harris, “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” by Amerie, and “Frontin’” by Pharrell featuring Jay-Z. These three songs are timeless, quintessential summer jams. They immediately make me smile, see the sunshine, and inspire me to go outside and socialize.
Favorite summer drink?
AG: A margarita by the pool. Whether classic, strawberry or mango, they each taste like a vacation.
Your best-kept entertaining secret?
AG: I love intimate, spontaneous gatherings. Sometimes the best quality time is with just a handful of guests on a random weeknight. Although I love a good party, smaller gatherings with good people make me happy.
Can’t-live-without summer entertaining item?
AG: Citronella candles. The mosquitoes in the South show no mercy!
