Yesterday I shared our patio before and after and I mentioned how much we are loving the space and that we can now host outdoor gatherings with style. And host friends and family we have!

(photo above by the lovely Lucy of Craftberry Bush)

A couple of weeks ago I invited about six girlfriends to come over for an evening of treats, drinks and gabbing on the patio. So fun!

The weather was beautiful – if a bit chilly as the sun went down. But it didn’t matter because we just brought out a few throw blankets and snuggled up. Nothing like making the outdoor space work like the indoors with layers of cushions, pillows and throws!

I also extended the indoors by bringing out candles, flowers and our thrifted bar cart that went perfectly with our new Pier 1 Drink Dispenser.

Isn’t it adorable?!

A fire in the fire pit and some simple yummy snacks also contributed to the outdoor oasis feeling.

Most of the snacks were store-bought: lemon loaf, coconut macaroons and ju-jubes (because one of my girlfriends adores ju-jubes!) as well as little appetizers of cheddar cheese cubes, smoked ham or turkey with olives plus chips and homemade guacamole in my fun new outdoor bowl.

I made a delish Sangria and put out water bottles. Although mostly everyone just drank the Sangria! 

A little getaway in our own back yard!

(two photos above by the lovely Lucy of Craftberry Bush)

Do you love Pier 1? Well now’s your chance to win a $25 gift card to pick out something for your own backyard hangout! Check out the Pier 1 Imports Outdoor Collection for inspiration and come back and tell me what you’d pick! Enter to win in the widget below.

Opens at 11 am June 11th, 2014 closes 11 pm June 13, 2014. One winner per participating blog. Please note: giveaway entrants are only eligible to win one gift card from this giveaway that is hosted on multiple blogs. Home Made Lovely is not responsible for giveaway. Gift Card will be sent to winners from Pier 1.