Transforming My Backyard for Summer Parties with @Sears #SearsOutdoorLiving #Ad

Glamazons,

You can absolutely tell I’m a summer baby. I hibernate every winter and then, as soon as it gets warm, I want to eat outdoors, lounge on the beach and spend as much time as possible in my backyard! But as much as I love enjoying the beautiful weather, I’m not as savvy when it comes to sprucing up my outdoor space. OK that’s an understatement. In the four years I’ve lived in Harlem, I haven’t even had an official outdoor party in my backyard (and yes, I’m fortunate enough to have a backyard in New York City…unheard of). Check out a pic of my gorgeous outdoor space I haven’t been using (for shame!):

All that changes this year. I plan to take full advantage of my backyard by firing up the grill, pouring a few cocktails and exchanging laughs and good conversation with my best girlfriends.

My first step in the right direction? Ty Pennington’s tips for creating a glamorous outdoor oasis. Sounds fancy, right? The best part is that you don’t have to be a home decor expert to heed these tips. Check them out below:

1. Build your base, add over time

After envisioning your dream outdoor space, you can purchase an entire patio collection at once or build it over time, depending on your entertaining needs. Fortunately, the Ty Pennington Style Parkside Collection encompasses 20 matching outdoor necessities – from a loveseat and ottoman to a dining table, umbrella and even a resin wicker swing. It allows you to make additions to your set on your own time. The collection is now available in three colors for custom personalization.

2. Get to grilling

Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned outdoor pro, Sears has the grills to match your space and skillset. With 40,000 BTUs of power, a side burner and two large wheels for easy maneuvering, the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill with stainless steel lid is ideal of the beginning griller. If cooking for a crowd is more your style, consider the Kenmore Elite® 600 Series 4 Burner Gas Grill. With 694 square inches of total cooking area, 64,000 BTUs of power, and a cast iron side burner to cook side dishes and sauces, it’s the ideal grill for the avid entertainer.

3. Welcome small spaces

Think your condo balcony or ocean-side deck is too small for outdoor entertaining? Think again. For an intimate yet eclectic look and feel, consider the extensive line of bistro and bar sets available at Sears. They are easily customizable and ideal for dining for two.

4. Go green and add some color

Nothing dresses up a patio faster than plants and flowers. Many planters at Sears coordinate with our patio collections. Refresh your patio with colorful rugs, pillows and cushions. In addition, a strategically-placed patio umbrella can do more than just block the sun – it can define your entire outdoor space. After all, summer parties should create a relaxed vibe.

5. Make your move, weigh your priorities

Summer is moving season. Whether you’re moving from the city to the suburbs or from a single-family home to a condo in the city, match your outdoor entertaining to the space you have. If moving to a market with extreme climates, invest in durable furniture that can stand up to the environment. Consider patio furniture with a rust-resistant steel frame, UV-resistant fabric and an all-weather resin weave like the La-Z-Boy Charlotte 4 pc. Seating Set available at Sears. This set will accommodate your guests comfortably while upholding inclement weather for years to come.

6. Dine with family and friends

Party hosts know the frustration of carrying food back and forth between the kitchen and the backyard. Fortunately, the Kenmore 5-Burner Island Gas Grill with Refrigerator takes elements from the kitchen to the great outdoors. With a side searing burner, a storage cabinet, two storage drawers and a built-in refrigerator, hosts can focus on the food and their guests with fewer trips to the kitchen.

7. Consider your climate

The most popular patio sets on the market are made with either aluminum or steel. Steel is heavier than aluminum but can rust over time. Aluminum is naturally rustproof and generally requires less maintenance. For added protection, make sure your patio set has a heavy duty powder-coated frame if you choose steel.

Great tips, right?! I especially love his advice on getting more plants and adding color. I swear flowers and bright hues make any outdoor space come alive! I can’t wait to bring home a colorful umbrella (and that Kenmore grill that has a fridge attached to it!) for my backyard. Get more tips for hosting outdoor parties and creating your dream outdoor oasis at Sears.com/outdoorliving. They have a ton of stylish outdoor furniture and grills from Ty Pennington Style, Kenmore, La-Z-Boy Outdoor and more.

AND you can win 1.5 million Shop Your Way points towards creating your own dream outdoor space! I could SO use those points right now. Enter by becoming a Shop Your Member for FREE and following the (simple) instructions here: ShopYourWay.com/SearsPatioSweep.

What would you do to improve your outdoor living space, Glamazons? Do you like hosting parties in your outdoor space in the summer? Tell me in the comments!

Kisses,

Glamazon Jessica

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sears. The opinions expressed herein are those of Glamazons Blog and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.