Backyard Patio Party and an Easy Summer Crowd Pleaser

Double Deck with Screened In Porch and Hedge of Limelight Hydrangeas

Some people are “cat people”, some are “dog people”, but my husband and I are 100% “porch people”. Ok, so we are total dog people too. And, we like cats… haha What I’m trying to say is that to us, a good porch is more crucial than the biggest, fanciest kitchen you have ever seen. When we were building our home, we wanted a rocking chair front porch (welcome to Georgia, y’all!), a screened porch, a covered deck, and an uncovered sun deck. So, we did a little bit of all of that. For today’s patio party though, hosted by Kathleen of Lindsay Hill Interiors, I will be sharing some details of the open, uncovered portion of our deck which extends into our backyard. If you are joining from my friend Annie’s home (Zevy Joy), welcome! I will be sending you on to the next patio on the blog hop at the end of this post; you won’t want to miss any of the eight bloggers I am joining today 😉

Backyard Patio Party - Final Graphic

Here is a peek of our double decks from the side of our home. We planted this row of limelight hydrangeas just this past fall. I am crossing my fingers that they will ultimately grow into each other to form one big hedge. The blooms have only recently started but I am thrilled with their growth thus far. I am counting on these to be a primary source of indoor flowers 😉

Double Deck with White Outdoor Curtains

If you missed it, you can catch some of the covered porch details HERE from when I decked out this little space for the Fourth of July…

Outdoor 4th of July tablescape with strawberries table ideas

Hydrangea Centerpiece on Red white and blue table

…and our front porch (HERE) got a little patriotic face lift for the holiday, too.

Ferns with American Flags

But today, I would like to welcome you to head out back to our party deck.

Endless Summer Hydrangea on Back Deck with Curtains

Endless Summer Hydrangea

We have several seating areas positioned around the deck- the table and chairs under the covered portion, a bistro table shaded under an umbrella, and then a pair of loungers at the furthest point. I’ll be honest- in the evenings, this is the perfect place to relax but on days like this, which I seriously think may deserve a new descriptive phrase as even “hotter than Hades” doesn’t seem to quite do it justice, well, my poor little plants can give you an idea of how it feels. In the above 100 degree temps, it’s a little tough but once the sun starts setting, all that coleus perks right back up.

2 Lounge Chairs on Back Deck with Lanterns

In the Georgia heat, cool refreshing snacks and hydrating beverages are a MUST. If you aren’t from the south, yes, all the rumors you hear are true – sweet tea, lemon/limeade are summertime essentials.

Clay Wine Goblets in tray on patio tour

For this “heat-stroke-esqe” weather, I whipped up my favorite summertime appetizer. Thanks to my mom, this corn dip is my go-to cook-out contribution and is a fav among several of my friends. Read on for the recipe.

Snacks and Beverages on the Summer Patio

This little corner summarizes the overall feel of our outdoor spaces- casual and relaxed with several light sources for evening ambiance. While the inside of our home is more on the neutral side, our outdoor space is filled with fun, summery color and prints.

Lantern on Deck with Coleus and Lounge Chairs

…And just to prove that my plants aren’t dead, I had to include a later in the evening shot haha. We have tried to grow several types of fruits and vegetables, but year after year, the ones that thrive are our pepper plants. Same goes for florals- I now put my efforts into coleus since they are hearty, thrive in the heat, and are pretty difficult to kill.Variety of Coleus on Deck

Coleus on Deck - Patio Hop

I considered switching these lounge chair cushions for a more subtle solid earlier in the season but am glad I held off; I love how these outdoor patterned pillows from Pottery Barn compliment the stripes.

Blue and Green Striped Lounger Cushions on Patio

The corn dip recipe isn’t the only thing I got from my mom – she had these goblets since college and I always remember her using them while I was growing up. One had an “accident” a few years ago, but she gifted me the lone goblet still in tact. A few years later, she was able to locate another on replacements.com; I can’t believe she was able to track down such a unique thing but I am thrilled to have a complete pair now.

Clay Goblets on Summer Tray with Limeade

2 World Market Wooden Lounge Chairs on Deck with Striped Cushions

Chips and Corn Dip for a summer patio party

Blue Striped Lounger with Pottery Barn Outdoor Pillow on Deck

World Market Lounge Chair with Striped Cushion and Coleus

Beverages and Snacks on Patio Pottery Barn Tray

Corn Dip Recipe with Tortilla Chips

Corn Dip Recipe 2

  • 3 cans Mexicorn- drained
  • 2 C shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small can green chiles- drained
  • 2/3 C green onion- chopped
  • 3/4 C mayonnaise
  • 1 8 oz. container sour cream
  • 1 package dry ranch dressing mix
  • Tony Cachere’s Cajun Seasoning- to taste
  1. Combine sour cream, mayo, and ranch dressing mix. Add Cajun seasoning (the more you add, the spicier the dip)
  2. Add corn, chiles, onion, and cheese to the sour cream mixture
  3. Stir to combine
  4. Cover and chill for at least two hours- overnight is preferred (the longer you chill, the better the flavor)
  5. Serve with tortilla chips

Print, pin, or write this down for your next gathering. Believe me, you will thank me!

Patio Deck Tour

Limelight Hydrangeas in front of Deck

If this was your first time visiting, thank you for stopping by and I hope to “see” you again! You can subscribe to receive my updates at the bottom of the post to have the latest delivered straight to your inbox 😉

Next, head on over to my friend Shauna’s at The House of Silver Lining to continue the Backyard Bloggers Patio Party. While you are there, you may want to go ahead and favorite her page/subscribe to her blog; I look forward to her updates each week!

GET THE LOOK

(use the left and right arrows to scroll)

OTHER SOURCES

White Outdoor Curtains | Pillows| Marble Cheese Board | Garden Stool | Striped Outdoor Blanket | Umbrella & Pole | Goblets: Vintage | Tray (similar)– Pottery Barn no longer available | Hurricane (similar)– Pottery Barn no longer available | Lounge Chairs: World Market | Lounge Chair Cushions: World Market | Side Table: World Market | Rug: Rugs USA 

Be sure to check out each of the homes on today’s Patio Party:

Lindsay Hill Interiors | Zevy Joy | Kelley Nan (you are here)The House of Silver Lining (next stop) | Citrine Living | Haneen’s Haven | Randi Garrett Design | Z Design at Home | Decor Gold Designs

*Note: contains affiliate links and sources throughout the post. Where product is no longer available, a similar substitute has been listed.

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38 Comments

  1. 7.6.16
    Tamara said:

    Simply perfect! I love this space, Kelley! Everything is beautiful – as always, perfection! And I love your lanterns! You are so lucky to have that double height porch! I’m jealous haha. Love you and love this! xo

    • 7.6.16

      Oh Tam, thank you! I LOVE your outdoor space and each little red white and blue touch is perfect! xoxo

  2. 7.6.16
    Brenda Mayes said:

    Thanks for sharing your home with us. I love these blog-parties.

    • 7.6.16

      Brenda, thank you so much for stopping by and for your feedback. That is encouraging because we love putting them together 😉

  3. 7.6.16

    Every detail is beautiful as always Kelley! I can’t wait to try that yummy dip! You have a gift my friend! xo Randi

    • 7.6.16

      Randi, thank you so so much, my incredibly supportive, talented friend. I just adore you AND that space of yours!

  4. 7.6.16

    Kelley, your outdoor living spaces are a dream! I LOVE your hydrangea hedge idea – they already look beautiful, but when they become one giant hedge they are going to be dropdead gorgeous! I love all the color and patterns on your porch too – so friendly and happy! You must love spending time out there in your little slice of heaven.

    Thanks for joining me on this little tour – you are always such a delight!

    xox

    Kathleen

    • 7.6.16

      Kathleen, thank you for being so sweet to me- I loved doing this with you! YOUR space is a slice of heaven!! xoxo

  5. 7.6.16

    What a treat to hang out out there! Beautiful outdoor space and that corn chowder looks so good!

    • 7.6.16

      Oscar, thank you so much! You must try that dip- perfect for your wine nights on the porch 😉

  6. 7.6.16
    Bree said:

    Kelley! Can I please just come over now to hang out here with you?!? Everything is perfect and that corn dip looks amazing!! I’m also super excited for you about your hydrangeas…I hope they thrive and give you loads of beautiful blooms this year. Everything is gorgeous as usual my friend!! Happy summer!

    • 7.6.16

      Bree, thank you! Funny, I was just going to ask you that! haha- I hope so too and I will continue to put my Bree tips to use 😉 xo

  7. 7.6.16
    Jenny said:

    You have such a gorgeous outdoor space! Unfortunately it is nowhere near as warm here in England! Oh how I long for the sun to come out more often!

    • 7.6.16

      Jenny, thank you so much! I would love to trade with you for a few weeks haha- I love the sunshine but it has been more hot than I ever remember it getting last year!

  8. 7.6.16
    Jennifer said:

    Hi there Kel!!! Wow! I can’t believe I’ve never seen your double decks! So inviting! I swear I think you like everything I like before I know you like it (does that even make sense??)…the decks, the hydrangeas, the goblets, and of course the corn dip! Such a great post my beautiful friend. You never cease to amaze me. xoxo

    • 7.6.16

      Jen! They still need a lot of work- the upper just off our bedroom is virtually untouched. I wish you were here and we would have some corn dip along with those special cocktails you told me about 😉 LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!! xoxo

  9. 7.6.16
    Shauna said:

    Can I just come over and patio/porch hop? So many beautiful outdoor spaces around your home I can’t just settle on one! Those loungers are calling my name to come on over and bask in the HOT sun, eating all of your yummy dip and finishing off those beverages. All with a big blonde afro because, you know, humidity. haha! Can’t wait to hug you girl next month!
    xoxo

    • 7.6.16

      Shauna, stay just a little longer and we can spend time having cocktails in each 😉 Afros, lip beads, and all. I CAN’T WAIT!! xoxo

  10. 7.6.16
    Annie said:

    Kelley I just love your style and the pretty colors you used! Gorgeous as always, I also want to eat everything you have set out… looks amazing!

    • 7.6.16

      Annie, thank you so much! I absolutely LOVE your peaceful patio! All the heart eyes!

  11. 7.6.16
    DeeDee said:

    Such a beautiful home & tasteful decor! Where can I find Mexicorn & what size cans do I buy? I’m so looking forward to making this for our next “porch party”!???

    • 7.6.16

      It is by Green Giant and you should be able to find it at your local grocery store with the corn. I believe it only comes in one standard size. You will LOVE IT!! Please let me know what you think!

  12. 7.6.16
    Gretchen Thomas said:

    Every bit is so lovely, even in that hot Georgia heat! You know how much I love that space. It’s one of my favorite places to be! A tip from me is to add 1/2 to 1 whole VERY finely chopped jalapeño to the dip. It adds just the right amount of kick.

    • 7.6.16

      My favorite is when you are here to enjoy it with me 😉 And yes, awesome tip!!

  13. 7.6.16

    Kelley I love seeing this new-to-me spot and would totally be hanging there ALL THE TIME (well when the sun isn’t blazing hot at least 🙂 – it’s beautiful! And I’m loving that your hydrangeas look like they’re growing so well – super impressive for new bushes!

    • 7.7.16

      Kris, please come over! haha- Better yet, come down early from NC for Haven and stay with me the night before 😉 I am so pleased with the progress of my less-than-year old hydrangeas, but they don’t compare to yours yet. I showed yours to my husband and now he has #goals haha!

  14. 7.6.16
    Haneen said:

    Gorgeous, as always!! Are you serious with that double deck of yours? So good!! Wish we were neighbors!! See you soon, friend!!

    • 7.7.16

      Haneen, thank you and oh my goodness, I absolutely cannot wait!!!! xoxo

  15. 7.7.16

    It’s so beautiful and inviting, and that corn dip looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!!

    • 7.7.16

      Iris, thank you so much! It would have looked even better if you had been taking the photos haha 😉