This outdoor living update is brought to you via a collaboration with World Market, who provided product and financial compensation. All opinions are my own.

Unless we’re closely related (and by closely related, I mean unless you’re my Mom), you’re not likely to have seen some of my earliest blog posts. I’d link you, but really, all you’d see is a few poorly photographed projects squished in between chatter about my favorite HGTV shows and personalities.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I learned World Market had teamed up with HGTV Designer Sabrina Soto to provide tips for effortless outdoor living and entertaining.

1. Make the space adapt to how it’s going to be used—and by whom! If kids are coming to your outdoor party, opt for durable essentials like melamine plates and acrylic glasses.
2. Choose outdoor lighting wisely. Layer your outdoor space with candles, bistro lights and outdoor lanterns to keep the party going when the sun sets.
3. Free up your time (and hands)! Set up a small table or cart stocked with drinks, snacks and treats so guests can serve themselves.

Outdoor Living Space Before

There’s an awkward little space off to the side of my deck in between the garage and my front door that is really underutilized, but fixed up it would actually be the perfect space to sit and visit with neighbors.

Here’s what it looked like when I started…

Yeah. It was pretty nasty.

Before hitting up World Market for outdoor entertaining and some outdoor decor pieces, I cleaned the space up, power washing the siding and decking. A huge improvement in and of itself!

World Market Outdoor Living Update

While at the store, I fell in LOVE with the Riviera Escape collection. It’s a bit of a departure for me, because living in Utah I am not normally a beachy-type. I am so happy how it turned out.

Beautiful decor pieces provide the perfect welcoming touch to this unique little space…

My boys were totally and completely in love with the glass ball floats in the store and I liked the idea of having one as a large statement piece.

I couldn’t pass up this beautiful glass bottle driftwood wind chime. It has a handmade feel that makes the space feel a little less commercial.

Despite its strange location, this area is well-lit. I decided to soften it up with a lantern + candle. It’s likely I will add some additional soft lighting as I use and get to know the space a little better.

World Market Outdoor Entertaining

This space will likely be used by both adults and kids, so I really wanted to stick with some durable pieces. I found some great acrylic glasses + a galvanized serving tray that will never go out of style!

The bonus is that these pieces can actually be stored in the table when not in use.

What better way to celebrate Riviera-style than inviting over a few friends for shrimp tacos and dip? I picked up the chips + salsa, along with a fun tropical drink right there in store. So convenient!

Our first small get together was a hit + I can’t wait to use the space more!

Love the Riviera Escape collection as much as I do? You can check out more pieces from the fantastic collection in this video:

World Market Summer Getaway

I’d love to get to the beach this summer, wouldn’t you? World Market has partnered with Delta on an awesome Summer Getaway Sweepstakes that could put one of you in Hawaii (or another equally awesome location)!

Enter to win one of the following grand prize packages:

• Trip for 2 on Delta Vacations (winner can choose to travel to Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, New Orleans or New York)
• Hotel Accommodations
• $500 CPWM gift card

What are you waiting for? Head over + nab yourself a vaca!