I had a wild idea that I wanted to create a larger than life front door entry for spring. Winter isn’t my favorite, even though it’s Arizona. I love flowers, I have a deep love for all things green and wanted to tie it all together now that my front yard is the landscape of my dreams!

It started with a quick trip to Hobby Lobby. I saw the giant happy flowers and I had to get them. You can grab them HERE.

Attaching it to the house was the first question. I decided to go with a PVC coated mesh chicken wire. I attached it to the house by using a staple gun. I am not worried about a few little holes. Remember, they can be filled and painted over! Have fun and decorate your home because YOU love it. I ordered the chicken wire HERE.

I headed to Amazon to get the greenery because I was going to need a lot of it. A LOT. I held a fun guessing game on my Instagram stories where people could guess how many stems it took. It ended up being 120 of them. I found them HERE

Then it was a matter of filling it in with a few sprigs of rose stems that I love and have used in several projects. I got them at Walmart and they are only $6 a stem and absolutely stunning. Grab them HERE.

The front porch is such a statement piece and ready for all the spring fun. The best part about this is all of the supplies can be used for hosting parties and backdrops for photos. The possibilities are endless.

Quick answers to most commonly asked questions:

Front door color: Black Evergreen by Behr

Tree: Column Ficus

Planter linked HERE

LINK TO MY INSTAGRAM REEL THAT PUTS IT ALL TOGETHER

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Arizona is such a dry climate so we knew we wanted the pavers and stone to be just right since it would be the majority of our yard. Belgard had the best selection. Their showroom was amazing. Different options were put together until we found the perfect combination. The people there were so kind and so helpful. They took all the time needed to make sure we were taken care of and everything was just right.

Here is where we started:

Curb appeal can say so much about your home and we knew that even though this was fine, it didn’t represent us and what we wanted home to feel like. Our first move was to paint the house white and clean up the landscaping a bit. It wasn’t our final stop but it did start the ball rolling and made us happy for years before we were ready to begin a full renovation.

There were irrigation issues and design issues that we wanted to address when we started planning. I wanted nothing more than to have a front porch and wanted that put into the design. We started considering all the issues and ideas and if you are looking into renovating your yard, here are some things we took into consideration.

1. Assess the Current Landscape

• Take inventory: Start by evaluating your current yard. What are the existing plants, trees, and structures? Identify what’s working and what isn’t.
• Consider the climate: Your choice of plants and materials should reflect your region’s climate and weather patterns (e.g., drought-tolerant plants for dry areas, tropical plants for humid regions).
• Consider your needs: What do you want from your front yard? Are you looking for a space to entertain? A place for kids or pets to play? Or do you want a low-maintenance, minimalist design?

2. Define Your Style

• Traditional: Symmetrical layouts, formal plantings, and classic materials like brick or stone.
• Modern: Clean lines, minimalist designs, and contemporary materials like concrete, gravel, or metal.
• Cottage/English Garden: More informal and lush, with a mix of plants, flowers, and a natural flow.
• Tropical: Palm trees, bold colors, and lush foliage for a resort-like feel.
• Rustic/Farmhouse: Use natural stone, wood, and native plants to create a cozy, country-inspired atmosphere.

3. Plan Your Layout

• Zoning: Divide your front yard into functional zones such as walkways, garden beds, sitting areas, and a lawn.
• Paths and Walkways: Design a welcoming path from the street or driveway to your front door. You can use pavers, gravel, concrete, or stepping stones.
• Focal Point: Consider adding a central feature such as a tree, sculpture, or water element that draws attention.
• Lawn Alternatives: If you don’t want a traditional lawn, you can use ground cover plants, artificial turf, or gravel areas to reduce maintenance.

4. Choose Materials

• Hardscaping: Think about paths, retaining walls, fencing, and seating areas. Stone, brick, wood, concrete, and gravel are popular choices.
• Mulch vs. Rock: Mulch is great for garden beds as it retains moisture and adds a polished look. Rock or gravel is more low-maintenance.
• Outdoor Lighting: Add path lights, uplights, and spotlights to highlight key features or plants at night.

5. Select Plants

• Low Maintenance: Choose plants that suit your region and require minimal care. Native plants are often the best option.
• Color and Texture: Vary plant heights, textures, and colors. Combine tall shrubs, perennials, and annuals for seasonal interest.
• Layering: Plant a mix of tall trees or shrubs, mid-height bushes, and ground covers. Layering helps create depth and visual interest.
• Trees: Consider planting a small ornamental tree or a larger shade tree depending on the size of your front yard.

Budgeting Tips:

• DIY vs. Professional Help: Depending on the complexity of your project, you might want to hire a landscape architect or contractor. If you’re on a budget, consider doing some of the work yourself (like planting or mulching) while hiring professionals for harder tasks (like installing a patio or retaining wall).
• Phased Approach: If your budget is limited, break the project into phases. Start with essential features like the walkway and foundational plants, then add decorative elements or advanced landscaping over time.

So with all that information we got to work. We couldn’t believe that our vision was finally going to come to life. Since the hardscaping was going to be the star of the show, here are the details we ended up going with:

I have all of the demolition and construction steps saved on my Instagram page so you can see the progress if you missed it. It was months of work but it was absolutely all worth it. Now we have this view we are lucky and privileged to come home to every single day.

Now that we have finished and have learned so much, I thought it would be fun to run through what we figured out along the way!

1. Q: How did the collaboration with Belgard come about, and what attracted you to their hardscape products for your front yard project? A: I had the opportunity to go see the HGTV Dream Home in Florida in 2023 and was absolutely floored by the entire project but the landscaping stood out to me. As the daughter of a landscaper, I have a deep love for the beauty that can come from outdoor design and Belgard had made an incredible space. We talked about my home and I knew that I wanted to use their product to complete our renovation. It was love at first sight, literally!
2. Q: What was your initial vision for the front yard makeover, and how did the collaboration with Belgard help you achieve those goals? A: I wanted a front porch and I wanted the criss cross paver and turf walkway for sure. We have a huge tree that we have kept since we moved in and wanted it to stay. Belgard had a gorgeous wall system and I knew that with that, we would be able to build around the tree as well as provide gorgeous spots for planters.
3. Q: Tell us about the design process and how you selected different products and colors. A: We were able to go to a local showroom to actually get eyes on each of the different designs. Their team knows design as well and it was so fun to try different things together until we came up with what we knew we wanted.
4. Q: You have shared a lot about how your husband and father were able to be a large part of the project, can you tell us a little about the installation process and how modularity played a role? A: I really lucked out in this aspect. I was in the best hands with them both managing this installation. Kyle had more fun than anyone really should pulling everything out of the space and getting it leveled. We were able to run drip lines and put down leveling layers before the hardscaping began. Once pavers were going in, that is when it got exciting because the dream was literally becoming reality.
5. Q: What feedback have you received from your followers or other homeowners who have seen the finished project? A: Seeing the before, the middle and the end together really is a sight. Where our front yard was just before, there were followers that wondered why we would even want to do this considering the yard was “fine”. I totally get it, from pictures and quick videos, it would look like everything was fine. Irrigation and the side yard were two of our biggest issues and if we were doing those, everything would need to be worked on anyway so meeting with Belgard was actually perfect timing. Isn’t that funny how life works out sometimes? We couldn’t be more grateful.
6. Q: What was the most rewarding part of this collaboration, and what did you learn from working with hardscape products like these? A: Seeing the pavers and wall system delivered and then watching it all get put into place was the best part for me. I remember standing outside on the curb watching it all come into view and having a pinch myself moment. It was absolutely beautiful and I could not believe it was my front yard. Having the pavers laid and the turf installed in between and then when it was finished and seeing it lit up at night, it was breathtaking.

If you are looking to work on a project at your home, I would absolutely recommend Belgard. They were with us every step of the way. We were so taken care of. The quality of their product is impeccable and will last for decades to come.

For the complete list of all the products we used, check out Belgards page HERE

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OUTFIT #1

I have been loving the selection at Walmart for several years now and this Spring line up is no different. I was wanting to get a few key pieces that I could use for several different kinds of events. I think what I found was perfect! I shopped both the mens and women’s sections for items. This striped shirt was one of the items from the mens side! Can you believe it? I just stuck with my true size and it was still the perfect oversized fit.

The skirt is so good. The quality of the fabric is impressive. It is not too thin like some satin fabrics are which I love because absolutely no one wants their skirt clinging to them for dear life. It moves and sways just a bit as you walk. It is versatile enough to be dressed down for daily wear and is perfect for dressing up. So many outfits can be made by simply changing a few things out. I will also confess, I did buy the skirt in yellow and pink too because I loved it so much.

Also, don’t sleep on the jewelry selection. I grabbed a gold knotted necklace and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. I do not shower in it and take it off for tennis but when I get ready for the day, I put it on. You cannot beat the price!

OUTFIT #2

Cargo pants…in lavender? Yes please! They also come in cream and black too and for under $15 they are a steal of a deal! You can find them in the juniors section. For me, I always size up one size when shopping that section. Adding a brown belt to pull the look together just makes it look put together. Just like with the other outfit, I headed to the men’s section for the white button down top. Having more structure in the collar is all it takes to look a little more put together in an outfit. The shoes are so cute and will go with so many things this summer. I stuck with my true size for them.

OUTFIT #3

So to show how easy it is to switch it up, I took the skirt from my first outfit, paired it with the button down top from my second outfit and then grabbed a cute animal print belt just to add a little texture to the outfit. The necklace was so good, I used it for all 3 outfits.

Don’t forget to check Walmarts website and app because things sell out quickly. The styles they have selected for the spring are so cute and work for so many different occasions. The prices make it so you can get more for your money and who doesn’t want that?!

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Creating stunning floral arrangements doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions. With Afloral’s Everyday Greenery and a vase featuring a hairpin floral frog, you can effortlessly bring a touch of nature into your daily life. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a beautiful and long-lasting floral display. Use Code: SAVANNAH20 for $20 of a $100 Order Active until January 31, 2024

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Afloral Everyday Greenery I am using the Fake Leaves Italian Ruscus Branch – 49″
• Vase
• Hairpin floral frog
• Shears if needed

Step 2: Prepare Your Vase

This is a hairpin floral frog and in the vase it will serve as a support system for your greenery, and will help keep them in place and allowing for easy arrangement. All you have to do is set the hairpin floral frog in the bottom of the vase.

Step 3: Trim and Arrange the Greenery

Start by trimming or bending the Afloral Everyday Greenery to your desired length. Because this vase a pretty tall I did not have to trim the greenery at all I just bent the end back a bit. Place the greenery stems into the hairpin floral frog. I am keeping this arrangement pretty simple but just doing greenery. What I love about Afloral Greenery is that all the stems look very real. Every. Single. Person that saw the greenery in real life though they were real. Not only do they look real they also feel real.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps

To achieve a fuller appearance, add more Afloral Everyday Greenery as needed to fill any gaps in your arrangement. This step enhances the overall balance and coherence of the display.

Step 5: Adjust and Fine-Tune

Stand back and assess your arrangement. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced and visually appealing. Then enjoy your work.

This top picture is before using the Afloral Hairpin Floral Frog and the bottom picture is after using one. It makes a HUGE difference in the way the greenery looks

Conclusion:

With Afloral’s Everyday Greenery and a vase featuring a hairpin floral frog, you can effortlessly elevate your space with beautiful floral arrangements. Follow these easy steps to bring the beauty and a feeling of life into your space. I highly recommend Afloral for all your floral and greenery needs. I just recently bought some gorgeous lilac stems from them and I can’t wait to create another beautiful arrangement with them.

I absolutely love how this arrangement turned out and I love the Everyday Greenery from Afloral I decided to also add it to my hanging vintage branch light and it just really elevates the whole space. Make sure you use Code SAVANNAH20 for a discount until January 31, 2024

The post Elevate Your Floral Arrangements: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Afloral Everyday Greenery and Vase with a Hairpin Floral Frog appeared first on .

Also check out these other “how to” posts for other tips and tricks:

• How to Build a Farmhouse Dining Table
• How to Make Faux Floral Arrangements
• Dinner Party – How to Host
• How to Paint a Room
• How to Table Decorations for Fall

There are tons of different ways to set the table whether it is for a casual occasion or a fancy dinner party. Each piece of silverware, napkin, and plate has its own designated place and purpose on a dining table! Do you want to look like a pro at your next dinner party for the holidays? Try these easy steps for setting a table the proper way, starting with the basic version!

Basic Dinner Setting

Formal Dinner Setting

Are you having appetizers and salad at the dinner? Follow along these steps for a more formal table setting after starting with the basic set up above!

• Start with the basic set up.
• Add a smaller salad fork to the left side of the dinner fork.
• Place the salad bowl on top of the dinner plate.
• Add a small plate to the left side above the forks.
• Optional: Place a small butter knife on top of the small plate for bread.

Dinner Party Decorations

Need some inspiration to host a dinner party? Now that you know how to set the table properly, check out these awesome tables I have decorated!

How to Style Holiday Table Decorations

• First things first – set the table! The most important aspect of your table is that your guests can sit and enjoy their meal comfortably.
• To create a beautiful tablescape, start with a centerpiece. This can be florals, candles, or something you’ve created on your own, but the idea is that your table could be done with just these 1-2 centerpieces (depending on the length of your table). In the photos below, the pampas in the clear vases were my main focal points.
• Next, you want to add decor with varying heights – candles are a GREAT way to do this! Candlesticks of all different heights, including tea lights, will add interest to your tablescape.
• Lastly, add something green! No tablescape is complete without something living – florals or greenery are the perfect addition.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Summer Table Top Ideas

Adult Dinner Party

Hopefully these easy steps for how to properly set the table are helpful for the next dinner party you plan to host! This is also a great post to reference for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner! You can make the table as formal or as casual you want but it is important to know the easy basics! Happy Holidays!

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