For a cozy gathering spot for guests to lounge outdoors, this small deck was outfitted with a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture and bold punches of color.  

Fire up your drink station with ice cubes containing jalapeno slices. The slices add a tasty kick to glasses of ice water and also bring a bold pop of color to the party. If spicy isn't your thing, consider adding strawberry, orange, lemon or lime slices instead.  

Skip the standard plastic cooler and give ceramic planters new purpose as drink chilllers by filling them with ice, then placing them on hay bales to catch the drainage as the ice melts.  

Carnations are one of the most readily available and affordable flowers sold at supermarkets. Give these budget-friendly blooms a stylish upgrade by arranging them ombre style. Just pick up three different shades of the same color carnation, cut the flowers' stems so they'll sit low around the top of the vase, then arrange the blooms light to dark to create the ombre color effect.