Go Finding with Marcy Blum

May 07, 2018
by HG Guest

Entertaining and Recipes Furniture and Home Accents Outdoor Living Seasonal Decor

With Memorial Day right around the corner, we’re getting ready to kick off the outdoor entertaining season filled with backyard bonfires and poolside parties. As an event and party planner (for everyone from LeBron James to Nate Berkus and more), I’m always looking for my next design and party inspiration! One simple item or a handful of items can kickstart an entire vision for a space or an event. This happened to me just the other day when I visited my local HomeGoods. I did my normal routine – I took my first lap around the store, then I worked my way back to what I needed and items that caught my eye. Let’s just say, a lot caught my eye on this trip!

I saw the most beautiful lemon-printed glasses, platters and dishware. They reminded me of one of my favorite places, Italy, and it sparked an idea for my next event. I purchased everything and immediately went home to plan it all out! Check out some pictures from my event below and some of my tips for your next go finding trip at HomeGoods for your outdoor space or outdoor gathering:

Photo by Matt Harrington

1) Have an open mind. Before an event I always take a trip to HomeGoods to find my inspiration. Whatever your shopping style may be (whether you’re like me and get a lay of the land first or you prefer to dive right in), make sure you get a feel for what they have (there’s always new stuff!).

Photo by Matt Harrington

2) Mix function and fun. Spring is all about cleansing your space and using the new season to add some useful updates to your home. Collecting pieces that double as storage, like a fun colorful bar cart or ottoman from HomeGoods, is the perfect way to mix functionality and design.

Photo by Matt Harrington

3) Think outside of the box. When it comes to outdoor furniture, don’t limit yourself to furniture and décor labeled as outdoor. For example, mirrors are great inside the home but also a surprising way to make your backyard or garden look larger-than-life. I like to pick out different sizes and shapes from HomeGoods to liven up and add elegance to an outdoor space.

Photo by Matt Harrington

4) Treat food as décor. When outfitting a bar cart or an outdoor kitchen be sure to grab beautifully jarred items like party-olives, capers or peppers, for a detailed touch – HomeGoods has great ones that are delicious too!

Photo by Matt Harrington

5) Don’t be afraid of acrylic and melamine serving ware. It is perfect for outdoor entertaining. HomeGoods has an fabulous selection from wine glasses that don’t break to Italian-inspired platters for serving hors ‘d oeuvres.

Photo by Matt Harrington

6) Bring bright colors and patterns together. For instance, if I’m grabbing some outdoor throw pillows I’ll choose a bunch of different textures and designs to brighten up the space!

Photo by Matt Harrington

8) Plan DIY projects. To make decorating fun, pick up some frames from HomeGoods along with faux greenery to create a spring piece to hang on a wall or add to a side table – plus, it can be a conversation starter at your next gathering.

Photo by Matt Harrington

9) Start with the big stuff. To prepare your outdoor space for an event, start with items like furniture, bars and large accessories (i.e. bird bath, swing, etc.) then fill in with décor pieces like candles, trays, pillows and other items to complete the space.

Photo by Matt Harrington

When I am planning a party or wedding, I love that I can always find inspiration at HomeGoods and bring it to life with the perfect pieces I pick up in store. I hope that you will go finding at HomeGoods and have the same success I did!

Photo by Matt Harrington

Marcy Blum is a paid HomeGoods Style Expert and internationally sought after event planner & entertaining expert who with 30 years experience, crafts events with sanity, humor, innovation and style. With attention to detail and flair for the unimaginable, Marcy creates events that stimulate the senses and awe guests.