Something I strive to help people understand is that we can all be the designers of our own lives, so it shouldn’t be difficult for us all to be the designers of our own backyard. And today it’s easier than ever.

This is a busy Summer for me.  I’m helping my parents and sister get their backyards ready for Summer as  I’m cleaning up my own backyard as well.  One of the things I love to do is entertain outdoors during the summertime.  I tend to always use tablecloths both indoors and outdoors.  I have a couple of fabric tablecloths I use, but one can also buy disposable tablecloths made out of paper with a plastic liner to give the same effect.  Whatever you use, it’s a simple, inexpensive addition that adds an element of comfort. Anyone can do it! Here is a picture of one of my recent al fresco dinners where you can see the table set.

Growing up I was lucky to get a pretty good education on plants and nature from my father. At least once a month he would take my family to different parks to experience plants firsthand.  Here is a recent picture I took of The Huntington Library’s Japanese Garden in San Marino, California.

Visiting the parks and gardens had a definite influence in my life. If you don’t know what plants are best for your backyard, take a trip to parks in your area to see what appeals to you. Snap a few pictures to bring to an area florist or nursery if you find a plant you love, but don’t recognize. Ask about plants and flowers indigenous to your area- these are eco-friendly options that are bound to thrive in your local climate. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how greenery and flowing plants will bring an air of natural beauty to any setting.

This Summer I’ll be shooting a web series called “Hayneedle Your Home” where I’ll be giving tips and advice on outdoor living.  This exciting outdoor design project just launched today! Be sure to check back throughout the season to see the latest videos, features, and design tips.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer your questions, so please, feel free to leave me a note. You can also read more about what’s going on in my life by going to www.EduardoXol.com.

You know when a vision of something sprouts in your brain, and then it becomes a mission for you to find it in real life? Say, for example, the perfect little black dress except in chartreuse and with a kick pleat, or that beige leather sofa except you’d like it in purple and you’re vegan so let’s faux up the leather … we get that.

In fact, we have a couple of buyers on staff who are always fancying new ideas for products, so in typical Hayneedle fashion, they decided to create their visions themselves, and thus was born our exclusive Hayneedle collections. Patio furniture, indoor furniture, kids room essentials … you’ll find Hayneedle exclusives in nearly every category.

With an easy, casual style, the name “Hampton” fits our most popular indoor line. (That’s half the fun, coming up with names. A few of us are huge Grey Gardens fans, so we’re especially fond of Hampton, dahling.) The Hampton Collection features an interesting X design element and sleek lines. It’s just contemporary enough to blend well in practically any room, in any home, and we’re adding a bookcase to the collection in March … be sure to visit us often, as we’ll be adding new pieces, finishes, bells, and whistles to our collections. Plus it’s nice to know you can come back to us and expand your room designs with additional pieces when it makes sense for you.

Our collections for kids are some of our favorites and best sellers, too. From the Classic Playtime storage pieces to activity tables and chairs, we’ve designed kids furniture based on highly scientific findings and feedback – mostly from our own kids, so you know it’s good stuff.

It’s all good at Hayneedle.