This post created in partnership with TIKI Brand
When we moved to Seattle last fall, our top priority was to spend more time together as a family. We knew some remodeling would be necessary, but the location and many features of the house promised easy opportunities for shared moments and everyday connection.
One of our favorite parts of this home is the backyard. It feels like a small park, offering plenty of open space for our dogs to run and room for family gatherings. We’re looking forward to summer evenings when we can use this yard as our go-to spot for spending time together.
We’re excited to create inviting outdoor destinations where we can leave devices inside, sit together, and enjoy face-to-face conversation. Even a small area arranged with familiar pieces can become a warm spot to gather.
Although I miss elements from our previous yard—my secret garden and the gravel patio with a fire pit—this new space has so much to offer. It’s closer to family, already has privacy and mature plants, and gives us plenty of spots to garden and add personal touches. I’m confident it will be even more special for our family.
Our vision includes a cool croquet set, one or two hammocks, and arranging patio furniture for festive summer get-togethers. With the first sunny days of spring, we set up a small area with our old bench, Adirondack chairs, and a secondhand teak cart that’s perfect for entertaining. It immediately felt welcoming.
The single most important element to make any outdoor space inviting is ambience. Lighting sets the mood. Good lighting transforms a patio or backyard into a cozy gathering place where people want to linger.
We love how simple it is to light TIKI Brand torches and tabletop firepieces for a warm glow that brings everyone outside and encourages conversation. These pieces provide both light and atmosphere, making evenings feel special.
The Clean Burn tabletop firepieces offer a bright, steady flame that enhances gatherings. When used with Clean Burn torch fuel, they produce significantly less soot and smoke than standard torches, which keeps the air cleaner while maintaining atmosphere.
We placed two small silver firepieces on our teak cart; they look great and create the perfect mood. The reusable Roundwick burner system provides up to three hours of burn time per 4 oz fill. The firepieces come in a variety of colors, textures and sizes to suit different tabletops and backyard styles (for outdoor use only). We also added a larger Clean Burn firepiece to a teal side table next to an Island King Large Flame Torch to complete the arrangement.
Make the most of whatever outdoor space you have and create a memorable spot for family gatherings this summer. We’re joining TIKI Brand for The Night of the Power Down on June 26 and invite others to participate by pledging to power down and spend real time together.
We’re thrilled to begin making new memories together in our backyard.