Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting the content that keeps Jojotastic going.
When we lived in the city (and before COVID), Sean and I always made time for date night. Usually that meant dinner out, followed by some cocktails. But now we live in the middle of nowhere! Combine that with the fact that Sean is away during the week and, well… we need a date night! So I decided to surprise him the other night by setting up a tropical oasis at home under our pergola. I teamed up with Better Homes & Gardens exclusively at Walmart to create a cozy, tropical vacation-inspired spot on our property that’s perfect for date night. Here’s how:
How to Create a Tropical Oasis, Perfect for Date Night At Home
Set the mood with lighting
We’ve been hard at work pruning, digging, and gardening… and unearthing this amazing pergola from many, many years of overgrown vines. As soon as I saw these twinkly light curtains, I knew they would be perfect for the pergola. Hanging them was SO easy, too. To hang them, I used 1.5″ galvanized nails and looped every other vertical strip around it to fasten to the pergola.
The lights have clear strings, so in the dark, they really look like they’re floating. I absolutely looooove the dramatic effect of them and am already plotting where else I can put even more on our property!
Create the coziest, comfiest seating area
Do you even know how much I love a bold black and white cabana stripe? SO MUCH. Nothing makes me feel more like I’m at a chic poolside lounge more… well except for maybe a cocktail with an umbrella in it. These oversized bean bag chairs are so much fun and really, really comfortable. Plus, I think it’s pretty cool that they are filled with 100% recycled material and wrapped in quick-drying and stain resistant polyester. Add in the coordinating ottomans and you’ve got a cozy little nook for date night at home!
BTW, I know some of these items are sold out, but I have it on good authority that they’ll be restocked! You can check availability here to see if the ottoman is available at your local store. I’ve set up alerts for a few of the items I want from the Better Homes & Gardens collections and it’s been such a game-changer so I can get the items I want as soon as they’re back. Highly recommend!
I also placed this adorable white textured ceramic garden stool between the bean bag chairs as a spot to set down drinks and snacks. At only $43, I really feel like this small outdoor furniture piece is a must-have for any patio or deck. It’s so versatile!
Add a few tropical touches
What’s a tropical oasis without a great palm leaf print?? I scooped up a few of these printed outdoor pillows and love the vacation vibes they lend to the entire set up. Remember, don’t be afraid to mix and match bold prints!
Keep the bugs away
Remember the bug repellant torches from our back patio makeover a few weeks ago?? Well, I am so impressed by them that I literally went to my closest store and bought every single one off the shelf. We live in a super-buggy place and they have been life savers! Each one comes with a cap that extinguishes the flames. Plus, the fluid is held in a sealed container, so it feels a bit safer than the usual torch. Not to mention how adorable they are!
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So what do you think of our little surprise date night set up?? Aren’t those string lights the coolest?
