If You Love to Entertain, You Need to See Julianne Hough's Back Yard

Updated on 6/14/2016 at 8:15 AM

Between planning her wedding to hockey player Brooks Laich and staring in A-list projects like Grease Live!, Julianne Hough's dance card is full — no pun intended. But this girls' girl always has time to throw a dinner party for her best friends, so she was excited to team up wtih Joss & Main on a backyard makeover to transform the patio of her Hollywood Hills home into the ultimate entertaining space. Donna Garlough, Joss & Main's style director, designed the gracious space to be an inspiring blend of natural and elegant elements. "Fashion definitely influences my interior design style and taste, as I love to wear vintage pieces but also keep it simple and clean, similar to my design taste," explains Julianne. "As for the red carpet and the ballroom, I like to take risks and mix it up, which is also something I've done with my home." Keep reading for a first-hand look at Julianne's gorgeous backyard and then shop the look on Joss & Main.

"I love having friends and family over for dinner parties, it’s an excuse to decorate!" says Julianne. Her pergola-covered table is the ideal spot for day or nightime feast because it blocks the blinding sun from guests's eyes. "I love my pergola, which has a hand-woven roof that adds so much character to my yard."

With a backyard designed for entertaining, from the al fresco dinner table to the cozy conversation areas, Julianne knows a thing or two about hosting outdoor events. Music and flowers are her two outdoor entertaining must haves. "Music would be top on the list to really create the perfect backdrop to any party. I always love to use fresh flowers that are in season that add pops of color and also smell fresh and summery."

Julianne took her time finding the perfect pieces for every inch of her home. "Before I started any work on the house, I spent hours online researching and getting inspired," she said. "I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to travel a lot for work because I’ve picked up many ideas along the way. During the process I've taken numerous day trips around Los Angeles to some of my favorite stores, as I love to mix vintage with new."

Julianne mixes natural elements, like wood trays and succulent centerpieces, with more elegant servingware like bronze flatware. Julianne explains, "while I love earthy tones and natural fibers, I also like to add metallic elements, especially in brass tones to add a sophisticated element."

"My main tips are to keep your dishware fairly neutral as the foundation, and then introduce pops of color in your glassware and napkins which takes your setting to a new level," says Julianne.

Julianne highlighted each place setting with a single – and cost-effective – eucalyptus branch, but she says she's also a big fan of sunflowers and lilies. "They can be displayed in an oversize glass vase or an organic piece of pottery for more interest," she says.

The day of the shoot, Julianne was hosting a dinner party for 17 girlfriends. "My girlfriends and I alternate who hosts our dinners, but I do love hosting in general!" she says. "My favorite thing would have to be just bringing everyone together. There’s nothing better than hanging out and bonding with friends, all while eating a yummy meal."