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

"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."

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."