JOHNHOUSHMAND and Bob & Cortney Novogratz recently teamed up again, this time to refinish a charming, downtown, outdoor patio (in 30 minutes or less).

The space featured a wrought iron fence, brick facade with climbing ivy, a river rock floor and a garden box – but now much else. With a garden party happening that evening we needed some magic, fast. Weaving together a dozen or so microslabs to create a warm, wooden canopy was the first step. We then suspended modified candles sporadically underneath with invisible wires to create the illusion of floating candles. Finally, to round out the effect, we built a quick microslab trestle and popped a live-edge pine slab on top of the existing, outdated picnic table – instant fix!

Bob & Cortney put on the finishing touches – an oversized, turquoise, clay vase holding burgundy calla lilies was the centerpiece between two, smaller, purple hydrangea plants. An assortment of vintage, white iron garden chairs circle the table, punctuated by seersucker cushions and brightly colored, striped throw pillows.

The overall effect is one of Mediterranean ease and effortless entertaining. Take a look at the process below.