When I was little, we lived next door to a family that was so handy, they built their little ones a playhouse that was an exact miniature replica of their home. Every detail was perfect, right down to the pale pink stucco. My sister and I loved spending time in the mini-suburban home, and always begged our parents for a playhouse all our own.

If you are on the market for a backyard retreat for your little ones, here are a few whimsical ideas to get you started. From classic constructions to cool cardboard designs, this collection has something for every type of family!

What’s your favorite?

Playhouse from Mikodesign

Soulet Playhouse

Deluxe Playhouse from Kids Crooked House

Villa Julia by Magis

Pennfield Cottage Playhouse

This weekend was absolutely beautiful here in the Bay Area! Naturally, this led to my neighborhood filling up with the sizzles, giggles, clinks and splashes of backyard barbecues and impromptu pool parties. If the weather is heating up in your neighborhood, too, use some of these fun tips to host a “Welcome Back Summer” pool party!

• Dress up the traditional hot dogs and sliced watermelon with these stylish pool party menus from YumSugar:

• Give your party favors a little color with fun flip flops (only $2.50 at Old Navy!) and inflatable pool toys from Designed2BSweet:

• Don’t forget to let the kids show off their style with fresh new summer gear from Gymboree or Quicksilver:

• And, of course, what’s a party without an adorable invitation from Tiny Prints?

Now that spring has sprung and beautiful weather is inching its way closer, there’s no better time to plan some fun outdoor festivities for your family! Whether it’s a small  family gardening session or a big outdoor extravaganza, you can plan a sweet spring garden party that everyone is sure to love.

Style: Springtime casual

Décor: The beauty of nature! Add a few strings of white lights, colored lanterns or an outdoor tent for an extra touch of posh style.

Family Friendly Activities: Decorate terracotta pots; plant flowers; paint with watercolors; host a garden tea party; make fuzzy caterpillars and other garden insects out of pipe cleaners and craft materials; learn about flowers, butterflies and all the magic that takes place in the garden!

Treats: Crushed Oreo “potting soil,” chocolate pudding and gummy worms; fresh lemonade; sun tea; summer fruits