Ashley Graham is a model and style icon, a mom of three, and now, a new homeowner. After decades of New York City apartment dwelling, Graham and her growing family recently moved to a contemporary home in New Jersey. She loves hosting friends and family, so transforming her outdoor space into an entertainer's haven was a top priority. Graham had the chance to partner with Affirm and collaborate with celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch to design her first-ever backyard, and she gave us a full tour on her Instagram. Graham and Welch centered the design plan around the biggest piece: an outdoor wood and wicker sectional overlooking the pool. The end result is a monochromatic and effortlessly chic oasis, sprinkled with kid-friendly fun, like cornhole and a sand station for her little ones.
Balancing mom life and a social life for Graham means having to embrace her inner host. "I'm always inviting people over. We have a revolving door of people, so it actually makes it a lot of fun, and the kids love it when there are lots of people around," Graham says. She likes to welcome guests with a drink and, like a true seasoned host, has mastered the art of assembling an easy but delicious summer spread. Her go-to staples? Wasabi almonds, a variety of cheeses, gluten-free crackers, fig jam with prosciutto, and fruit. The vibe is set with music, naturally, and right now, Graham tells us Beyoncé's "Break My Soul" is on repeat. "Honestly, Beyoncé has said that this summer is a dance mood . . . and I'm here for it," she says.
Beyond backyard inspiration and hosting tips, Graham gave us the rundown on the must-have products she's obsessed with. From the tea strips that help her fall asleep at night to her favorite pair of sneakers, these are the items she reaches for the most.
