Entertain Outdoors in Freestyle this Summer

(ARA) - The term freestyle usually evokes images of swimming laps or spontaneous dancing. However, this summer think freestyle in terms of preparing outdoor spaces for a bustling season of casual barbecues, poolside soirees and zesty fiestas.

Freestyle decorating is a potpourri of the old and new, combined with vision, creativity and individual flair. The result is a one-of-a-kind center stage to host all of your outdoor gatherings this season.

Stage Preparation

Think about the types of events that will take place on your outdoor center stage this summer and make a running list of the items that you do not have. Stay on the lookout for 'red tag' sales and stock up on summer entertaining essentials such as extra seating, tableware and linens.

Before the fun of decorating begins, start with a clean canvas. Remove clutter from the patio, prune the lawn and repair broken fence posts, chipped paint and cracked planters.

Party Music

Finally, choose a repertoire of Party Music to set the perfect mood at each gathering - soothing operas or classical for a lazy afternoon tea party, sultry jazz for a twilight cocktail rendezvous and spicy salsa for a dancing bash. Once you have all of the elements in place for the stage, begin creating the set.

Furniture in the Spotlight

When designing your outdoor entertaining space, remember to provide plenty of seating areas and tables to create an environment conducive to mingling. Mix and match existing patio furniture with wicker chairs, barstools and ottomans from inside your home.

To give the patio an added dose of color use Assorted Paper Lanterns, paint unfinished wooden furniture in complimentary duotones. From a single rocking chair to an entire bistro table and hutch set, a vibrant coat of paint transforms plain-Jane furniture into an artistic focal point worthy of the spotlight. Choose a high-grade exterior paint, such as This Old House paint, to prevent the pigment from fading and to help the furniture withstand high temperatures and summer thunderstorms. For detailed exterior painting tips, log on to www.thisoldhousepaint.com for a free Guide to Exterior Painting. Now, with the foundation of the set in place, begin focusing on the details that will make your outdoor space a memorable entertainment venue.

Punch up the Décor with Details

Keeping freestyle in mind for this laid-back season, think outside the box and adopt an 'anything goes' mentality while styling. The maracas that once accompanied a Halloween costume make a festive embellishment for a door wreath. Rummage through kitchen cabinets and storage boxes to repurpose unused items. Use these Ball Lamp or Mysticolor Ball to create a cool atmosphere.

Scene Setters offer a way to give your patio a face lift for whatever theme party you choose. Scene Setters are made of heavy vinyl and easily attaches with Sticky Tack.

For beautiful table use Theme Centerpieces, fill clear salad bowls with water and place a single peony, gardenia or lily blossom in the center. Infuse the air with citrus-scented candles and mimic a breezy day at the beach by placing oscillating fans throughout the patio and lawn.

For nighttime entertaining, ensure that your guests can enjoy clear, starry skies by illuminating with Citrinella Stick Candles, Tiki Torches and Decorative Lanterns or lamps with Outdoor Citronella Oil. While adding the last touches to your hosting center stage, remember that no summertime hangout is complete without the element of water or even fog.  Party Fog Machines are great for dance floors, house parties, small clubs and other areas of 3,300 to 3,500 cubic feet.

Try this DJ Fogger with Timer Remote Fog Machine by Visual Effects Great for small clubs, social events, schools and mobile DJs. Includes timer remote controller, and high quality German-made thermostat. 120V/60Hz power. 1,000 watt heater. 1 liter tank capacity. Outputs 5,000 cubic ft./minute.

Garden Chic

With little planning and a small outlay of time, reap the aesthetic and refreshing benefits of water by creating a container fountain. First, seek out an empty space near a high-traffic area to place the fountain for all to enjoy. Then, choose a waterproof reservoir that will accommodate the space - old utility buckets from the garage or the cracked planters you repaired work well.

For added effect place a Short Balustrade or 8 ft. White Columns draped in Blue Gossamer to add a soft flowing water-like atmosphere.

With your summer center stage complete, relax and entertain in freestyle. Whether hosting an intimate luau with close friends or a large fête with the entire neighborhood, the ambiance will be sure to leave a lasting impression.
Courtesy of ARA Content

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