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,
Luaus 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 and 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.
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
Floral Tropical Torches,
Let's Hula Candle Set 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.
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
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
