Storing Your Party Supplies

If you have a great backyard or patio and like to throw outdoor parties at least semi-regularly, you’ve probably noticed that your supply of party materials seems to grow with each gathering you have. Unfortunately, storage is always an issue, especially in the family homes today. Luckily, you don’t have to keep your party gear in an unorganized pile in your garage or shoved into a corner in your basement. I think the best way to keep your outdoor party supplies organized is in an outdoor cedar storage shed.
Although sheds are typically used to store items such as rakes, shovels, and gardening supplies, they also can make a great little spot to keep all your party gear. That way, you can keep it organized and protected from the possible water damage that is all too common in garages and basements. Plus, your supplies will be right outside, making it easy and convenient to decorate whenever you decide to throw another soiree. Just think of it as your personal party closet, right in your own backyard! You might even find yourself wanting to have people over more often than usually, since everything you need is right within an arms reach.
An outdoor shed can be used for much more than storing tools, and it makes the perfect place to stow away your outdoor party supplies.

Throwing a Sport Party

When it’s nice out, we all know that kids like to have their friends over to run around in the backyard; playing games, enjoying the weather, and getting healthy and important doses of exercise. Why not encourage this tendency in your children, and allow them to throw their own sports party?
The great thing about a sport party is that is does not have to be formal, or even well-planned out. You can often put a great impromptu sports party together the day of, just by making a few phone calls! Here are a few easy steps to making your sports party a success:

• Have your children pick the sport they want to play with their friends. It can be touch football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, or even just Red Rover! Once you have settled on the sport, let your kids invite their friends over to play the game.
• Be sure to provide plenty of water, as well as healthy snacks. It’s important that the kids keep well-hydrated and energized, so that they can play their best and stay safe.
• Make sure you have some sort of sports bench seat on the sidelines. This will allow children who are not participating at the moment to take a much needed break and catch their breath.
• Finally, call one of your friends to help you supervise. You don’t want chaos breaking out in your backyard, so why not ask one of your guest’s parents to come along to help you keep the kids in line?

Outdoor Halloween Party Ideas

With summer drawing to a close, Halloween is just around the corner, believe it or not. Although it is sad to say good-bye to the warmer months of summer, it’s also exciting because Halloween is my favorite time of year to throw a party! The combination of the cool autumn air, the fun costumes, and the delicious treats creates the perfect atmosphere to throw the gala of the year. You can easily through a fun family party in your own backyard that people will be talking about until next Halloween. Here are a few necessities for creating the perfect Halloween party:
• A fire pit. Fire pits are the perfect addition to your Halloween party. Not only do they provide warmth on a chilly October night, but they also fill the air with the wonderful fall fragrance of burning wood. Plus, you can use it to make s’mores!
• Apple cider and caramel apples. These two tasty fall treats will seem even more delicious when you enjoy them as part of your Halloween festivities; it’s the perfect time of year for them.
• Jack-o-Lanterns. Be sure to include these carved pumpkins in your decorations, or it just won’t feel like Halloween. You can even create a Jack-o-Lantern carving area, where your guests can make their own to take home as a memento of the best Halloween party ever.
• Costume contest. Having a contest will motivate your guests to show up looking their best. Create categories (funniest, most creative, scariest, etc.) and provide a prize for each category.
These are just a few ideas to throwing a spook-tacular Halloween bash. Use your imagination, and I’m sure you’ll come up with even more great ways to enjoy the holiday.

Shield Your Guests From the Sun

The summer months are the perfect time of year to have your friends and family over for a barbeque or other outdoor gathering. However, sometimes the sun can just be too bright, too strong, or too hot. Especially for children, the elderly, or your guests who have paler, more sensitive skin, it is absolutely essential that you provide a haven to hide from the sun at your outdoor parties. This way, your guests will be protected from the sun and no one will have to go home with uncomfortable, painful, and potentially dangerous sunburn.
One of the best ways to keep your visitors’ skin safe is by investing in patio umbrellas. These oversized umbrellas simply sit over your patio tables, keeping the sun off of the skin and out of the eyes of those who sit beneath them. They also provide shade for days that become unbearably hot, and tables underneath these umbrellas will sure become a hotspot for people looking to beat the heat.
If you plan on throwing an outdoor party during the summer months, make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep your guests safe from the sun. Be sure to have plenty of water on hand so that no one gets dehydrated. You might even want to consider having sunscreen on hand, in case someone forgot to apply some before arriving. And finally, make sure you have a patio umbrella to provide shade and sun-protection for those who need a break from the intense summer sun.

Keep Your Cat Occupied

I don’t know about you, but I love cats. Unfortunately, I have friends who are allergic to them. In fact, a lot of people I know have allergies to these wonderful pets. So, when I have a party, I have to get my cats out of the way so that my guests with allergies can still enjoy the party. I’ve seen plenty of people have to leave get-togethers early with itchy eyes, runny noses, and other terrible effects of allergies. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to sequester your cats away from your guests to make your party a success,
For occasions such as this, I recommend investing in an outdoor cat house. Even if you have indoor cats, you can put them outside during parties or other gatherings if you have a cathouse for them. This house is not only a way to keep them from torturing your guests with allergies, but it is also a fun and comfortable getaway for your cats. You can even find houses that can be heated during the winter, so that you can put your cats outdoors without any guilt whatsoever. They may even end up liking their cathouse more than they like your house!

Paint Your Furniture for Children's Parties

Wooden furniture can have a plethora of different looks. First, there is the natural appearance and grain of unfinished wood. Wood is incredibly beautiful on its own, and so there is a certain appeal that unfinished wood furniture has. In fact, unfinished red cedar furniture will fade to a gorgeous, weathered gray over time.
Also, there are many varnishes and clear or tinted finishes which you can add to your wood. There are clear stains that simply add shine and preserve the beauty of the wood exactly the way it is. Or, you can choose a tinted stain, which will still look natural and show off the grain of the wood, but will add a translucent color to the wood.
Finally, there is painted wooden furniture. Paint is an opaque covering of color that you add to the wood. If you have young children, I would recommend painting the furniture bright colors. That way, when your kids’ friends come over for your children’s birthday party, the bright, primary colors will make them feel right at home. Kids don’t care about elegance; they care about color! They want fun and will react positively to bright colors. Make your child’s birthday party a splash with your brightly-colored painted wood furniture.

Pergolas Permit Picture-Perfect Parties!

When it comes to throwing an elegant party in your backyard, pergolas and arbors are the way to go. A pergola is large enough that you can fit an entire picnic table set underneath it. Arbors, on the other hand, are just archways through which you can walk. The appeal of arbors is simply as a beautiful focal point in your backyard.
I love arbors and pergolas because they provide the perfect location to show off your gardening skills. They are an amazing canvas for you to grow climbing flowers or rose bushes. The more time you take tending to you flowers, the more elegant your party will be.
There are few things more beautiful than a gorgeous vine of flowers. The natural splendor of flowers combines with the delicate aesthetics of a vine to create a look that is much more refined and graceful than flowers on the ground or in a planter. I think this is because they take up more space, but they are far more spread out and thinner.
If you are looking to create an elegant backyard space that is incredibly appealing to the eye, you definitely need to invest some time and money into growing flowers on a pergola or an arbor. These vines are gorgeous, and will add a graceful appeal to your backyard.

Get Your Party into the Swing of Things!

Outdoor parties can be a great way to get your family and friends together to enjoy each other, great weather, and delicious food. You also can typically invite more guests to an outdoor party than an indoor one, because you are not limited by the confines of your home. If you are hosting an outdoor party, you absolutely need to have a garden swing set. These swings are not only attractive, but they provide an excellent location for your guests to go off for a more intimate conversation. They also are a ton of fun, so if you have younger guests you can send them to the swing and get them out of the grown-ups hair.
What is so great about garden swing sets is that they are not only functional when you have a get-together. Your swing can be your perfect getaway on a regular day, when you just want to relax and read a good book in your backyard. Or if you and your someone special want a romantic place to cuddle and converse, the garden swing set is there. Yes, a garden swing set will make both your parties and your everyday life a million times better. That’s why you just got to get one!

Flower Boxes Make Parties Memorable

When you are throwing a party, it is the little things that make it exquisite. Sure, it is important to have food and drink and all the other things that make up the backbone of your party. But what will really make your party stand out and be completely memorable to your guests are the little details which will make your party different.
For an outdoor party, I recommend investing in cedar flower boxes. These planters allow you to grow beautiful flowers in your backyard, which make a gorgeous addition to any party. They will really bring out the beauty of your yard and increase the aesthetic appeal of your guests’ surroundings. This enhancement will cause your guests to be more relaxed and have a more positive impression of your home, and ultimately, the party you throw there.
Of course, you can’t just go out and buy a flower box a week before your party and except it to be full of flowers by the time your guests arrive. You should consider planting a flower box at the beginning of the season. That way, not only will your flowers be ready when party time rolls around, but you also will be able to enjoy your planters in everyday life.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During Parties

We all know that dogs are man’s best friends. However, when you are having a party, we also know that your best friend can be a huge pain in the neck. They can get in the way, knock things over, and jump up on guests, annoying them or even knocking them over if you have a larger dog. When you are having a party, there’s really no way you can keep your dog out and let them roam free. They will just get in the way and make it more difficult for your guests to have a good time.
However, I know that you love your dog, and it is hard on you to lock them away. I know that I feel guilty keeping my dog in a confined space, especially because he is active and fun. Fortunately, I discovered a way to get my dog out of the way for parties without suffering the guilt. I found dog log beds! Now that I have a comfortable place for my dog to rest, I don’t feel guilty for having to put him away for parties. He wants to be in his bed anyway, even when I’m not having a party. If you find a great place for your dog to stay during parties, you won’t feel bad for locking him up.

Fleur de Lis Furniture Adds Subtle Sophistication

Sometimes, it is the smallest details that make all the difference. If you are having an outdoor party, the little niceties will help to set the tone and create the atmosphere that you want. One fun, sophisticated touch you can add to your backyard is choosing fleur de lis furniture.
The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily or iris that is often used as a decorative design. In French, “fleur” means flower and “lis” means lily. So the entire phrase simply means “lily flower.”
While the fleur-de-lis has appeared on innumerable European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it probably most well known for its association with the French monarchy in a historical context. It continues to be a lasting symbol of France that appears on French postage stamps, and even though it has never officially been adopted by any of the French republics, the fleur-de-lis has become emblematic of France.
The fleur-de-lis is a beautiful and classy design that is used as a decorative touch in many pieces of furniture. This lily flower will add elegance and style to your backyard furniture, and although it is a somewhat minute detail, the smallest touches can make the hugest difference.

Sophisticated Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor parties are a great way to enjoy your friends and nature at the same time. Unfortunately, if your party lasts into the evening hours, lighting becomes a problem. This is a problem I have run into on more than one occasion. Nothing kills a party faster than guests being unable to see. It is always disappointing when a good party has to end before people are ready because the sun goes down.
Unfortunately, light bulbs and other such lighting systems create a harsh, unnatural light. However, choosing to use French lanterns to light your party creates a totally different atmosphere.
Light bulbs use electricity to generate artificial light, where as lanterns are lit by candles. Instead of the fake, way-too-bright light that comes from bulbs, your party will be lit by the warm, romantic and natural illumination of candlelight.
Not only is the light itself more enjoyable, but the lantern designs are elegant as well. Many lamps have attractive designs which add aesthetic appeal to the lighting. Most lanterns are made of wrought iron or a similar metal, which is aged to add the perfect level of sophistication to your outdoor party lighting.

Get the Party Started With a Trolley Bar!

Nothing can get your outdoor party hopping like an outdoor bar. But there are so many options, how can you ever decide which one is right for you?
Serving bars are counter or bar-height tables. They are perfect for serving delicious drinks and tasty treats. Usually, they have a shelf underneath the bar top to store items such as glasses, drink mixes and serving dishes. To add extra class to your bar, choose curved or rectangular-shaped counters in glass, granite, or stainless steel. They are easy to care for and have an excellent appearance.

Full service bars have sinks, bar fridges, electrical outlets, ice makers and all sorts of other handy options for making drinks, as well as serving them.

Portable bars, like stainless steel or wood carts, or a trolley bar are the most versatile and can easily accommodate your entertaining style. Just wheel them out when needed, and then store them in the corner of your deck for next time. Bar trolleys such as these are especially helpful for small decks or balconies.

One way to tie together all your outdoor décor is by picking a bar set made from the same material as your other patio furniture or your deck. By coordinating your outdoor furniture like this, your patio design looks polished and intentional.

Having a Fun Tiki Party on Your Deck

If you’re lucky enough to have a deck attached to your house, it can be the perfect place to entertain and throw a party. A tiki theme can be a lot of fun and make use of your deck. The most important thing for your tiki party is to purchase lots of fun tiki decorations.
The most obvious decoration for your patio is tiki torches. Tiki torches are instantly recognizable, and create a fun ambience for your tiki party. There are many different kinds of tiki torches out there, including traditional bamboo and stainless steel.
You can also purchase customizable vinyl banners for your party. Find one that has a tiki design, and make known the reason for your party and create a focal point for your party.
Another fun idea is a tiki arch. These are normal arches that are constructed by wrapping vegetation around them. What gives them a unique Pacific flavor is the attaching a tiki to the arch. This allows a person walking under the arch to get a firsthand view of the tiki as they walk by.
There are plenty of more decorations you can buy for your tiki party. These are just a few of them. For more ideas, check out this website.

Enjoying Your Fire Pit

There are few traditions more beloved that the bonfire. Usually, these fires can only occur out in the country. However, if you purchase a fire pit chat table, you can enjoy the beauty, heat, aroma, and community created by a natural outdoor fire. These fire pits also can be covered and serve as a chat table during the day. They are an excellent investment, and allow you to have fun and unique outdoor parties. Here are a few ideas on how to use your fire pit at your parties:
1. Make s’mores! You’ll feel like a kid again when you enjoy these sticky and delicious treats. To make them a little more “grown-up,” you can offer different options of gourmet chocolates.
2. Have a sing along. Get a talented musician (or bust out your own guitar, if you play), pass around the beers, and let every sing along to songs from the old days. It will probably drive your neighbors crazy, but you’ll sure have fun.
3. Tell “ghost stories.” Pretend like you’re on a camping trip and have everyone share the scariest or creepiest things that have ever happened to them. You’ll be amazed at some of the things your friends have experienced!
Fire pit parties are a fun way to do something different and reconnect with your youth. Get together a bunch of your good-spirited friends and enjoy nature in your own backyard!

Keep Your Beverages Cool with Class

If you’re having party, beverages are definitely one of the most important parts. For me, they are my favorite part. However, nothing brings down the classiness of an outdoor gathering than a trashy, traditional ice chest. Luckily, some companies have realized this is a problem, and have started to manufacture sophisticated beverage coolers so you’re soiree doesn’t turn into a shindig.
There are many different options for the sophisticated socialite. Some coolers are small and designed to sit on top of your patio table. Others are freestanding and hold many different beverages. Small coolers which hold a single bottle of wine are also available. Basically, if you can imagine it, it exists.
Don’t settle for the tradition cooler at your next outdoor event. Once you wheel out the Coleman ice chest, the elegance level of your party automatically drops several notches. But classy beverage coolers not only will make a great impression on your guests, they also will create a chic and beautiful ambience which partygoers will greatly enjoy.
If you want your bash to make a huge splash, everything needs to be 100 percent class, down to the smallest details. Many people would never even think twice about the beverage coolers. But this is what makes a great host or hostess; someone who thinks about every aspect of their party and focuses completely on creating the right atmosphere. Trust me, if you invest in a high-class beverage cooler, it will pay off in the respect, admiration, and enjoyment of your party guests time and time again.

Adorn Your Picnic Table with an Edible Fruit Arrangement

As you prepare for a special party around your picnic table, finger foods are especially attractive. An edible fruit arrangement can serve as a colorful centerpiece for the picnic table and a tasty finger food for your guests. You won’t be able to wait until they see the lovely scene and delicious smells that liven up the picnic table.

I have tasted the expensive fruit arrangements that come from specialty companies. They are good, but there’s nothing about them that’s any better than what you can easily create at home. All you need is a container or vase, some wooden skewers, and some fresh fruits. I think the best choices for an edible fruit arrangement are probably pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and a firm melon such as honeydew or cantaloupe.

Form the big flowers from pineapple rings with a flower-shaped cookie cutter. Use one of the other fruits as a center for each flower. Press the pineapple onto the skewer first, just a little way down. Top with a melon ball, de-capped strawberry, or seedless grape. After you make several flowers, secure them in the container. Place foam or playdough into the container and stick the skewers into it. Fill out the edible fruit arrangement by skewering other fruits and placing at different heights around the arrangement.

To fill in with greenery, wash silk leaves and intersperse these with the fruit, or use fresh parsley. None of these fruits will grow brown in the air, but it’s still best to wait until just before the guests arrive to bring the edible fruit arrangement out to the picnic table. Enjoy!

Chaise Lounge Decorating Tips

I have seen some attractive arrangements with a chaise lounge at the center. Based on these stylish scenes, I have compiled a list of hints and tips. These chaise lounge decorating tips help you achieve some of the looks I’ve crossed.

• Set up a breezy canopy above your chaise lounge for a tropical island flair. Place four posts in a rectangular shape and drape a flimsy fabric over top. Gather each corner and secure with a tie.


• Pair a multicolor cushion with a resin chaise lounge and a side table, each a different color from the cushion.


• Use cushions of different but coordinating colors or patterns for a set of chaise lounge chairs.


• Buy a patio umbrella with a canopy that matches your seat cushions.


• Flip adjacent chairs in opposite directions, so that two people lying side by side can meet each other’s eyes without turning their heads all the way to the side.


• Combine chaise lounge cushions with contrasting throw pillows. Make sure these pillows are recommended for outdoor use.

With some creative thinking, I’m sure you can expand on these ideas further. For more great decorating ideas for a chaise lounge, flip through pictures from outdoor magazines. Sometimes these pictures can look impossible to achieve. But I have found that if I focus on just one or two elements in the picture, I can create my own variations of the look.

Variations in Bar Chairs

Whether you seek bar chairs for a bar counter, breakfast nook, or kitchen island, you’ll find numerous variations in style. I have found bar chairs both with and without backrests. I think the backless versions provide a more open feel to the room or area, but I find the bar chairs with backs to be most comfortable for me. Some bar chairs have arms; others do not. I can go either way on arms.

I’ve also noticed that bar chairs come in all sorts of materials, a few of which are teak, wicker, and resin. Each material offers different characteristics than the next in terms of looks, care, durability, heaviness, and so on. It’s really impossible to pick a favorite.

Another variation that sometimes appears in bar chairs is that some swivel. The swivel feature can be fun, but I’d say if my kids were really rambunctious, I would probably pass on this feature.

Yet another consideration is the cushioning. I’ve discovered that some have built-in cushions; others have cushions for an additional price, and some have no coordinating cushions. I think your desire for cushions depends both on your personal preference and on the material of the chair. For wood bar chairs, I would want cushions. Some bar chairs, such as resin wicker, might naturally offer a little give, and cushions wouldn’t be necessary for my comfort.

Food Ideas for Your Picnic Table Set

I have recently seen several specimens of a nice picnic table set. Beautiful wood, smooth edges and grain, rich colors. For me, there’s something especially inviting about a picnic table set—perhaps nostalgia from childhood holidays in the park or family outings in the summers. So here’s to your memories around your own picnic table set.

When I plan a picnic, my first concern is the food. Of course, when you hold the party at the picnic table set in your back yard, you have fewer restrictions on food. Your feast doesn’t have to be quite so portable. Try some of these ideas for food and snacks.

1. Seafood Theme




• Cold shrimp tray and cocktail sauce


• Grilled fish sandwiches


• Sugar cookies in sea cutouts—fish, shells, seahorses, etc.


2. Fruit theme




• Sliced fresh pineapple


• Fruit pizza—crust is sugar cookie, sauce is cream cheese icing, toppings are mixed fruits


• Peanut butter and banana sandwiches


3. Dog theme




• Hot dogs


• Puppy chow—a dessert made from cold cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar


• Dog-shaped grilled cheese—use a dog-shaped cookie cutter to cut the bread and cheese

Of course, I wouldn’t put this much thought and effort into every meal I served up to a picnic table set. But for special occasions, everyone loves something fun. So once, again, here’s to fun around your own picnic table set. Summer is, after all, the time for fun.

A New Kind of Wicker Patio Set

When I first learned about a resin wicker patio set, I was shocked. I’d always thought of wicker as a purely wood product. Wicker has a certain airiness and charm to it that other furniture doesn’t. However, a traditional wicker patio set can’t last very long in the outdoors. The sunlight and elements tend to break them down.

Resin presents a modern alternative. You get the looks of wicker with the durability of plastic. That’s what resin is, by the way. It’s a material manufactured from recycled plastics, so water and sun don’t pose a problem to the furniture’s durability. I have seen a huge variety of styles when it comes to the resin wicker patio set—from deep seating and lounge chairs to traditional patio sets and bistro sets.

When you shop for a wicker patio set, the best things you can do to assure yourself of quality is to inspect the pieces carefully. Pieces should fit together tightly. All screws and hardware should be included. The wicker should feel smooth under your fingertips, with no roughness, unusual bumps, or fragmented strands.

After finding a wicker patio set, cleaning is easy. Just wipe the set down with a damp cloth, just as you would any other plastic items. If necessary, use soap and rinse clean with a hose.

Patio Set Centerpieces

Outdoor parties can be a lot of fun. But they require planning just like any other parties. Centerpieces can add a very attractive touch to your patio set, regardless of how formal or informal your party will be.

The nice thing about centerpieces is that you can go fancy, informal, or in-between. You can spend a lot of money or very little. You can contact a florist for help in making your centerpieces. You can also check stores for ready-made decorations that require little or no assembly. Finally, you can dream up your own centerpieces and make them yourself. Homemade centerpieces can be elaborate or extremely simple.

Here are just a few ideas for easy homemade centerpieces for your patio set:

• Cut flowers from your own garden or buy a few inexpensive mixed bouquets from the grocery store. Fill canning jars or plain vases with water and arrange the cut flowers inside. Tie a length of raffia or ribbon around the neck of each jar or vase.
• Select colored glass bowls and fill them with water. Place floating candles inside and light them just before your guests arrive.
• Fill clear glass containers with colored stones or marbles. Place small mirrors at intervals across the patio set. Set a container atop each mirror.
• Fill decorative dishes with candy and sprinkle confetti on the patio set around each dish.

Checklist for Decorating Your Patio Set for a Party

When you decorate your patio set for a party or special occasion, you’ll want to consider several factors. So make your checklist before you get started. The basic elements include linens, dishes, centerpieces, and lighting. Extra things you may wish to place on your checklist include chair decorations or cushions, favors, mosquito control, and additional patio decorations.

Linens for your patio set could include:

• Table cloth
• Napkins
• Placemats
• Coasters

Dishes you might wish for your patio set:

• Dinner plates
• Salad or dessert plates
• Bowls
• Cutlery
• Serving dishes
• Pitchers
• Salt and pepper shakers

Centerpieces you might consider:

• Candles
• Flowers
• Edible arrangements
• Foliage

Patio lighting could include:

• Candles
• Christmas lights
• Fire pits
• Lanterns
• Track lights
• Lamps