Summertime & Easy Living

"Summertime and the living is easy" ...  and that means outdoor entertaining.  Whether on the patio or porch, maybe even a picnic blanket in your backyard or beach,  use these tips to create a casually elegant feeling both you and guests can enjoy.

First, decide on your focal point to set the mood.  In this case, the table scape is definitely the center of attention.  And it doesn't have to cost a lot if you shop your house.  Make it a creative exercise to see how many garden like items you can find.  Maybe the birdcage was hanging by the back door,  embroidered pillows and runners came out from the breakfast room, and the floral centerpiece can be fresh or permanent (here we used an ice tea jar for the arrangement).  Add a few clippings from the bushes in your yard to lay on the table and you're ready to entertain in style!

P.S.  Don't forget the candles!