Main Line Today's home improvement blog
May 6, 2009
12:32 PM
Take It Outside
By By Kate Hart
With the warmer weather finally here, it seems like everyone’s busy getting their homes ready for outdoor entertaining. Having a party outdoors is not only practical—both the mess and the children stay outside—but also cost-effective. You don’t have to worry about redecorating indoors or renting a space large enough for your gathering.
Here are some fun, affordable ways to entertain this season:
• Save on costly table rentals and host a picnic by candlelight. Have friends bring blankets, and you provide the picnic fare. Create ambiance with an outdoor fire pit or by hanging lanterns on shepherd’s hooks near each blanket.
• Save room for dessert and host a sundae party poolside. Serve up ice cream, toppings and sauces on a buffet bar. Guests can make their own creations, then clean up by jumping in the pool.
• Go green and gourmet. Invite friends over to sample veggies you’ve grown in your garden. Serve up grilled zucchini or summer squash, and create a summer salad with heirloom tomatoes. Use pots of fresh herbs as your centerpiece. Don’t have a garden of your own? Consider joining a farm share. Contact Greener Partners, a local nonprofit that can help you find a farm in your area, at greenerpartners.org.
• Host a family movie night under the stars. Hang up a white sheet on the side of your house or garage, and project a movie onto the wall using your laptop and an LCD projector. Line up your most comfortable lounge chairs, and serve popcorn, ice cream and lemonade.
Are you planning to entertain outdoors this summer? Share your fun and family-friendly ideas by posting a comment below.
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About This Blog
Kate Hart
Wayne’s Kate Hart has helped hundreds of Main Line families prepare their homes for sale and create unique and exciting spaces in their new homes. Her work has been featured in numerous books and national publications, and she’s appeared on Action News and Fox 29 News, plus nationally on HGTV Radio, The Fine Living Network, Comcast News Network and CNN Headline News. In addition, Hart was recently honored as the 2007 Real Estate Staging Association Staging Professional of the Year and named HomeGoods stores staging and design expert. She’s looking forward to hearing about all the wonderful ways you bring purpose and passion to your home.
