Tips for setting the stage for the perfect party.
Just like the right lighting creates atmosphere inside your home, greenery and potted plants are the best way to create the perfect space for entertaining guests in your back yard.
1 A simple boxwood plant clipped to form a ball in a terra cotta pot can give your backyard an instant European feel. Boxwood is sold en masse in big box stores as well as your local garden supply store.
2 Toss pillows made for outdoor furniture are a great, colourful way to brighten up your furniture. These were from Pier 1. Rain just seeps right through them and they are dry again in no time!
3 Plastic white trays can be found almost anywhere and make it easy to transport cocktails and snacks from the kitchen. This tray purchased above was purchased at The Bay.
4 A white fabric tablecloth with a bright coloured woven plastic runner down the middle of your table is a fun way to bring the colour-blocking trend to your summer entertaining.
5 Buy white Adirondack chairs instead of beige ones. If the trim on your house is white, they will tie in and they will coordinate with all your backyard furniture.
6 The big box stores are still selling outdoor dining chairs and tables in brown so if you need a new one, wait until next year. While the black, white and gray trend is definitely here, it takes longer to arrive in the stores for big ticket items that they are still trying to unload. White and gray should be in the big box stores by next year.
If your balcony or patio is visible from the inside, incorporate a similar colour scheme from your interior to create flow into your outdoor spaces.
And don't forget tea lights in mason jars so they don't blow out!
Maria Killam is a blogger, decorator and internationally sought-after colour expert. Her no-nonsense colour advice and friendly and inspiring writing style quickly turned Colour Me Happy into one of the top 10 colour blogs in North America. She is appearing at this fall's Vancouver Home & Design Show, Oct. 11-14, at BC Place. Find out more at www.mariakillam.com.
