GILDING THE GARDEN: Designs for Alfresco Entertaining.

Your garden should be an extension of your home—a nook where you can curl up with a book, a corner to chat with a friend, a place to serve cocktails, a space to entertain.

But first things first. Is your terrace, patio or backyard all that you want it to be? Have you always wanted a rose garden, outdoor lighting, redwood table and chairs, but never got around to it? Then do it now. Make it a family project or weekend effort. You’ll never regret it!

Even the tiniest backyard can become as inviting as a four star restaurant or as much fun for the children as Chuck E. Cheese.

Here are some ideas on how to design your outside space for entertaining:

FAMILY FUN – BARBECUE STYLE

• Start with a picnic table. Buy one large enough for family and friends. You might want to invest in two, using the second one as the children’s table. “Hire” one of your older children to supervise this table at mealtime.
• Buy inexpensive napkins in vibrant tones; dishtowels are a good alternative. Use complementary colored plastic napkin holders; shower rings work too.
• Select inexpensive silverware and mix and match plates from a thrift store or new ones from outlets. That way, if anything breaks it can be shrugged off, never spoiling the mood an outdoor feast always inspires.
• If you’re inviting friends, let them bring a dish or two, or help prepare the meal.
• Salad, pasta, cold meats and cheese with bread make a tasty meal. But, as we all know, when an American family congregates outdoors, it usually means a barbecue.

ENTERTAINING ROMANCE

• Envision you and your spouse or special friend dining under the stars, at a table bedecked with luscious flowers intertwined with ivy. Select softly-scented blooms that won’t overwhelm the delicious fragrance of your specially-prepared menu.
• Use antique linen handkerchiefs for napkins and tie them with a pastel ribbon. Select large garden leaves for placemats. Miniature edibles are great as name card holders.
• Silver candle holders are a must, as are your best china and silverware. Browse antique marts or consignment stores for unusual glassware. You can mix and match patterns for that “heritage” look.
• White wrought iron tables and chairs look like lace borders around bouquets. But if you’re on a budget, white or green plastic furniture can be attractive, especially if you generously drape the tables and chairs with matching fabric.

ALFRESCO WITH FRIENDS

• There is no better day than one spent with friends, sharing good food and conversation.
• Use folding wooden chairs stained in tones of yellow, blue and red. Tie a knot in matching checkered-pattern napkins and tuck in an ivy sprig. Arrange small flower pots, stuffed with moss to hold candles, around a pitcher filled with fresh flowers.

And, ENJOY!

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