outdoor entertaining
There are 10 entries for the tag
outdoor entertaining
If you wish to make a statement, check out the exceptional wicker collection from Emu. It is nothing like you ever seen before.
The Yucca chairs were featured on an episode of Take It Outside where they were used as dining chairs. The high back means that adds lots of impact to a garden.
The chaise longue goes hip with the Alveo chaise. The semi-covered chaise spreads in a seat and a footrest. The shapes are pretty cool. The cover protects from sunrays and creates a cozy space that can be shared by two persons.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 1:37 PM | Feedback (0)
We reached the time where outdoor furniture and accessories start to go on sale. I find you a few interesting deals.
Three models at Restoration Hardware are available at less than $280. You could opt for the modern Del Mar Fire Pit/Grill, the Provencal style of the Antibes Fire Pit/Coffee Table or the Classic Copper Garden Fire Pit.
If you like the copper look, Target sells a similar model. To save more, buy the Copper Fire Bowl online since you can save 15% when you spend online $125 or more on furniture, patio furniture and lawn and garden items. The Copper Tub available at Smith & Hawken will complement the look.
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OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:15 PM | Feedback (0)
This white and red backyard shares the South Beach hip vibes. This is the outdoor space of a couple with young children.
The magnificent backyard of Doris and Anthony Lapico was featured in Canadian House and Home last summer.
The couple divided their huge backyard in activity zones. From the draped cabanas to the open air bar in the pool house to the ceiling fans over the dining tables, every detail contributes at making this stylish outdoor a paradise.
7 Design Tips for the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
If you are planning to redo your backyard, remember the 7 design tips for an ultimate outdoor entertaining space:
- Every wonderful backyard starts with great space planning. Think about the function, the circulation path and the flow when you design the areas.
- Instead of one huge dining table, Doris opted to line up 3 dining tables. When needed, you can split the tables between the kids and the adults.
- Provide the ultimate comfort by installing an awning plus a couple of wall-mounted ceiling fans over the dining area. You get more design options and can cover a larger surface if you opt for a non-retractable awning.
- Placing the bar inside a pool house with a full window wall extends the bar usage to rainy days or cold nights. It is also simpler and cheaper to install a bar fridge, an ice maker and a sink if your bar is inside.
- Do not be afraid to add glamour to your décor. Play with contrasts to surprise your guests. Here the chandelier and the ornate mirror add sophistication to modern furniture.
- Your backyard should look and feel amazing at daytime and nighttime. You want to fully enjoy every corner all day long. The activity that you do may change during the course of a day but all the space must stay usable.
- Backlighting is an amazing technique to add drama. Softly illuminate the areas where you wish to promote intimate conversations.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:29 PM | Feedback (0)
G. from my network got a fabulous idea. He organizes weekly friendly pétanque games in the park. Everyone brings their own boules and food. He brings a portable BBQ.
Make Your Own Club
Sometimes entertaining can be as simple as planning and hosting an event around an hobby. Everyone can bring their own stuff. Still, the investigator receives the merits of organizing the event.
G. uses Facebook to inform us of the event and gather attendances. It is quick and easy to set up. We have an informal meeting but you can easily make a league and keep leader boards.
Obviously, you can devise a Provincial party theme for an annual picnic event. Most cities require a permit if you wish to host a picnic of 25 persons or more in a city park. Often the fees will guarantee you a spot with tables and a few BBQ. Ask if you are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
You can find across America Pétanque clubs with actual pétanque courts. But it is not a must to play; you can play on grass if you have to. It is better to play on a hard dirk surface. Remember that the boules must be able to roll. If you like the game, here are so clues on how to build your own pétanque court.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
OUTDOOR parties
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
I have a thing for square modern pools that are more on the Zen minimalist side. As you can see by looking at these pictures, you can create an elaborate pools with clean lines.
The first pool (1) is an ad from House of Lavande, the vintage jewelry shop. The pool is so hip! If you like fashion and jewelry, you must check their site.
The other pools are from the portfolio of two Canadian pool makers: Poolscape from Burlington, Ontario and Valley Pool & Spa from Kelowna, British Columbia.
Poolscape
The Altantic Edge (2) is the cliché vanishing edge pool done at the cottage. That pool features 12 foot tiled step and a natural style catch basin (viewable from the lake).
Orchard Beach (3) is a concrete pool with a tile interior. This pool has steps at three extremities. It shows that you can integrate a modern shape pool with a traditional house. Both styles get harmonized through the materials and finishes. This pool built in Oakville featured a Riverflow swim jet for swimming against the currents.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 07, 2008 4:20 PM | Feedback (1)
To answer a reader request, I searched for more sources of Koziol. This time I searched in Canada.
I told you this week that was harder to find retailers in North America for Koziol. A sad thing!
A Confirmed Retailer in Montreal
I am happy to report that a small retailer in Montreal carries many Koziol products. Chez Farfelu Maison just received a new shipment of cool kitchen and bathroom accessories.
Missing Opportunities
As many small retailers in Quebec, Chez Farfelu Maison does not have a Web site. Specialized independent retailers often carry unique stuff but the lack of a well documented Web site makes the task of finding them a lot harder. I made 7 phone calls to dig one retailer that carries Koziol.
Categories:
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Feedback (5)
Living in a 4 season climate enhances the joy that we feel when the warm weather comes back.
It is the best time to introduce the summer 2008 collection from a brand that symbolizes Design, Happiness, Life and Values. I am talking about Koziol, the German company that was founded in 1912 by Bernhard Koziol.
Design, Happiness, Life and Values was the 4 world themes that they presented at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt last February. The summer 2008 Koziol collection hit the shelf mid-March 2008. I am showing my favorites.
Outdoor Entertaining
A must outdoor entertaining is the new PURE series with carafe, cups, bottle cooler and tray. A specially engineered lid keeps out dust and insects. Cool! The same lid keeps in ice cubes and lemon slices while pouring.
Categories:
COOKING tools
OUTDOOR living
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Feedback (7)
The romantic feeling that you get when you visit an Anthropologie shop appeals even to a modernist like me. Once again, I felt under the charms of their lively dinnerware.
Fresh Floral Dinnerware
This Far Afield dinnerware pattern screams summer on the good way. It is perfect for hosting a brunch and for casual family events.
The plates, bowls and mugs are sold individually to suit your taste and budget. You can easily mix this bold floral pattern with solid color dinnerware than you already own.
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Feedback (0)
Things can be bold, cheerful and playful and still convey a mature look. Fun tableware goes hand in hand with spring and summer entertaining. I went on a lookout for festive glasses to decorate in a flash your table settings.
I started my search with the Scandinavian designers since designing lively and fun patterns is one of their strength. I found what I was looking for at BodaNova. Founded in 1971 in Boda, Sweden, BodaNova is now part of Iittala Group.
One Tube - Four Glasses
The tube package is really neat. With pattern names like Joy Smile, Joy Fun, Joy Happy, Joy Play, One Tube - Four Glasses conveys Glad to Be Here when you give it to the hostess. Handy to carry around, you can buy a set or two for when you go to picnic.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
OUTDOOR living
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
Instead of talking style I will talk about function. Whenever you are designing an outdoor space for entertaining, you must fulfill the function before the styling can begin. My 5 tips are to design a backyard for grownups.
Plan well defined areas
Staying at the exact spot for the entire party during is quite boring. The best party designers know that time seems to pass faster if you move your guests around from one area to the next.
To make the best use of this trick from the trades I suggest you plan a barbecue / food preparation area, a lounge area and a dining room. Place the lounge area as far as you can from the dining room.
Do not put too close either the barbecue from the dining room because of the heat and the smells. Plan to get a few sitting places close by the barbecue. A simple bench works fine. This way, a small number of guests can hang around comfortably with the cook.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, July 20, 2007 10:07 PM | Feedback (5)