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Monday, March 25th, 2019
The Le Cercle Round Dining Table from Fine Furniture’s Deco Collection can be the ‘meeting table’ for your next neighborhood activity. It’s reliable and fashionable, just like the good neighbor that you are.
Haven’t you noticed that there is at least one house on every block that’s considered the social hub? It is easy to spot one – just take a careful look at the number of kids that drop by there and the parents who chat while sitting on the porch – everyone just seems to be drawn to that spot.
If you know, deep inside, that you’re not meant to be a wallflower, then it’s time to take some drastic steps. You can be the next hangout house on your block. And, yes, there are ways that you can bring more people to your lovely home.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
What better way to begin than to paint your front door a bright color?
Red is known to be the most welcoming but if you want something more cheerful, there’s always sunny yellow.
And please don’t stop with that welcoming front door. You can always add pops of colors on the porch. Some flowerpots will certainly increase your home’s cozy vibe.
A Furnishing That Says Hello
Another way to draw in some neighbors is to hang a porch swing. This will certainly catch the attention of kids and adults alike.
If you have a spacious lawn, then you can also hang tire swings for the young ones. These will pretty much scream irresistible to all the neighborhood kids. It’s also an effective way to detach the younger generation from their gadgets.
Attract the neighborhood kiddos by inviting them to snack indoors with your little ones. They can raid your well-stocked cupboard or buffet. The simplest things such as lemonade and cookies or some popsicles should be good enough for these little ones.
Dine Outdoors
Did you know that food can actually taste better and can even be digested more easily if you dine outdoors?
This means you could be healthy as you also invite your neighbors to bring food as you spend a few hours of neighborly feast. So go ahead and de-stress by firing up the grill and inviting your neighbors over. Don’t pay too much attention on the food that you’re going to serve. What matters is that you leave your gadgets behind and you just enjoy an evening full of conversations.
If you prefer to eat outdoors in the morning, and you should because it’s spring and it’s warmer out, then you even get the added benefit of being flooded with Vitamin D.
A Neighborhood Tradition Does It
You can also begin a tradition such as setting up a porch table every weekend. This is a great way to catch up on neighborhood gossip – ahem – life stories and also a wonderful way to share some baked goodies.
Putting out some coffee and pastries out in your porch is also a relaxing way to begin your weekend mornings. If you’re a night owl, then you can always set up cocktails on Friday evenings after work.
If doing this weekly is a bit tiresome for you, then you can always hold a monthly tradition instead.
Begin a Garage Biz
If you’ve been meaning to clean out your garage, then this is also the perfect time to do so. Hold a bazaar right in your garage.
You get to revamp this part of your home plus you also earn some cash as some of your neighbors purchase your old stuff as bargain pieces. Be sure to set fun prices so that the activity is more exciting rather than a serious endeavor to earn money.
Imperfect Is Fine
Lastly, if you want to be the next social hub, try to relax. If you’re so tight and caught up with fixing and making things perfect, then you fail to enjoy the moment.
Allow the kids to run around. It’s okay to set limits but resentment should not be built all because of these rules. It’s also alright if you run out of food, just ask some of the neighbors to pitch in and you’d be surprised how obliging they would be.
Your genuine presence is the most important thing so be there.
Tags: dining outdoors, hangout spot, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neighborhood social hub, outdoor dining, outdoor dining area
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on 6 Tips on Being the Next Neighborhood Hangout Hub
Wednesday, August 9th, 2017
Fine Furniture Design Biltmore Collection : Dining Al Fresco has never been this stylish.
What comes to your mind when you see people dining outdoors? Especially when you see candelabra, elegant chinaware, crystal glasses, and silver cutlery, there is nothing that can prevent you from thinking elegance, right?
If you’re not a huge fan of casual dining then an al fresco setting is perfect for you. As soon as spring and summer come up, you should seriously think about bringing your family outdoors to enjoy a little breeze and a view of the stars as you laugh and dine.
Take the time to research about al fresco dining and you would actually be surprised that more customers prefer to reserve outdoor tables. Some even wait as long as half an hour just to get an outdoor setting.
Taking advantage of skyline views, sunset, waterfront sceneries, and people talking means you’re ready to drink in a little energy even while you’re relaxing and dining with your loved ones or a special someone.
Al Fresco Dining Factors
There are inevitable factors to consider when you want to dine outdoors. First off, the weather. Imagine enjoying your well done steak only to be soaked in torrential rains later. There’s nothing cool about that (al fresco is the borrowed Italian term for in the cool air).
Another thing that you should look into are the things that you companions want. There are people who do not feel comfortable eating al fresco. Though there may be amazing views, the noise level might get to them or the wait time could bother them. Still, there are those who want to have a TV screen in front of them while they’re dining. Consider these things when you want to set up al fresco dining.
Functional and Stylish Al Fresco Dining Area
Just as you would decorate the interiors of your home, you should also consider what theme to use outdoors. Set up a Mediterranean courtyard by having a stucco fireplace as the focal point. Have the dining table in front of this lovely fireplace – be sure to put it dead center – then create classic symmetry by having the chairs arranged around the table.
You can also go for the Victorian look by adding some historic details such as some gray arbor frames. Put these by the fireplace to create an interesting focal point. After dining, you could even invite your guests to tour the rest of your garden.
An Asian-inspired pergola can also be designed for this special dining area. Create a balanced look with mismatched chairs painted white. Find cushions that can be used to unify the look. If you want, you can even mix old and new stuff to achieve an eclectic design.
If colors make you gaga, then you can also set up a colorful yet simple al fresh dining space. Dress up a round dining table with patterned tablecloth. Use a good number of equally colorful throw pillows and a fundamental centerpiece.
You can also go neutral by adding a simple dining set and decorating with potted plants. Create this setup on your porch. If not, you can also have a white dining table paired with crystal candlesticks, white walls and white furnishings.
When you’re feeling all romantic, you can also dine al fresco. Just add a basket weave canopy over the dining area, create subtle lighting, and use mismatched, wooden furniture pieces. This rustic look should create an elegant vibe.
Conclusion
Now that the clouds have cleared, it’s time to go out and enjoy the views. You don’t just do this with hiking excursions or camping trips. Now, even when you’re home, you can set up a dining area on the porch or right on the garden and get fortified with Vitamin D and have your mood boosted.
Tags: al fresco dining, dining al fresco, dining outdoors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Dining Al Fresco: Making Dining Outdoors a Success
Wednesday, June 14th, 2017
Vitrine by Biltmore
There is really something special about dining outdoors. You get to take advantage of the warm, sunny weather while also enjoying the beautiful landscape, or you simply entertain people during the more pleasant seasons. And since it’s summer, oh you just gotta take advantage of the warm weather to dine al fresco.
But are there any special rules in creating an al fresco set up? Or do you already have the design elements needed to create the perfect outdoors setting?
Special Yet Nothing Special
Don’t overthink it. Just set up the regular dining table and chairs in your backyard or the patio. You see, there really isn’t one layout that would work for all types of homes. The more that you make the setup look like the regular deal and make dining outdoors seem like a routine, then you won’t appear trying too hard.
It’s All About the Light
Lighting makes all the difference especially when you would like to dine al fresco during the evening. Install café lights and keep them there for the entire summer season. Also, bring out all those scented candles and votives for obvious mood lighting.
Just make sure that the area is fire safe so that you can dine with peace of mind.
Just a Few Stuff
It doesn’t take much to enjoy dining al fresco. Sometimes, you don’t even have to set up a dining ensemble just to host an outdoors dining party. Bring out a thick blanket instead and some utensils plus a bottle of wine. As your guests arrive – the closest friends won’t mind being silly with you anyways – spread the blanket then bring out the bottle of wine, paper cups, and slices of cheese.
Such impromptu settings just happen. So, once again, don’t overthink it.
Tablecloth: Your New Best Friend
Choose some tablecloths that excite your senses. Even during the summer, weather outdoors can still be harsh. Since this is so, do a quick wipe down before you throw that lovely tablecloth on the dining table. You can also use a butcher paper as a table cover. This can make a huge difference in increasing the level of comfort in your al fresco setup.
Small Table Should Do It
Now that we’ve established how wonderful dining al fresco can be, you simply have to consider what sort of dining table you can actually take outdoors.
Remember that the dining table – not just the environment – can set the mood for the best outdoors get-together. Pick a casual, small dining table so that the ambience remains warm and homey. Dining outdoors doesn’t have to automatically mean that the environment becomes non-private. The closeness that you establish because of the more intimate setting will make your hosting something to talk about for a long time.
The key to this entire dining outdoors setting is to find the right pieces of furniture that will be able to accommodate your family, even some friends.
Consider the Outdoors Space
Your outdoors setting needn’t be sprawling. Just like the table, all you need is something simple yet chic. If you have a nice span of grass, then make good use of it.
Set Up Proper Seating
The next thing that you need to consider is the right kind of seats for your al fresco setup. If you want to enjoy the party while sprawled on the grassy ground, then all you need are some throw rugs. Throw in some pillows to make the setting more comfy.
If you want the more traditional route, then set up a long table on the patio and bring out matching or mismatched chairs – it really doesn’t matter. What truly matters is that you show a bit of your personality as you create the perfect al fresco dining experience.
Tags: al fresco dining, dining al fresco, dining outdoors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Dining Al Fresco: How to Enjoy Your Family Meals Outdoors
Monday, December 19th, 2016
Uttermost Accessories Suzuha Large, Finial 19235 is an interesting decor for your outdoor setup.
If you’re thinking of entertaining friends and family during the holidays but are problematic about the amount of space needed to do that, then have no fear. Your festive ideas can still come into fruition if you learn to use the outdoor space to your advantage.
Here are some outdoors ideas that will make the holiday season truly a moment of merriment –
Create a Makeshift Bar
All you would need is a sleek cart for your outdoors bar and you could start prepping and serving your guests with luscious cocktails. Any space in your front or backyard could be transformed into that holiday makeshift cocktail station.
In the absence of a bar cart, you can also set up card tables for that makeshift buffet or bar. Just cover it with a tablecloth or a plain white sheet and you’re done.
Add some barware, cutting board and some seasonal décor and you’re good – you’re absolutely good.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042
Or a Coffee Cart
You can also repurpose your garden or bar cart to a mobile breakfast station. Add some gourmet coffee and some juice choices plus some newspapers for the complete breakfast experience.
Ask Guests to Contribute to the Fun
No, don’t think that they’re going to bring decorative items. Just ask them to make memories with you buy bringing some musical instruments that they can play. You could jam with them for nights of musical entertainment.
Apart from musical fun, your guests could also add some puzzles and games to what you already have in your collection. Make sure the kids have their own crafts and other fun activities so that both adults and small ones would have a grand time.
Set Up Outdoor Furnishing
Limited on furniture for your outdoor haven? No problem. Bring some pillows and blankets and they’d instantly become the cozy fireside seating units for your guests and loved ones.
If you are expecting a group that’s much larger than your dining room, then you have more reason to set up the outdoors. Find an outdoor dining table that will be able to accommodate the extra guests.
‘Thinking of using hardwood table? Just make sure that it will be set up in a covered area or a part of your yard that can have a makeshift roof should the elements rain down on your holiday refuge.
Now, as you set up the dining table, just don’t be content with a bare look. Decorate it. Go bananas on your lanterns and centerpieces. Or you could take some ideas from al fresco dining restos such as setting up some metallic chairs and tables underneath a picnic umbrella. Sitting on metal doesn’t mean you have to suffer from discomfort so make sure that the seats are still comfortable. You can provide some thick colorful cushions to up the level of comfort while also adding pizzazz to your design.
Prepare for Chilly Nights
You must also prepare for chillier evenings. Have an outdoor fireplace set up or just have a fire pit built especially for your outdoors entertainment area. This fire pit is a surefire way to make the entire area more inviting.
Let the Lights Glow
But what is an outdoor entertainment area without the bright lights? Be sure to install ample lighting – don’t worry, you won’t need a lot – just enough so people could have their merriment while still seeing each other. If you’re thinking of a romanticized version of an entertainment area where candles are lit, then be sure to have these lights protected from the elements.
You might want to install stair and pathway LED lights, too, especially when you’re entertaining during the evening. All lighting fixtures must be outdoor-rated so it will be able to take cold, hot or damp weathers. Weatherproofed lighting is the only way to go if you want you and your guests to be safe.
Tags: Christmas dining, dining outdoors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor dining
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
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