DECKED
OUT

June 8, 2007

Are you truly ready to dine outdoors?

As the sky turns into the perfect shade of cobalt blue, and a warm breeze begins to blow across your face, you feel yourself beckoned to entertain outdoors. Before your next spontaneous picnic or grill, make sure you have the dining decor to pull it off with ease and flair!

Sure, you could throw together an informal get-together on the fly, but why not heighten the moment with details that show your savvy style? Leave the boring white paper plates and cups for the backyard family reunions with melting snow cones and sticky fingers. What you're brewing is for grown folks!

Start by selecting a simple color theme that will be reflected throughout the decor, such as a bright mix of magenta and orange. Next, choose a tablecloth in one of the colors, and use the other color for the decorations. Bring an eclectic edge to the table with inexpensive patterned plastic plates, such as these melamine patterned dinner plates. When paired with crystal glasses and polished silver, these plates will blend in like your best china--and they're much easier to clean afterward. Last, use an airy centerpiece of green moss or daisies to keep your table looking unaffected, yet completely pulled together.

Delicious and decadent!

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