Take it Outside!

Don't know about you but the weather in Texas lately has been amazing {as soon as I post this though the weather WILL change}.  But for now, I have done lots of yard work lately and the nice weather has got me thinking about entertaining outdoors.  Wouldn't you love to have a cocktail party on the patio, dine alfresco or just enjoy a glass of wine with a few friends enjoying the fresh air?

Here are a few ideas to make that special get together easy and stylish!!

Use outdoor pottery as a wine chiller.

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Love the look of this large basket to contain your bar items. 

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LOVE this melamine collection from Pottery Barn - it looks like real Italian pottery in the picture.  The rope detail adds an unusual sophistication to outdoor dinnerware!

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Love this entertaining stand from Pottery Barn.  Great piece because it allows your table display to go vertical.  The top could be used for a candle to create ambiance, and the other two layers for stacking plates and napkins.  Or use the top for a dip and have baskets of dippers like crackers and veggies on the other two layers.

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Check out these Super Chill servers from Frontgate.  Made to keep your "cool" items chilled for up to eight hours without need for ice and with no condensation.  And they're stylish too!

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What about hosting an outdoor screening of your favorite movie under the stars?

Here's an outdoor movie screen - too cool!  This is quite an investment because you have to buy the projector and stand - but I also researched and you can rent the whole shabang from local rental companies for about $299 to accommodate 10 guests in your backyard.

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Cute paper containers for fruit salad serve with skewers instead of silverware. 

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Ok, ok....I know this is totally out of the budget for most of us.  But we can dream can't we?  Wouldn't this be awesome for making wood-fired pizzas?

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Now get out there and enjoy the weather...or as we say in Texas "at least while it lasts"!