It’s that time of year when you want to do everything outdoors: eat, relax and of course, entertain. I don’t know about you, but my patio set looks a bit ragged from all the dinners and late nights last year. If you’re like me, you’ll love this month’s giveaway: an All-Weather Wicker Conversation Set from online home decor and furniture retailer hayneedle.com.
Palazetto Arbor All Weather Conversation Set
This patio furniture set is everything you need to move your living room outside: a loveseat, two chairs, a coffee table and an end table. Plus, the durable canvas fabric cushions are water- and fade-resistant.
Wanna win it? Just leave a comment below this post. This month’s question: What’s your best outdoor entertaining tip or trick? (For ideas, check out our brand new outdoor entertaining guide.)
You may only comment once to be considered, and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited by law. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S., D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 years of age to win. All entries (comments) must be entered between 9:00 a.m. ET on May 4, 2012 and 12:00 p.m. ET on May 7, 2012. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of prize: $1,499.99. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a HGTV, 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37932.
Thick, comfortable cushions on the chairs will encourage guests to linger at the table
My best tip of all is to invite family and friends and let them help with the grilling. That way everyone
enjoys relaxing. Everyone brings a dish and catch up on old times.
I love having a a lot huge Umbrellas it help with the sun and it much colder and i love the bright colors.
I always try to decorate with anything 'natural'-leaves, fruit, and flowers of the season.
My tip is to know who you are entertaining, make sure you get the essential info ahead time because noone feels good when theyre serving food that somebdy can't eat. So make sure you know who your entertaining so you know how to make them feel comfortable while being at your home. That and have plenty of backups on deck!!
An ice maker is the best investment I have ever made for outdoor entertaining. It is great for drinks and for protection against spoilage. Storing enough ice for a party takes up valuable refrigeratior "real estate" and buying ice is a silly way to spend mone. My tiny machine gets lots of use and is great for any party.
I have not tips or tricks….I just go for it….
This would induce me to sit outside…. with a mojito.
Hang paper lanterns in trees above your entertaining space or around your fence or just hang them off your deck railing to get great ambience lighting while entertaining. This will put your guests at ease and keep the party going.
Plenty of seating and great views. People will want to stay and relax.
This would be a great addition to BBQ Thursdays at the office! http://www.conveniencegroup.com
Create additional ambiance with additional candle light at the tables.
Oh this set would look WONDERFUL on my deck!! Of course then I'd have to do a DYI project of adding a stone patio to move my dining table . . . but it would be worth it!!!
What a beautiful set. This would be perfect for my backyard. I can picture myself lazing around on this on aa summer evening.
There is nothing better for outdoor living then having a water feature.
I always freeze ice cubes of the beverage or puree'd fruit for drinks.for outside entertaining..no watered down icky stuffs for my guests. This set is so beautiful…we don't have any seating outside….would be to have
Got my email wrong..saristarchild@gmail.com
Make sure you can time things to not only have the food and drinks ready on time, but so you can get to hang with your guests. This is so hard to do when we naturally run around during parties – but it is so important to take a time out and chat!
I put small tables and chair groupings at numerous locations all around my backyard pool area to encourage guests to move and mingle. I set out different drinks and appetizers at each location for added interest. Makes for a fun and comfortable event
That patio set looks beautiful!!! My tip would be to keep the food simple and the drinks cold!!!!
We added a flat screen TV outside – this would go perfect with this beautiful wicker set !
My best outdoor entertaining tip is to make the outdoors feel like the indoors. The furniture has to be nice and arranged in conversation areas. You can use outdoor rugs to define some of your conversation areas. Make sure that each seat is comfortable and has a great view of garden flowers or decor. Use real plates and silverware rather than paper and plastic to make your event feel luxurious. Have different kinds of lighting for the evening, even if you have to bring some lamps outside. And keep some beautiful throws handy so that when the evening chill comes you can keep the party outside. There is nothing like entertaining outdoors with the sky as your ceiling and the your garden as your walls. Enjoy!
If your guess are bring dogs over, place bags around for when nature happens.
Lots of beautiful flowers. Why be outside if you're not going to enjoy the wonderful colors that abound during spring/summer?
I have always been a grab-whatever-chairs-you-have or rock or log to sit-on person. But, I sure would love this beautiful set! I am working toward building my first-ever home and once it is up and the deck on, no more rocks and logs for seats for my guests. When entertaining outdoors my main focus are guests, sweets, and lemonade (only serve non-alcoholic beverages). Keep it nice for everyone.
Praying.
PS: There are some great tips on your link. http://adventurebuilding.blogspot.com/
My tip is to make sure the yard is free of bugs that would drive people inside or away. Comfortable seating, dining and relaxation items bring people outside & entice them to stay.
Beautiful furniture! As a first time homebuyer, this set is a dream!
My best tip is to make your outside space serve more than 1 function. I lament the fact that I live in a townhouse with a little concrete patio but it is enough to serve as a reading nook and a place to eat for a family of four. Outside has become my meditation station, where I grade papers, and a place to enjoy a nice meal but it would be better if I had this set!! Right now I drag kitchen chairs and a table from inside outside. It works and I fully believe in embracing what you have but I am looking for a better solution. Either way. I love being outdoors!
My best tip is to keep the food inside to keep the bugs away, but is still accessible to guests. Plus it keeps he ice from melting too quickly and food getting warm when it shouldnt be.
We had guests over for Cinco de Mayo. I had the fountain on, soft music and white rope lights around my deck. It was a lovely evening. If it was cool, I would have fired up the chimenea with pinon wood.
Would love to have this set to finish off the area. Thanks.
My best outdoor entertaining tip is a simple one.
Never let the ice jingle in a guests cocktail glass.
Music to set the mood from outdoor speakers, good food/drinks and being a relaxed hostess. Easy to do if you've done your planning. Make it look easy & guests will be impressed!