ShareBe a standout in your neighborhood with an inviting front door. Try a splash of gorgeous color to boost curb appeal and to make your front entry more welcoming.
11 Inviting Colors to Paint a Front Door
Are you bold enough to give the exterior of your home a POP of color?
ShareEven though it resembles a kitchen strainer, 4Grammy was the first to guess correctly. The fly chair by Zanotta is a versatile furniture piece because of its clear carbon frame and quota fabric. I picture it sitting in an outdoor space or an urban loft because of its futuristic look. What room in your home would you place the chair in?
Check back next Wednesday to guess at a new item.
ShareLet’s be honest: Whatever you’re doing right now, you’d rather be at the beach. I know I’d like to get some sand between my toes. If you’re land-locked like me but longing for the ocean, channel that into a beach-inspired picnic at the park (or at the sandy lake shore.) Here’s what you’ll need.
The Menu Game Plan
Fresh, easy-to-prepare recipes are ideal picnic fare. Here’s what to serve at your beachy meal:
Eggplant Chips With Cilantro Pesto: This sweet, baked take on potato chips uses in-season eggplant. Pack the pesto in a screw-top jar for easy serving at your picnic.
Pressed Italian Sandwiches: These sandwiches from The Cilantropist were practically designed to be picnic fare: You “press” it overnight under something heavy in the fridge (think a can or two of tomatoes), then slice, wrap in paper and tie with twine. The result: an easy-to-eat, delicious sandwich that won’t be worse for the wear if the pasta salad shifts during transit.
Tuscan Pasta Salad With Grilled Vegetables: It’s the picnic staple…with an Italian twist. Make this pasta salad, studded with bits of sweet grilled fennel and bell peppers, up to 6 hours before you plan to serve it.
Cheesecake In a Jar: A picnic is the perfect time to cash in on the “food in jars” trend. Individual cheesecakes tucked into jars are easy to transport and easy to eat. Top with your favorite in-season fruit. Make at least 5 hours before your picnic, or the night before.
Sand Dollar Cookies: How adorable are these sand dollar cookies?! Give homemade snickerdoodles a beachy touch with a few slivered almonds like Elizabeth from Delicious Inspiration did.
Coastal Citrus Punch: Mix up this summery take on sangria in a glass jug for easy transport.
ShareDo you see that guy reading a book? I want to be him. The Nestrest by DEDON is a blissful way to relax — you can hang it from a tree or let it sit on the ground in your backyard (or front yard to make your neighbors jealous). French designers Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety made this pod to camouflage with the surrounding environment, while providing a private shelter that enwraps the person inside. You could pair it with the summer iglu Grant found at High Point Market to take outdoor lounging to a whole new level.
ShareI don’t know about your furry friend, but my Yorkie loves being outside when the weather gets warmer. I worry about her getting heat exhaustion though — so while shopping around for a cute little doghouse, I ran across these sustainable doghouses by Sustainable Pet Design. This doghouse barn features a green roof, so the pet-friendly design also helps the environment. Sustainable Pet Design ships their doghouses along with drainage material, filter fabric, soil mix and a list of native plants in your region. Now all you need to get are some cute overalls and a straw hat for your dog, and he’ll fit right in this barn!
ShareWell hello, Freebie Fridays fans! Hope you’ve been enjoying spring as much as I have. You told me your favorite spring activities, from the time-honored sport of “porch sitting” to spring cleaning to gardening to backyard barbecues. Fun, fun, fun! Now are you ready for me to tell you who won this month’s prize, two super-cool convertible benches from Lifetime?
Lifetime Convertible Benches
This month’s winner is Sandy, whose favorite thing about spring is the new foliage on the trees. Sandy has two weeks to respond to our messages before we pick another random winner. Congratulations, Sandy!
Come back on May 2 for another great outdoor giveaway — don’t miss it!
ShareIt’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.
ShareOn this day in 1955, Disneyland opened to the public. The California amusement park was unlike anything America had ever seen. It was a longtime dream of the renowned film producer, businessman and innovator. Walt Disney’s influence on art, culture, entertainment, business and beyond continues. Licensing of classic Disney characters and new favorites is big business, but with Walt Disney Signature, the company is reaching a new audience: adults who appreciate sophistication, inspired by the imagination and artistry of Walt Disney. Walt was known for elegant style and attention to detail in all facets of his life, perhaps especially at home. That’s what these collections are all about.
Launching in 2006, Walt Disney Signature ventured into the home entertainment and outdoor market this spring. Chelsey and I saw the pieces and met some of WDS team at High Point Furniture Market. We might as well have been in Neverland; we were hooked.
If only I had a garden patio:
The Walt Disney Signature Griffith line by Veneman Collections was named after the Griffith Park carousel where Walt Disney spent time with his family and where he dreamed about creating a large-scale attraction — a place where children and adults could play together. The pattern on the upholstered cushions is inspired by Eyvind Earl’s fantastical illustrations from Sleeping Beauty.
On June 17, 1955, Walt invited the press to Disneyland for an invitation-only preview. It was the place to be. Welcoming the crowd, he said, “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you.”
Thank you, Mr. Disney. The inspiration and the magic continue as Walt Disney, the company, spreads its wings and stretches its imagination even further. I’m a fan. Do you like Disney’s newest creation?
More to come …
How to Mix Patterns. Get HGTV Tips + Shop the One Kings
Vintage Accessories. Be inspired by HGTV Designers, then
How to Choose the Right Rug. Celebrity Designer Tip + Shop
How to Choose Wall Art: Get HGTV Celebrity Designer,
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