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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in small businesses and nonprofit organizations, and Managing Partner of SevBerg Global, LLC, a creative marketing and business consulting firm. |
| There are few hallmarks of spring and summer that catch our eye; like the pop of color Mother Nature gifts us with when the weather warms from the cold, harsh winter. Those colors are the perfect palette for outdoor decorating from springtime through summer’s end. If you like to entertain outdoors, you likely have dishes that provide the focal point for every occasion. Why not choose a new theme each time? Your table can take on new life with some quick changes. Mix flowers with everyday items in your home to give yourself varied options. Lemons in the fridge? Add them to a glass bowl with a few friendly daisies (cut the stems down first) for a lovely brunch centerpiece. Choose yellow and white for the balance of the setting: yellow napkins, a daisy on each plate and a white tablecloth or runner down the table’s center. Collecting sea shells when you visit the beach? Let them adorn your table – either collectively in a bowl or, if they are large enough, on a mirror for a unique centerpiece. Powder blue place settings and simple white votives will enhance the summertime theme at supper. If you happen to have a beautiful garden growing at your home, choose two types of flowers with colors that pair together nicely (pastel pink with a rich magenta or deep orange with yellow) for your upcoming party. Try arrangements that are kept low but full and place them along the length of your table (short glass vases work perfectly here) for a lush look that does not impede conversation across the table. Napkins and a runner will look lovely when matched to one of your two flower colors. Crisp whites, done in layers, make a stunning display. From white dishes and linens, to flowers and candles, the varied materials will be visually striking. If your yard has a pergola or other shade covering, use stringed lights or an outdoor chandelier to add ambiance and soft lighting for evening entertaining. If you’re using folding chairs and want to step up your game with chair coverings, you can add vine or garland to complement a simpler table setting. It will bring the whole look together, particularly for a backyard wedding, shower, or other special occasion. Does your yard have other seating like fireside tables or outdoor couches? You can carry your theme to these areas inexpensively with pillows and candles or with an additional, smaller centerpiece to match the one on the dinner table. Bring in colors and materials that naturally blend with the season – woods, shells, plants, and citrus fruits (the suggestion with lemons also works well with oranges, limes or grapefruits). Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find small touches to add to your décor at Michaels, HomeGoods or even Pier 1. These small details will surely have an impact and leave an impression on your guests long after they’ve gone home. Entertaining is more than the meal. Set the stage with a tablescape that captures the mood and welcomes your guests when they arrive. Have fun! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 