Deck Decorating

On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.

Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.

But Veranda living is more than just a sense of "place". What really makes it memorable is the company of friends and neighbors, sparkling conversation, or a languid repose with a loved one.

A deck may not technically be a Veranda, but it can, nevertheless, be the perfect gathering spot where memories are made.

The key, however, to great deck entertaining is to have a great deck. Many people don't believe in decorating their decks but having good seating and some type of a theme can help make your deck the most beloved part of your home.

A favorite theme for a deck is "Outdoor Barbeque." Though not really an official title, a version of "Outdoor Barbeque" encompasses a nice deck, with a classy set of chairs and a table and a grilling area where your husband and his friends can show their talent on the grill. Sharing hamburgers and margaritas with your friends while you wait for the homemade ice cream to finish running - now that is my idea of putting a deck to good use.

On the other hand, a fun theme is great if you have kids. For example, the Beach theme is ever popular for decks. Beach and lounge chairs cover the deck with a table and chairs in the center covered in bright blue and white striped fabric. You can even use ropes, sails, nets, and lifeguard floats to hang from the sides of your fun deck and post flags from different Caribbean or Mediterranean countries on the corners of the deck.

Keeping a chest inside of beach paraphernalia - floats, leis, sunglasses, and even a pirate's eye patch will keep your children entertained as you try to prepare dinner.

You can also have a country theme on your deck. My great-aunt has this huge covered deck and on it she uses old barrels as side tables and chairs; for the chairs part of the barrel is cut for the back and the previous top of the barrel as nailed down as the seat. There's kind of a country atmosphere there with the added touches of old Pepsi bottles, signs, and tools hanging on the wall as well as flowers hanging from every corner of the roof.

Whatever theme you decide to use on your deck, the essentials are a table and chairs with some extra seating and side tables. If your deck is too small for that, you can simply purchase a couple of Adirondack chairs and side tables to match. Your parties may be smaller, but you can always put a picnic table in the yard to seat more people. Choose your own theme; a deck is a place where you can put your favorite random items to good use. So from Coca-Cola to country to classic, create your own deck decorations and spend the rest of the summer enjoying your friends on your jazzy new deck.

And no one will care if it's not an official Veranda.

Elizabeth Holly lives in the South and writes for women about fashion, fitness, frolic and focus. Visit her at http://www.elizabethholly.com

---

Is YOUR Home A Safe Home?

Do you or one of your family members suffer from... Read More

Light Up Your Life With Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced Foong Shway or Fung Shoy) is the... Read More

How to Select the Best Laminate Flooring for You

Hardwood flooring - its' traditional look is almost timeless, its'... Read More

Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding... Read More

Installing Retrofit and Replacement Vinyl Windows

In previous articles i explained to you how to determine... Read More

Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next?

Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

5 Reasons to Make Early Spring Firewood Time at Your Home

As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds... Read More

Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub

We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from... Read More

Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring

1) Red Oak is not the only choiceIf you want... Read More

Simple Way to Get More Heat from Your Fireplace

For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More

Hot Tubs Create a Backyard Oasis

What would you like in the backyard that is great... Read More

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Is Todays Popular Quest For Contemporary Design The New Bad Taste

Can you remember when people used to install slatted louvre... Read More

Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More

Seeing the Light

Lighting"Light has illuminated the path of humanity" ? While Einstein... Read More

Hot Tub Heaven

What will your next home improvement project be? Will it... Read More

Installing a Home Theater System

Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone.... Read More

Wholesale Vinyl Flooring Is Perfect For Wherever You Need It

Wholesale vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for people who... Read More

How to Deal With Contractors

Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors.... Read More

Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You

Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential.... Read More

Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when... Read More

Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century

Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the... Read More

Tips on Ladder Safety

PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on... Read More

Heated Driveways: Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How

What are heated driveways? The obvious answer is, "a driveway... Read More

Sparkling, Clean Lighting Will Add The Perfect Touch To Your Home

When one thinks of the many factors that affect the... Read More

Small Cabin Plans - Finding a Great Log Cabin Plan Online

Small cabin plans - how do you find that special... Read More

How to Choose a Freezer for Home

The average household freezer is a silent slave. It operates... Read More

Spring Deck Prep Tips

It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture... Read More

Selling Houses: Payback of Window Treatments

If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More

How to Select Exterior Shutters

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add... Read More

Hidden Causes of Water Damage in the Home

In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a... Read More