The Perfect Wedding

I am thrilled to share that the design of my life is changing.  I am officially engaged to be married!  This is a most exciting time, as I have been blessed with a wonderful man who will, in a few short months, be my husband.  So if you will indulge me, I foresee aspects of wedding planning popping up here and there in my future columns.  For today, I would like to share some thoughts on how we view “the perfect wedding.”

For me, “the perfect wedding” is far less about “the big day” and so much more about the life that leads up to it.  Yes, the little girl fairytales of the dress, the cake, and the flowers are memorable elements along the way to developing our creativity and imagination.  And I would not trade my memories of how I viewed being a bride dating back to even my kindergarten days.  Those were some of the earliest starts to my love of design and creating.  As I look at my little nieces now, I wonder how what their little eyes will be taking in during the months to come will start to shape their picture of their walk down the aisle one day.  And yet, my hope is that what we convey as a family shines more light on Who designed the path that is leading up to my walk down the aisle to my future husband.

My perfect wedding will be possible because we serve a Risen Savior Who has loved me so much that He has had a plan for my life that has been diligently carried out since before I was born.  So many things have come together in His perfect timing to get to this day.  That doesn’t mean I was always patient, or that I always knew exactly where I was headed.  However, my trust was, and is, and will continue to be in that the Lord’s design for my life is what is perfect.  His plans, His vision, His timing – those are beautiful things to follow after. 

Here in the Valley just like everywhere else in our nation, we have young people pursuing an education without quite knowing what steps beyond that will be possible.  We have families spreading themselves thin and seeing that their finances are not carrying them as far as they have in the past.  We have marriages that are struggling under the weight of expectations not reached.  We have youth so focused on today that the consequences for tomorrow are not acknowledged.  And yet, we have hope.  We have the opportunity to hand our lives over to a Heavenly Father Who loves us more than we can fathom.  We have the privilege of letting the Master Designer unfold a path in front of us and walk with us along the way.

A decade ago, I could not see how I would arrive at this chapter in life.  But I knew it was coming.  I will be working behind the scenes to ensure that the little girl fairytale elements come to life on our wedding day.  Yet, as a couple, we will know that our perfect wedding really is wrapped up in the moment we stand before our family and friends and vow before Christ that He chose us for each other, and that we will choose to love one another as only our Creator could have designed.     

 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 23rd.          

 

Krystal Krenek and Tyler Stenseng

       

Investing in Your Curb Appeal

“Curb appeal” encompasses how well the state of your home’s exterior is showcased for all passersby to see.  There are many elements to consider on the checklist of maximizing your curb appeal and showing off your home’s best side. 

 A manicured lawn is always going to go over better than an overgrown mess lacking attention and consistent maintenance.  A lawnmower and an edger go a long way, as does some proper landscaping.  Simple landscaping can give the front view of a home quite a boost, including hedges or bushes to soften the front line of a home and beds that include flowering plants or xeriscaping with drought-tolerant vegetation for low maintenance ease. 

The front door is the main focal point, so drawing positive attention to it makes a nice statement.  A couple of coats of paint in a bold shade like yellow, teal, or red can be a surprising welcome.  If your home has shutters, a fresh paint job can also freshen up the exterior.  Black shutters on a gray home are dressy, and other neutral-shaded homes can rightly be accented with everything from white shutters to shades of blue or chocolate.  Matching trim paint to shutters highlights the architectural details of a home’s shape and provides a cohesive look all the way around. 

Outdoor lighting lets your home shine after the sun goes down.  Sconce lighting fixtures mounted on each side of the front door do double duty for appearance and safety.  Lighting your front porch area can also be accomplished through can lighting installed in the ceiling over the porch or “up” lights lining the front perimeter between your home and hedges.  If you have a front walkway, it can be outlined with freestanding, solar powered stake lights or have two decorative pole lights at the end of your sidewalk by the curb. 

The little accents can go a long way as well.  An attractive mailbox, modern house numbers, a wide welcome mat, large potted plants or topiaries flanking the front door, and decorative outdoor pillows in Adirondack chairs or a porch swing can all come together to tell the neighborhood that your home is cared for in and out, and you have style to spare.  Eye-catching curb appeal says a lot about the value of your property as well as how you value the warm and welcoming place you call home, stylish home.        

 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 16th.       

 

 

The Big News . . .

How Good Are Your Greens?

September is a transitional time here in the Valley.  If you stick to the rule about “no white after Labor Day,” you’re ready to put away the things of summer and usher in the things of fall.  However, it does not feel quite like pumpkins-and-fall-leaves time just yet.  But I am ready to change out the summer tablescape for something I would like to call “pre-fall.”

“Eat your greens; they’re good for you” – we’ve heard that advice forever.  Greens are good; they can be used on the table for more than just eating, too.  I feel there are several greens that are more season-neutral and can help fill in the gap when sand and shells are on their way out and acorns and gourds are yet to come.

Palm fronds are large and can make a simple and bold statement simultaneously when wrapped inside of a few tall glass cylinder vases.  They can be incorporated into a dining table centerpiece or used like pillars on a sofa table.  Moss, which comes in several varieties like reindeer, Spanish, sheet, and sphagnum, can line vases, cake stands, and trays and be a stylish base for a variety of decorations.  Light green hydrangeas and peony buds make versatile foliage that can mound over short vases and be attractive arrangements in a grouping or as a single piece. 

Boxwood is a trending greenery style that is found in preserved decorative pieces and wreaths that can accent shelving décor, tables, and entry doors.  Grasses come in a slew of varieties, both natural and faux, and can be potted and used as a scattered centerpiece or individual accent pieces of décor.  A green that does double duty – both for eating and decorating - is green apples.  Fill bowls or glass cylinder vases to set out on the kitchen island or counter or on a buffet or foyer table.  Artichokes and pears are other filler options for the same simple decoration. 

So oranges, reds, yellows, and browns – the shades of fall – are too cool-weather for our area just yet.  But greens are good to go at any time.  They can take you from post-Labor Day to pumpkin weather without breaking a sweat.  

 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 9th.

 

 

                             

Labor Day Weekend: Say Goodbye to Summer

Labor Day weekend is considered to be the final bow of summer.  As we await a more traditional feeling of fall here in South Texas, we also say goodbye to the annual three month stretch so centered on sun, water, and relaxing.  Here are some thoughts on giving summer a proper sendoff:

1.  Spend part of your long weekend engaged in an activity that has been the go-to pastime this season: at the beach, in the pool, in the backyard.  Whether you’re building sand castles, making laps, or grilling to perfection, enjoy your summer favorite before new options take its place in the months to come.

2.  Fire up the grill for some sizzling hamburgers or hotdogs and serve with sweet potato fries and all the trimmings.  It is a holiday weekend after all.

3.  Set up a lemonade bar along with your charcoal choices tomorrow.  Offer a few varieties of fruity syrups as optional mix-ins to dress up your pucker-up thirst quencher.

4.  Make your own popsicles with juice and fruit pieces in a popsicle mold or with paper cups, foil, and craft popsicle sticks.  Make a matching batch or a different variety to suit every taste.

5.  Check out some local sales’ selections for seasonal decorations, paper goods, and accessories you would be willing to put away now and pull out next June.

6.  Add summer produce staples to your grocery list to savor their flavors before their prime harvest windows close, like watermelon, peaches, strawberries, and the like.   

7.  Host a build-your-own bar that dishes up banana splits, ice cream sundaes, or floats in place of dinner one night.  The kids would be happy to skip straight to dessert.

8.  Camp out in the backyard just for the evening and tell ghost stories, roast marshmallows, look at the stars, and other campy activities that elicit summer memories.

9.  Start saving money now for the holidays – gifts, travel, and family events.  Putting aside some disposal income now will reserve it for special occasions just around the corner.  

10.  Get ahead and start making some to-lists for fall: projects around the house, decorating ideas for October, Christmas card photo concepts, and so forth.  The full swing of fall will be here before you know it, so choose to be prepared.      

Saying “so long” to summer is bittersweet as we reflect on the hot weather fun we’ve had while looking forward to savoring the fall season.  Marking this sentiment is fitting this anticipated Labor Day weekend that turns the page on another satisfactory summer. 

 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 2nd.

 

 

 

Designing Your Back-to-School Plan

Time management is of the essence when back-to-school is on the brain.  With multiple kids going in multiple directions, keeping track of schedules, activities, homework, and meals needs more than planning; it needs some designing. 

To keep over-scheduling at bay, have a realistic plan for how much your family can truly take on at once.  That may mean cutting back on extracurricular activities if last year left you feeling overextended.  Keep a master calendar and write in everything that takes up blocks of time: travel, parties, events, meetings, practices, games, and so on.  If it helps, schedule downtime so there is unstructured time to just let everyone “be,” like free weekends or a cleared weeknight.  Have a definite plan for how paperwork moves through your home office area to ensure notices from school come to you and not just the bottom of book bags and birthday party invitations make their way to both the calendar and the shopping list.    

Think ahead to keep last-minute rushing from wrecking your mornings.  After afternoon homework, have the kids pack their backpacks for the next day and store them in their appointed spot so there is no hunting post-breakfast.  If they play sports or participate in other activities, get all that gear together the night before and pre-load the car.  Pick out outfits the night before just before bath and bedtime routines are fully in motion.  That includes laying out everything – belts, jewelry, socks, shoes, and hair accessories.  Those last minute decisions can eat up precious time during busy mornings. 

Type out a master grocery list with columns of your regular household food items and products, print several copies, and highlight things as you run low or run out.  That way, you always have a consistent running list that makes trips to the store organized and thorough.  Pack as much of the lunchboxes as you can after dinner before you clean up the kitchen.  Keep a drawer or part of a shelf in the refrigerator designated for your prepped lunchbox containers.  

Designing a plan to keep your family on track and on time as school gets back in gear will make this fall-to-summer swing so much smoother.  Stay organized and prepared to keep last minute, late-making tasks off your to-list altogether.          

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 26th.

  

SIDEswiped

With the sofa taking the main stage in your living room seating, your side tables can take a back seat.  And yet, end tables play important roles in furniture arrangements.  They turn the corners between couches, loveseats, and occasional chairs, are home to lamps, and keep your coasters close.  What types of side tables are best with your furniture and for your style?

Style choices go on and on.  Big and blocky?  Light and feminine?  Wood tones or painted finishes?  Consider your overall furniture style, room orientation, and end table needs.  A curvy, full sofa can accompany a more substantial square table alongside.  A slim, sleek, modern couch with clean lines can cozy up to a round end table with a pedestal style base. 

Side tables can go in various directions with their finishes.  You can match or blend with other wood tones in your flooring, entertainment center, or other furniture.  You can select a piece with a metallic finish to add a different dimension and some formality to the space.  You can add a pop of color that stands out from your other furnishings.  Or you can really branch out with the use of a contemporary butler’s tray, tall lidded basket, or clear acrylic cube.    

End tables’ size should also stay within the depth in inches of your largest piece of furniture.  If your sofa is three feet from front to back, the table beside it should not be larger than three feet across the top.  It’s all about proportion.  For that reason, smaller side tables that are a bit shorter than the standard pieces make great connectors between two occasional chairs.  Whether round, square, or rectangular, tables between side chairs in your seating arrangement can be made to house a couple of coasters and a smaller-scale lamp.  Save any magazines or framed photos over a 4”x6” size for your coffee table, sofa table, or larger end table.  Additionally, larger lamps can take their place on the table between the couch and loveseat. 

For the best position, situate your end tables between furniture pieces to allow for the best traffic flow in and out of the space.  You want it unified and cozy while being easily accessible.  Also, consider the proximity to electrical outlets for lamp chords to best hide them and avoid any tripping accidents.

Ultimately, select pieces you love that really take their place among your furniture and do not just sit idly by.  Maybe you’re in the market for an update or are considering refinishing or adding a new coat of paint to your current end tables.  Because though they are smaller, side tables can be mighty stylish.            

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 19th.

10 Things: What You Can Do to Love Your Home More

Your summer vacation may have allowed a night’s stay in “the cutest little place you’ve ever seen.”  Or afternoon heat may be keeping you indoors in front of a home renovation show marathon on TV.  Whatever the cause, we can all get a “case of the blahs” when it comes to our satisfaction level with the state of our place.  Here are 10 simple steps to make a satisfactory comeback before trading in flip flops for closed-toe shoes is even on your radar screen.

1.  Reclaim a Space.  Pick one spot – a kitchen counter, desk, nightstand, dresser, or bathroom counter that you used to be able to see to the bottom of, and clear it.  Sort, throw away, and reorder to get that cluttered surface gleaming.  You never know what that one crystal clear spot might inspire you to work on next.

2.  Do the Shuffle.  Move the furniture around in one room, like your living room or bedroom or other stifled area.  A new look and orientation breathes new energy into a space, and it doesn’t cost a dime. 

3.  Replace Some Bulbs.  Letting burned out bulbs just sit is dreary.  And some old bulbs are still casting a yellow, dated light.  Update to bright white compact florescent bulbs (twisty bulbs, I call them) in key areas, and enjoy the renewed glow. 

4.  Updates Your Photo Frames.  If you display family photos in frames scattered here and there, make it a project to make them current and look for more candid shots in your digital collections to print.  Instead of what the kids looked like six years ago, display moments from your recent trip, the last wedding, or random action shots from this year.           

5.  Turn Knick-Knacks into Collections.  A random display of small decorative items leaves something to be desired.  Focus on groupings – on your end tables, nightstands, coffee table, and shelving – and arrange little collections.  A neat stack of books can be topped off with a candlestick and small figurine.  Put things together purposefully so you have something more artful and less erratic. 

6.  Spruce Your Bathroom.  Store every product and styling gadget out of sight in a drawer, cabinet, or lidded basket.  Hang a fresh hand towel daily.  Set out the “nice” hand soap for everyday use.  Essentially, treat yourself like a hotel guest.   

7.  Be a Pantry Detective.  Go through every staple item in your pantry and fridge in search of expiration dates.  Throw out all the late-date culprits.  Then admire the space you opened up and tidy as you leave.

8.  Make a Small Change.  Buy something small and trivial . . . and love the update.  Seriously, a new paper towel holder, set of salt and pepper shakers, or even a package of bright cocktail napkins can provide a little boost of that happy “I got something new” feeling, and you appreciate it all over again.

9.  Clean Your Windows and Mirrors.  A lot of elbow grease?  Yes.  A better outlook?  Yes. 

10.  Remake the Beds.  A littler fancier turndown service with the covers pulled back and the pillows professionally arranged can make going to bed in your home, sweet home that much sweeter. 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 12th. 

Going For Gold

As the Olympics captivate our TV screens, the focus on gold, silver, and bronze is ever-present for these few weeks this summer.  As our star athletes are shining across the pond, it makes me think of all things bright and shiny right here at home.

Metallics can have their place in a variety of décor themes.  You do not have to go all out in order to see some glistening accents in different rooms in your home.  You just have to know how to add little pops in all the right places.  Unless glitz and glam is your main home décor of choice, think small touches.  Framed mirrors in the hallway, over a foyer table, or mounted over the bathroom sink can go beyond wooden edges and take on jeweled or stone pieces, silver or mirrored accents, or other finishes that show off a metallic finish.  Furniture like sofas, occasional chairs, and headboards with a nailhead trim offer a subtle but still standout look of metal work. 

Fabrics can spotlight shining elements as well.  Bed linens and area rugs with woven threading in gold or silver can add a sophisticated touch, just as throw pillows with metal or jewel embellishments can dress up a casual couch.  Fancier touches can also be found in polished candlesticks, metal-framed photos, modern cabinetry hardware, lamps, and other decorations that you pepper across entertainment center shelving, end tables, buffets, hutches, or nightstands. 

Reinforce the word “formal” in your dining room with metallic chargers at each place setting with coordinating napkin rings and a centerpiece worthy of an Olympic podium.  If you have a light fixture overhead with something that sparkles or dangles, chandelier-style, even better.

Bring home your favorite version of the gold and consider your space the winner in every decorating event when you design with Olympic efforts in mind.          

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 5th. 

A Token Summer

Sometimes all you need is a familiar touch of those time-honored seasonal elements to keep things cool indoors while the summer temperatures continue to climb in the great outdoors.  For simple, easy additions to give your rooms a little sizzle, keep it updated while giving a nod to the traditional.

 Navy and white is the quintessential nautical theme, which pair perfectly for some summer flair.  Quick ways to add in navy and white, even if they are not part of your everyday décor, are placemats and napkins around the breakfast table, a printed runner rug in the hallway, a swapped-in coverlet for the guest bed with all-year white shams, and a handful of bright, printed throw pillows for the living room seating.  These two neutral shades accompany other colors like coral, aqua, lime green, and pink, which also lend themselves to this season’s look.    

Sand, shells, and starfish say summer supremely.  Say that six times fast.  Cake stands or glass cylinder vases with little beach scenes make quite the view down the center of a dining table or highlighted on a buffet or foyer table.  Layer sand, seashells, and other dried sea naturals for small vignettes that lend a breezy feeling to your space.  For the same type of layout, consider collections of lemons, limes, and oranges for a fresh and fruity arrangement instead. 

Other naturals that can make their way indoors include both natural and faux grass decorations, little potted herb gardens, and river rocks.  Whether accented on a coffee table, lined in a window sill, or filling a bowl on a night stand, earthy elements also provide small settings inside that represent their seasonal spots outdoors.  These can also be great souvenirs that will call up the memories of your summer vacation well into the fall. 

Taking it back to basics and putting your own modern spin on traditional tones of summer can feature some new decorations in your home without any hassle.  Quick, simple, and true-to-type decor can offer you a truly token summer.          

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 29th.

    

 

We Go Together Like . . .

Timeless duos: macaroni and cheese, peaches and cream, Bonnie and Clyde.  Some things just go together.  Design is no different.  Powerful combos add to the look of our homes, our wardrobes, and the styles that let us shine.

Colors combined show flair and visual interest in how we paint our walls, outfit our furniture, and stock our closets.  You can never go wrong with the classic black and white.  It’s traditional and yet always contemporary.  A twist is navy and white, which is a classic combo this time of year with its nod to the nautical.  Other popular pairs include navy and aqua, coral and turquoise, spring green and pink, and gray and butter yellow.  Think along these lines when picking new paint, upholstery fabric, bedding, rugs, invitations, jewelry, and handbags. 

Layering patterns together has gone beyond the old philosophy of one-at-a-time.  Put a lattice design, with its wide geometric print, with a tighter, more intricate pattern like a modern paisley or floral.  Mix a zig zag print with sunburst dots, or an animal print with a brighter solid.  The power of two is in letting each shine in its own individuality while making a unified statement together.  Think couches and throw pillows, rugs and drapes, sheets and comforters, and even accent wall wallpaper and headboards. 

Storage and organization go hand-in-hand.  Oh, you knew I had to throw that in.  Even great decorating can take a back seat when a home has an overall feel of clutter and chaos.  Meld organization techniques right into design by using attractive storage solutions: dark woven baskets, linen boxes with lids, fabric bins, and acrylic cases.  “A place for everything and everything in its place” is an organization motto to adhere to in order to keep your chosen design style in the spotlight.    

Good things can be better together.  The right pairings come together to make bolder statements than the individual pieces convey alone.  Take the Noah’s ark approach and move forward two-by-two to double up on style. 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 22nd.

A Sift-Through Summer

Summertime is a great time of year to get to some of those passed-over organization projects that the rest of the year seems too hectic for.  And while trying to beat the heat, staying indoors can pull double duty.  Here are some simple areas to tackle if your storage space could use some sifting through. 

Books – With the increasing use of eBooks, their paperback counterparts are not the only option anymore.  If your book collection houses selections you do not deem classics or read-again worthy, pull out the excess and donate or resale them to free up some storage or display space.

Movies and CDs – We all have movies that do not get watched again.  VHS tapes take up space, and not every home still has their player attached to their entertainment center.  DVDs are sometimes bought but are not considered real keepers.  And CDs are likely transferred to computer music files.  Old VHS tapes can be sorted through and donated.  DVDs and CDs in their original cases can be sold online for some easy extra cash.    

Toys and Games – Toys mount in a home like seemingly no other item.  Some board games are just taking up cabinet space but do not make the rounds of family fun night anymore.  Paring these down is a good family project that can free up space better used for more active household goods.  Toys and games make great garage sale items that can add money to your vacation fund.          

Seasonal Serving Pieces – Those melamine trays you bought a few springs back have not seen a backyard cookout since.  Your corn skewers are red with rust.  But they all still have a home in your kitchen.  Sort out the keepers from the pieces you will not pull out again in front of guests and free up some cabinet and drawer space for “the good stuff.”

Luggage – Take stock of the suitcases and bags you have in the closets, under the bed, and in the garage.  Those that are showing wear signs of having seen more than their fair share of trips could use replacing, especially if you typically pass them over when packing.  They are too big to stay home year after year.     

These or any categories that are pertinent to the things you store at home can make straightforward to-do list items to mark off, organization style.  Gather, sort through, and decide: keep, toss, donate, or sell.  Clean up, clean out, and kick back, satisfied with your productive self this season. 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 16th.

Let's Take This Outside

To add a little curb appeal or a splash of design to your back patio without outfitting your space with a complete patio furniture set this summer, consider setting a smaller scene instead.  A little can go a long way with the right placement and accessories. 

More than just windows can frame your front stoop.  Establish a welcome entryway by placing one outdoor chair alongside a small metal side table next to your welcome mat.  Chances are you may have these sitting around in the garage in all their old, rusted glory.  This is a perfect opportunity to give them new life.  Clean them up, sand the surfaces, and give them a fresh coat of paint fit for outdoor furniture use.  You can choose clean and bright white, a modern gray tone, or even a brighter pop of color like a sunny yellow.  Add one printed outdoor pillow to the chair’s seat and top the table with a potted plant.  Your mini seating area can add real charm to the look of your front door. 

The same game plan can also go for your back patio door.  Add a few battery-powered candles to the table’s center for nighttime use without a breeze blowing out regular candles.  If you have flowerbeds nearby, stake a garage sale find like a couple of tiki torches or metal lanterns on stands in the dirt.  Dress up the area with a bird feeder or bird bath or some large garden stones.  String some outdoor lights to the underside of your patio cover to provide a soft light for your evening backyard time the whole season long.  For a different or additional small seating area, place a bench on your patio or within a garden setting.  Toss on a couple of patterned throw pillows and a coordinating seat cushion to add some color and softness.      

Other summer-perfect outdoor accessories are inexpensive, plastic Adirondack chairs for lounging; glossy, square potted plant holders for seasonal plants or an herb garden; a lacquered serving tray for a thirst-quenching break from the heat; and even an outdoor rolling cart to house some board games and cards, garden-tending tools, or extra bird seed. 

Repurposing some old pieces or nabbing a bargain at a summer yard sale can add a fresh style on a small budget to dress up your front door or backyard hangout.  Perhaps a little paint and some simple accessories can say more than your welcome mat does on its own.    

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 8th.

    

A Sparkling 4th of July

It’s not too late to pull off a talked-about 4^th of July party for family, friends, or your neighborhood bunch.  The clincher is to carry out the patriotic theme in everything you serve up and set out.  Think red, white, blue, and bountiful.

Keep the drinks sweet and simple, such as lemonade, iced tea, and an even combination of the two, known as an “Arnold Palmer.”  Serve a punch in a red shade or a fruit juice you tint blue with some food coloring.  And keep the ice coming to chill down the evening.  Fruits can also play a key role in a simple fruit tray appetizer or rosy dessert.  A tray of strawberries, cherries, and blueberries with a fruit dip can tide the crew over until the main course comes off the grill.  To take it up a notch, use a star cookie cutter to cut out decorative pieces of watermelon or pineapple as well.  A strawberry or cherry cheesecake, cupcakes with tri-colored sprinkles over icing, or a layered gelatin dessert with whipped topping would polish off the night perfectly. 

A backyard barbeque featuring hamburgers and hotdogs is classic and can be easily outfitted with all the trimmings to dress up your casual meal.  Serve toppings and spreads in a buffet of white dishes and trays that showcases a clean, streamlined look.  A build-your-own style accompanies this type of set-up well when you allow guests to add their favorite toppings, allowing you more hands-off time to relax and chat.  Chips or French fries served in red, white, and blue tissue paper cones are portion-perfect sides.  Paper plates and plastic utensils and cups in the three colors make set up and clean up as easy as can be and continues to carry out your casual theme. 

Keep décor simple, like red and blue candy in groupings of small, white dishes, and even use fireworks or – more my style – sparklers arranged into centerpieces that will be used to end the night with a bang.  If you have tiki torches or paper lanterns stored away, this would be a great summer night to get those out and put them to work to light your after-dark space. 

Turn your backyard or your family’s dinner table into a gathering place for a fuss-free, breezy evening spent around some all-American dishes with a flair for the thematic.  And celebrate the 4^th of July with some true, patriotic sparkle.    

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 1st.

Designer Touches for a Sizzling Summer

As the mercury climbs up the thermometer, find ways to cool off your summer while still turning up the heat on style.  Here are some ideas to do just that. 

• Serve up a casual ice cream bar with a self-mixing twist.  Instead of the standard candy additives, offer up a variety of summery fresh fruit pieces that will freeze when you stir them into your icy dish of ice cream or sherbet.  A tip: lime sherbet with fresh raspberries is a tasty seasonal combo that is already icing down my summer.  

•  Instead of soda or your regular iced tea for weekend dinner guests, mix up three different kinds of lemonades, limeades, or flavored teas and serve from frosty carafes.  Toss in thinly-sliced lime or orange rings for added flavor and a fancy drink top-off.

•  Using regular ice trays or the slender straw versions for plastic bottles, fill with a couple of blueberries, raspberries, or mint sprigs per section, top off with sparkling water or juice, freeze, and drop your decked-out ice cubes in tall glasses of chilled tea or punch at a gathering, showing you really pay attention to detail when entertaining.

•  Go all-summer with a dessert selection, opting for popsicles and watermelon wedges instead of heavier brownies or cake to accompany a backyard barbeque.  Fill smaller metal or plastic tubs with crushed, shaved, or tiny ice, and stick popsicles and watermelon wedges right in just before serving.  Don’t forget the napkins nearby!

•  Skip the stovetop, and feast on a selection of cold salads: pasta, potato, chicken or tuna, garden, and fruit.  Lay out your spread with crackers, and enjoy, minus the heat. 

•  When roasting corn on the grill, go beyond butter.  Why not go the way of the baked potato and offer up a “corn bar” with butter, cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, sour cream, and the like?  Have a serving area prepped for cutting corn off the cob (it’s harder to eat on the cob in front of others, isn’t it?), so all those decadent mix-ins can really blend in.

•  It doesn’t take a wedding reception to enjoy a “candy bar.”  Serve your own version at a 4^th of July party or other summer gathering.  Serve loose hard candy and retro favorites like rock candy in a scattering of plastic beach pails instead of dressy apothecary jars, scooping with small plastic sand shovels into little takeaway baggies.  Skip the chocolates for an outdoor event.  Why melt?

•  Go carnival for a weekend and rent a popcorn popper and a snow cone machine for a party - one for your appetizer and one for dessert.  They would make perfect bookends to a memorable night in the backyard, giving your guests a little throwback to summers gone by.

Beat the heat and stay stylishly cool this sizzling summer! 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 24th.