The 4^th of July is here and what better way to celebrate than with savory bbq food, friends and family? I love bringing out patriotic red, white and blue colors and sprinkling in summer colors and dinnerware to set the scene. I’m excited to of paired with Villeroy & Boch to feature their new BBQ Passion and Pizza Passion lines. If you remember in the past I’ve highlighted the gorgeous dinnerware, crystal ware and entertaining ideas on Stagetecture with Villeroy & Boch. Of course you and I will never forget the unforgettable night in Frankfurt, Germany I spent with BlogTourAmbiente and the Villeroy & Boch family!

My 4^th Of July BBQ Entertaining Ideas with Villeroy & Boch

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Today I want to show you how to bring patriotic colors together with their lovely white dinnerware to set a memorable 4^th of July BBQ table this holiday season.

Set your 4^th of July table with party food and patriotic colors

While the traditional red, white and blue are a necessity I always like to bring in summer colors such as pops of yellow and green to give the table dimension. I started off with red burlap fabric and denim fabric runners for added texture under the table settings. I think it’s fun to mix and match patterns! So I used nautical blue and white striped napkins and red linen napkins to bring a casual and formal mix to the table.

Villeroy & Boch’s Nek Mini Vase in Deep Cherry and the Numa Vase in Midnight Sky held my happy sunflowers perfectly. When I have a lot of dishes on the table I like to keep the centerpiece simple.

Choosing the right dinnerware to fit your bbq party food recipes

Villeroy & Boch’s new BBQ Passion line includes beautiful steak plates in two sizes to fit your entertaining needs. I enjoyed how they have a sauce indentation in the dish that enables you to put your condiments or favorite sauces right there on the plate without interfering in your presentation. I also used their Artesano dip bowls and trays for barbecue sauce and horse radish – perfect for the shish kebabs! The beautiful wood Artesano Salad Servers complement any salad you’d like to serve your guest in the Artesano Original Salad Bowl.

Decorating in style with colorful accessories for your holiday table

One of the elements that is often forgotten when decorating a festive table is to bring color through glasses. Villeroy & Boch’s Boston colored Highball Beer Tumblers in blue and red paired nicely with the decor and who doesn’t love to sip out of a festive red and white or blue and white striped straw? Cooling down on the 4th of July couldn’t be sweeter than with these glasses to complement the white Artesano Original Pizza plate in the center of the table.

Instead of pizza I piled our corn on the cob and shish kebab skewers in the center, but a cheesy flatbread, or big loaf of French bread would have worked just as easily!

What color variations will you try at your 4th of July holiday table? We’d love to hear! If you’re interested in any of the Villeroy & Boch BBQ Passion dinnerware visit them online to see different sizes and styles available!

To see other Villeroy & Boch past articles on Stagetecture, see our archives.

Summer Entertaining: Planning The Perfect Picnic

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Plan a Portable Menu:

Picnics are the perfect excuse for no-fuss entertaining. Make things easy on yourself by going for classic comfort foods that your guests will love. Aim for hand-held recipes that can be left out at room temperature, so you don’t have to worry about lugging extra equipment. Consider hearty sandwiches, chips, and dessert bars to feed a big crowd. For a more romantic feel, try crackers, cheese, and decadent truffles – and don’t forget the wine. If you need summer recipe ideas, look here!

Image Via: Tapiture 

Pack With a Goal in Mind:

A wicker basket, though lovely, is not a requirement. Consider using two carrying containers when packing: one for food and another for accessories like a blanket, nets to protect your food from insects, and sun screen, if necessary. When storing food, try to make the meal items as self-contained as possible for easy serving. Use single-serving Tupperware or consider getting some disposable to-go containers. As you pack everything up, try to leave the items you know you’ll need first on top of the bag to avoid having to set anything directly on the ground. Remember to pack something to hold your trash once you’ve finished. 

Image Via: Mid-West Living

Set Up Your Spot:

You can choose whatever spot your heart desires, just make sure it works for your group. If you have anyone with mobility issues, feel free to ditch the ground and find a picnic table. If you plan to be out for hours, try to seek some shade from a tree. Once you’ve found your perfect spot, lay down enough blankets or tablecloths for everyone to spread out. Think about putting down a few pillows for people to lounge on. Spread out the food so that everyone has a chance to take their fill.

Image Via: Country Living

Break Out the Activities:

A picnic is as much about socializing as it is about eating. While some groups are content to just chat amongst themselves, others need a bit more stimuli. A deck of cards will work great for smaller groups. If you’re in charge of keeping a herd of kids occupied, a soccer ball or a football is a great way to have them run off some of that boundless energy. For big groups, consider breaking that bocce or croquet set out from the back of the garage.

Image Via: The Domestic Curator

The best tip we can give is to tailor your picnic to your friends and family. If you can’t stand the thought of potato salad without mayo, there’s no shame in swapping the basket for a cooler. If you love the thought of picnicking, but don’t want to sit on the ground, throw a few foldable chairs in the trunk. As long as you get outside to enjoy this lovely weather you’re doing summer entertaining right.

What are some of your favorite summer picnic tips to share?

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Summer Entertaining: How to Plan a Casual Cocktail Party 

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Choose a Theme:

We’re not necessarily advocating that you ask your guests to show up in costume – though that certainly is an option. However, having a theme makes the planning stages of your pre-party prep much easier. Once you have a theme in mind, you can tailor your drink, food, and decoration selections to fit within those parameters. Even if you strive for more of a feeling than an all-out theme – such as “sophisticated” or “laid-back” – it can help to give yourself and your guests a little direction.

Create a Drink Menu:

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a fully stocked bar with multiple liquors and bitters to throw an unforgettable cocktail party. Instead, focus on creating a cocktail menu that fit within your party’s theme while keeping costs down and saving you from having to serve as bartender all night long. Offer three cocktails – one that sweeter, one that is more classic, and one that fits somewhere between the two. To make things even easier, try to select cocktails where the ingredients overlap. As far as the amounts, plan on each of your guests having two cocktails during the first hour of the party and one cocktail during each additional hour.

Image Via: Brides

Serve Multiple Hor D’oeuvres:

There’s no need to worry about planning a sit-down meal with this one. Simply serve a few hor d’oeuvres, or small finger foods that can be eaten in one or two bites. If your party falls outside of regular meal time hours, offer five or six choices of hor d’oeuvres, preparing two per person. However, if your cocktail party is meant to take the place of a meal, you should have eight to ten distinct bites and make sure there is enough for each person to eat three. Choose recipes that can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature to lighten your workload

Image Via: William Senoma

Set the Scene for Mingling:

Luckily, you don’t have to orchestrate much of the entertainment during cocktail parties since most guests will be content to mingle. Just be sure to set up the space ahead of time that will get people talking. Serve the food on a single large buffet table or space the dishes out on multiple smaller ones, leaving an easy-to-access walkway between them. While you don’t need a ton of seating, there should be enough for about 20% of your guests to be seated at the same time. Rather than full place settings and silverware, focus on napkins and smaller cocktail plates and don’t forget to designate a spot for people to dispose of them once they’re done snacking. Add in a few cute decorations, enough lighting, and some soft background music for your party to be a hit.

Image Via: Flora Grubb

Summer entertaining doesn’t get any simpler than a cocktail party. You provide some drinks and a couple snacks while your guests will take care of the rest. Follow these tips to ensure that your next cocktail party will be unforgettable.

Do you have a great cocktail party tip or recipe? Share it with us in the comments below.

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Fourth of July Entertaining: Patriotic Gifts for the Host

Food Entertaining Ideas:

Salad bowl sets are idea for the Fourth of July because regardless of what type of gathering you end up attending, side dishes are usually the star. Think about the standard cookout lineup: potato salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, ambrosia. All of these are foods that are fit to be served in a salad bowl set and odds are good that your host could use another. If not, you never know when another one will come in handy. For recipes and 4th of July food ideas, click here.

Desserts:

These are the party guest who loves to show up with an armful of baked goods. To make the star cookies, you need to bake two batches of sugar cookies. The first batch should be standard circles. On the second, use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into stars. Once the cookies have cooled, make them into sandwiches by layering a round cookie, then some strawberry or raspberry jam, and a star cookie on top. Finally, decorate the top with blue sugar or sprinkles.

Sparklers:

Brining these to a party with kids is a surefire way to get yourself some brownie points, at least as far as the little ones are concerned. Purchase the sparklers at your local superstore. Then, make them look pretty by artfully arranging them in a mason jar or a small, decorative pail that’s been line with cloth.

Sangria:

When you give this to the hosts, make sure to tell them that it’s okay to enjoy this beverage as an after-party reward for their hard work. Make the sangria by combining a bottle of your favorite wine with seasonal fruits, simple syrup, and a complementing liquor, to taste. Let the mixture sit overnight to allow the flavors to deepen. Then, serve it up in a nice pitcher that’s been tied with ribbon for a decorative touch. Go ahead and make a double batch for yourself. You deserve a reward for your hard work. Here’s a delicious Berry Sangria recipe you will love!

Fourth of July entertaining is not easy. While everyone is trying to find a way to stay relaxed and cool in the summer heat, your host is probably slaving over a hot oven and running around to see what dishes need to be refilled. Thank them for their hard work by bringing a hostess gifts. These may be small gestures, but they will make a big impact.

This Fourth of July don’t forget the host(ess) with these patriotic gift ideas.

Summer Party Ideas: Outdoor & Indoor Summer Tips

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Prepare Your Home Beforehand:

If the weather for party day looks anything less than inviting, it’s a good idea to prepare your home in advance. Be honest with yourself about which areas of your home you would feel uncomfortable with guests invading and block those off accordingly. While you’re at it, take a few moments to put away and valuable or sentimental items that you would hate to see accidentally damaged. Then, give the rest of your house a quick spruce up. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean, just enough to leave you feeling like you’re ready to show off your home.

Have a Moving Plan:

As soon as the rain starts to fall, you’re likely see chaos. Guests will start grabbing anything within arms reach and running for cover. But, once they get there, they’ll look to you for instruction. Things will go much more smoothly, if you know what to do. Consider having them put all the food on your kitchen table and countertop space to create a buffet that guests can enjoy at their leisure. Have chairs spread out through different rooms of the house so one space doesn’t feel overcrowded. Pick a designated space for people to store their belongings.

Set the Ambiance:

Even though the location of the party has moved, it should still feel the same. Pump up the music, dim the lights or light candles. If it’s appropriate for the occasion, move some furniture to the side and create a makeshift dance floor. Try to bring as many outdoor elements of the party in with you as possible to keep things cohesive.

Image via: Bridesmaid.com

Provide Backup Activities:

One of the greatest features of an outdoor party is the ability to just chat with different groups of people all day long. However, a move indoors can sometimes bring the chattiness to a halt because guests feel unsure of where to go. Keep a few backup activities in mind to get the ball rolling again. Put a game on to keep the sports fans entertained and leave a few board games in the rec room to occupy rowdy kids.

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It’s easy to see how the thought of moving a party indoors is stressful. Piling lots of people into a confined space is rough. However, with a little planning, you can have just as much fun as you would outside. Use these summer party ideas to make your next bash a hit, regardless of the weather.

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Summer Entertaining: Tips for Throwing the Perfect Clam bake  

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Prep the Cooking Area Beforehand:

If you’re taking the traditional route, preparing for a clambake involves gathering stones and seaweed, digging a pit, building a fire, and layering the pit with the seaweed to create a cooking bed for the seafood. It’s a long process that unquestionably needs to be taken care of before the guests arrive. But, even if you are going a more modern direction, you don’t want people to stand around waiting for the party to start. Get your cooking equipment ready so that you can get the food started before anyone becomes too hungry.

 Go Disposable with Dinnerware:

At their essence, clambakes are very casual gatherings. Incorporate this feeling into your party by using disposable dinnerware wherever possible. Lay down newspaper on the tables to hold shells and keep cleanup easy. Use disposable plates and utensils. Carry any side dishes that don’t need to be steamed in takeout containers, which are also great for separating out individualized portions.

 Make it a Potluck:

Odds are that even if most of your food for the occasion can be cooked on the fire, you’ll want a few other bites to round off the meal – cocktails, dessert, a cold salad or two. Plus, any accompaniments like drawn butter or lemon wedges. If you’re going to be in charge of the seafood, make things easier on yourself by making the party potluck-style and asking each of your friends to bring a dish. You’ll end up with a variety of different foods to enjoy while only doing a fraction of the work.

Bring Activities:

The main focus of a clambake should be mingling, so you don’t have to go too crazy deciding which activities to bring. But, it never hurts to be prepared. If you have a speaker set lying around, bring those and use music to set the party atmosphere. When there are kids on the guest list, bring some baseballs to get an impromptu game of catch started. When in doubt, twister is perfect for breaking the ice and very easy to clean up.

Clambakes are the epitome of summer entertaining. There is something so special about enjoying the great weather with family and friends while reveling in seasonal delicacies. But, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be at the beach to enjoy one. By using these tips you can throw a clambake anywhere, even in your own back yard.

For more summer ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Easy Summer Entertaining Ideas: Hostess Gifts

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Go For Novelty:

This idea is particularly smart where little ones are involved. Summer is notorious for novelty treats that kids (and adults) can’t get enough of. Many superstores offer funnel cake mixes that can bring the fair atmosphere home for a day. Popsicle molds are a great way to get kids helping in the kitchen, as well as to control ingredients, if your hosts are more heath conscious. If you are short on time, simply grab graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows from the grocery store to create a make-your-own s’mores kit.

Image Via: MySweetSavannah.blogspot.com

Towel Off:

Anyone with a pool or lake house knows that towels should never be in short supply. Give your friend a gift you know they’ll use by buying them a fluffy towel or two. Feel free to let your creativity run wild when picking out the pattern. Tie it up in a bow to complete the look. You could even consider placing a small bottle of sunscreen on top as a finishing touch.

Image Via: Beau-Coup.com

Drink Up:

There’s nothing better than a cold beverage on a hot day, especially during a party. Use a pitcher as your base, remembering that plastic works best for outdoor occasions. Then, fill it with drink mixes like lemonade or sweet tea. To make the gift even more special, don’t hesitate to add in a small bottle of booze.

Image Via: Luciak Jewelry

Make It A Blockbuster:

Great movies are an integral part of the warmer months. Whether you pick up an old classic on DVD or get them passes to the local theater, your cinephille friends are bound to appreciate the sentiment. A bag of popcorn or a few boxes of theater candy favorites are a stellar way to round the gift out.

Hostess gifts don’t need to be lavish, just a small token that shows your appreciation for the invitation. When in doubt, opt for usefulness over expense. Trust your instincts on what the host will enjoy. Then, go have fun. Summer entertaining doesn’t last forever. Be sure to make the most of it.

Easy Outdoor Entertaining Tips 

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Get The Right Gear:

Make entertaining easy on yourself by investing the right gear beforehand. Plastic plates and serving dishes will drastically reduce the chances of broken glass coming in contact with bare feet. A few mesh food tents will keep the flies away from your snacks while you socialize. Outdoor speakers allow you to use music to create ambiance. Consider storing it all in a closed bar cat. That way, everything will be in the same place for easy organization and you have a ready-made spot to keep the libations on party day.

Image Via: Better Homes and Gardens 

Set Up Sections:

This is especially true for larger groups or parties that go on all day long. While mingling, your guests will break out to form smaller groups. Help facilitate these more intimate conversations by setting up several, small seating areas. (After all, no one wants to spend all day on their feet.) Use trees or a small white canopy to offer shade. Horseshoes or a badminton set are a natural draw for guests who like a bit more activity.

Image via: Pinterest

Let There Be Light:

In particular, outdoor entertaining is infamous for lasting well into the night. Keep your party going by making the transition seamless. Use nature to your advantage by hanging string lights or orbs in your trees. A chiminea or fire pit will do double duty by providing light and warmth. Tiki torches are perfect for creating an island paradise feel. Mix standard and citronella candles to allow people to see while keeping the bugs at bay.

Image Via: Style at Home

Keep It Simple:

No one wants to spend the entire party slaving away indoors at the oven, or even out by the grill. When choosing food and beverages for the party, opt for easy recipes that can be made in advance. Pay particular attention to foods that can be served at room temperature and are okay to sit out for hours. Go for bottled beverages or cocktails that can be pre-mixed in large batches.

The last and most important tip: Remember to have fun. As much as we wish the nice weather would last forever, it’s only here for so long. Make the most of it by taking every opportunity to create memories with family and friends. Use these suggestions to help you do it simply and in style.

Do you have a great outdoor entertaining tip? Share it with us in the comments. We love to hear from you.

Western Australia is a prime location for enjoying outdoor living. The Mediterranean climate brings a comfortable breeze across the area, during the summer months. The winter months are never overbearing with harsh weather, making it possible to enjoy outdoor living during the winter season. Perth, the largest city of Western Australia, has been noted as having the longest hours of sunshine, compared to other capitals of the continent. If you live in the area, or are thinking of relocating to Western Australia, look at these ideas that can help you appreciate the awesome outdoor living.

Image via: CDN, Indulgy

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1. Pergola Structures

If you are starting from scratch, a pergola is the perfect way to add shade, protection, and beauty to your outdoor property. A pergola can be built onto an existing home, such as over a patio, or created as a free standing structure. The roof can hold slats of wood, allowing the sun to seep through, or lightweight awning that is semi-transparent. Use the following materials to build up a 4-foot wall for privacy:

• Bricks
• Timber
• Wood Lattice

Image via: All Homes

2. Sculptured Decks

Turn a bare piece of ground into a work of art by using timber, concrete pavers, or a combination of both. There are no hard and fast rules that say a patio has to be concrete, square or rectangular. Giving your yard a little curvature, will increase the flow with the trees and bushes. If you have un-level ground, a deck that is perfectly even can bring a significant different to a back yard. Here are some ideas for turning your outdoor space into a work of art:

• Crescent shaped wooden deck
• Flowing paths with pavers, stopping at a circular rest area
• A three-tiered deck for cooking, eating and sunbathing

3. BBQ Island

If grilling outdoors is your passion, do it right with a permanent structure that is always waiting on you. Spending thousands on masonry work is not necessary when you get creative with a BBQ island frame kit. You can make it as simple or as extravagant as you want. It only takes a few steps to make your own BBQ island.

• Determine the size and shape
• Order frame kit with the number of cabinets you want
• Top off your design with counter tops, back splashes and handles

You can also place an oven in your island for baking and warming food items. With cut out framing pieces available, your BBQ island will look custom made.

Image via: Creative Design Space

4. Fire Pits

Fire pits can add a longer season to your outdoor space by providing heat on chilly nights and being able to enjoy the natural setting. There are all types of designs that can add distinction to your patio. Some of these include:

• Cast Iron Bowls
• Clay Chimineas
• Wok Style Fire Pits with Base

Make your Chiminea the centre of attention or scatter small wok style pits around your patio or deck. From tall and colourful models to small and simple pots, you will find yourself using this patio piece on a daily basis.

5. Outdoor Kitchen

Having an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate in outdoor living. No more staying inside to cook and missing out on a sunny day. There are many kits to help you get started on you own personal design. A covered patio is recommended for protecting small electrical appliances and cook tops for stationary, custom-built kitchens. There are also kitchen carts that allow you to roll inside when weather is bad. Popular features that are found in many outdoor kitchens include:

• Cook Tops
• Sinks
• Compact Refrigerator
• Storage Cabinets

6. Water Scenes and Sculptures

The sound of a trickling waterfall is relaxing and fits right into the pleasures of the outdoors. Small ceramic sculptures, set in a corner can allow you to watch the nurturing water. If you have the room, think about hiring landscapers to build a small pond with a large lighted sculpture in the centre for a dramatic scene, at night. Resin plastics and PVC, in the place of real boulders, saves money and effort in constructing.

Image via: Pinterest

7. Privacy Screens

Once you have a structure in place, privacy screens can add solitude or cover from neighbours. Selecting a removable screen or blinds can give you the option of full sunshine during the day and privacy when needed. These can consist of some of the following:

• Wicker Room Dividers
• Semi-Sheer Curtains
• Pull-Down Blinds

Creating an outdoor living space is exciting and well worth the time in designing. Not only will you find that the outdoors can become your haven for rest, but you will also have a beautiful area for the whole family and entertaining guests.

This article was written by Ash Graham of Sola Shade, plantation shutters and blinds suppliers in Perth, Western Australia. Ash is also on Google+ as well.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.