outdoor dining

look at the netting to keep bugs and falling oleander out

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Add a small, charming note. Sometimes, especially on a small patio, all you need is one just-right accent to make the whole space come to life. A potted geranium on a colorful café chair could be all you need.

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Pot a pair of trees. Want to add major drama? Pot two trees in oversize pots and use them to flank a door or gate. Check with your local nursery to find out which varieties do well in your area.

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Add a freestanding umbrella. On an uncovered patio, an umbrella is a must. The freestanding type gives you much more flexibility to place it where it is needed, and will work with any table or chairs.

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oll out an indoor-outdoor rug. An outdoor seating area instantly becomes cozier and more welcoming with the addition of a rug. For a dining area, the rug should be large enough to fit beneath the chairs when they are pulled out slightly. For a couch seating area, the rug can fit either under all of the furniture or just beneath the coffee table and reach to the front feet of the furniture (as shown here).

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8. Choose a color scheme. Sticking to two or three colors throughout the space will help your patio look polished and put-together. Here blue and yellow are used in the table setting and wall fountain, creating an exciting contrast with the vibrant pink bougainvillea.

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vibrant plants in matching sized pots by the furniture

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Looking for a simpler application that can save a few bucks? Drape a lightweight outdoor fabric underneath an outdoor arbor for subtle shading. If you don't have an arbor, you can add rings to the fabric and place it on wires, so you can open and close it like a curtain.

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Add to ideabook by Wheat's Landscape Consider creating an outdoor living space with a fountain as a focal point instead of a fireplace. The relaxing sounds of water will create a wonderful atmosphere for you and your guests.

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circular space of 12 to 14 feet in diameter works well for fire pits. The circular shape allows for seating completely around the fire pit and has an organic form. Circular outdoor spaces also mesh well with natural landscaping and can easily be juxtaposed with the more rigid form of a home.

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WOULD LOVE 4 MUSKOKA CHAIRS AROUND A FIREPIT

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free standing umbrella + pots exactly like mine....green filled..i like that

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Bring in color through smaller pieces of furniture. Modern metal tables contrast with this more traditional furniture.

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Candlelight makes people look beautiful," says Wood regarding the votives encircling the outdoor dining space. "With a stylish home and delicious fare to boot, you will never have to spend a weekend alone."

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he garden received fresh hardscape and landscaping. Bordered by rose bushes, potted boxwoods, and Camilla trees, the heart of the garden makes for a well-loved entertaining hot spot. Teak outdoor furniture, rug, and pillows all from Ballard Design maintain the classic feel of the home's interior.

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