Summer brings Graduation Parties and often Moving Away parties for those relocating to new jobs. For something different for the college grad instead of the usual fare of mortar board and diploma themes, or banners and balloons saying "Good Luck", "Bon Voyage" or "We'll Miss You" for those moving away, why not try "The World Awaits!" theme for either occasion?

Collect maps of the local area and the area where the guest of honor will be living. In the case of a grad whose future is still to be determined, collect maps from all over the country or even the world. Top your draped serving tables with the maps. If possible, tuck hometown and new destination mementos among the serving dishes. Carry the theme through with a custom cake that could be a map, a globe or even a spoof mock up of a Mapquest search.

Find favors and props at party and dollar stores or Oriental Trading Company online such as mini compasses, globes, cars, boats and planes. Don't forget play paper money and coins for traveling money!

Choose balloon colors from those on the maps or the appropriate state flag colors. Include a few simple fresh flower arrangements.

Embellish these basic decorations as time and budget allow. Plan a few activities or games to introduce into the party as needed, but keep them simple. The best parties have a natural flow and aren't too scheduled. Need help with and upcoming special occasion? Are you stuck for ideas? Most people just need a bit of help in focusing their plans and then they are on their way to a memorable event. Call me - I will be your personal Party Coach. You'll be amazed at how much fun entertaining can be!

Time to take a look at furnishing your deck or patio? Accessories are the easiest way to change the look of your outdoor room. Choose a color, theme or feel that you want to create and look at the things you already own that might fit in with the look.

Ideally, accessories should be weather resistant and shatter proof, but don't let that limit your imagination. Unless extremely fragile or valuable, with reasonable care, many items can withstand limited use outside.

To see if an item can be used outdoors I use the "Whether Proof" test. Yes, that's spelled correctly. The test is whether you intend to leave the item outside all season or whether you will want to bring it in when not in use!

By using this test nearly anything could be used. Choose items with the potential for multiple applications. Enameled tinware tubs and trays in bright colors make excellent choices. Tubs can be magazine and game holders or turned into beverage coolers. Trays can hold decorative arrangements or group snacks and refreshments, making it easy to remove all from a table or ottoman in a jiffy when the surface is needed to play games or for extra seating. Trays can also be placed on folding luggage stands to make extra side tables. The examples in the picture are available from Pottery Barn. Click on the picture or on the link below for more information.

Similar accessories may be found at your local Target. Glass hurricane candle holders are also versatile. A simple grouping can be assembled in minutes. Fill with flowers, shells, sea glass or grass, candles, and more depending on the look you want to convey. On a table they seem to occupy little space, keeping the arrangement light, simple and natural.

Make selections from your existing inventory then list things that may compliment or complete your arrangement. By using the redesign rule of using what you have first, you will have more to spend on the things you really need and want.

Aren't you smart?

Enamelware Accessories

Outdoor furniture is becoming as stylish and comfortable as indoor furniture-with prices to match. Not everyone has a large deck or patio on which to arrange some of these oversized pieces, or the proper way to store them in the off seasons.

If that is your concern, and you are not alone, there are lots of fun, stylish pieces that are not only easy to store but versatile. One example is a wooden roll up picnic table from Crate and Barrel. It's great for beach use but why stop there? You can use this as a coffee table on a deck or patio. Or how about surrounding this with floor pillows and use it as a low snack or game table? At the end of the season it collapses and is stored in a red tote. Simple and easy-and the price won't break the bank either. This is a piece you can stow in the car for impromptu picnics and is perfect for tailgate parties.

For more on this table, click on the link below.

Collapsible Table

No matter how large or small your bathroom is, organizing what you have will make your life easier and save you time and energy.

Start by taking inventory of what you have to help you determine what types of storage you will need.

Maximize your space by changing the layout or configuration of the way things are stored and displayed. If your space is limited then think "UP"- go overhead!

Go vertical If you have more wall space than floor space, an arrangement of shelves and decorative hooks can support interesting containers, maximizing the use of vertical space. Don't overdo! Minimizing visual clutter enlarges a room.

~ Lori Brasseur, LB Designs, ( IRIS guest contributor) For more information on the open shelf storage shown, click on the link below.

Open Shelf Storage from Frontgate

Do you have a bathroom that is functional but needs some oomph? This bathroom did. I shopped the house for potential decorations and accessories and found two framed posters in storage that provided the color focus that this room needed.

Before, the large mirror reflected nothing but a blank wall. Now the two colorful prints bring the room to life.

The makeover was accomplished in less than two hours, which included the search for the prints, accent towels and accessories, lowering the towel bars to accommodate the size of the prints and patching and painting the old towel bar holes.

Do you have a bathroom that deserves a makeover? The foundation for a new look is in your home right now! Find out how fast, easy and affordable a transformation can be. Call 703-689-9886 or click on the link below for more information.

Makeover HELP!

It's not too early to start making your plans for July 4th. Whether you are hosting a celebration or just helping with the decorations or refreshments, now is the time to browse through recipes, grocery stores and specialty markets for ideas and supplies. Test those dishes in advance-you'll get the techniques, timing and taste just right before the big day.

For menu ideas, check out Fine Living's web site for their breakdown of regional recipes to give your guests a true taste of American home cooking. Other sites such as PastryWiz.com feature directions on how to make the unique cake shown.

Allow yourself time now and you will be cool, calm and collected on the 4th, no matter how hot the day may be.

(See next month's newsletter for more last minute tips and ideas.)

Fine Living's American Regional Recipes

The Redesigner's Notebook is devoted to tips and articles relating to interior redesign, decorating, entertaining, organizing and related subjects.

If you have an interest or question that you would like to see addressed, or a community event that you would like to see included that relates to these subjects please contact me. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated!
~ Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign

email: faulknerredesign@aol.com

phone: 703-689-9886