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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, June 6, 2014 | 14 HOME &GARDEN Fresh ideas for summer alfresco entertaining Warm days are calling, as summer traditionally kicks off the outdoor entertaining season. But this year, tradition takes a new direction. More hosts are breaking the boundaries of indoor versus outdoor entertaining. Gone are the paper plates and plastic cups. Instead, people are daring to take their dinnerware outside. "Whether it's brunch on the patio or dinner on the deck, we're seeing outdoor dining evolving from impromptu cookouts to more thoughtful, planned gatherings," says visual merchandiser John Grif th. "Rather than going out for an evening on the town, people are entertaining at home and they're enhancing that experience by using their dinnerware outdoors, whether it's a cozy, casual get together or an elegant, formal alfresco meal." Grif th and his teammate Julie Robbins develop seasonal design ideas for Replacements, Ltd., known as the world's largest retailer of old and new china, crystal and silver. "I think many people are a little leery of using what they consider their `good dinnerware' outside, but there are so many ways to dress it up or down depending on the evening," says Grif th. "For example, you can blend a casual, colourful pattern, like Fiesta, with a formal white or complementing oral pattern for a festive air. You can also mix in pieces and mediums that are both attractive and durable; many manufacturers including Pfaltzgraff and Homer Laughlin are offering melamine plates and trays, while Corning has a wide selection of acrylic tumblers." Grif th says alternative metal serveware is fantastic for outdoor entertaining because once these pieces are heated or chilled, the alloy retains its temperature to help keep food warm or cool. He says Lenox, Arthur Court and Wilton Armetale offer fun yet functional shapes and pieces. Continued on page 15 Advertorial Call us today to request a complimentary design consultation with one of our certified landscape designers! PROUD MEMBERS OF: FIND US ON: computer designs | pools & hot tubs | patios | accent lighting | outdoor kitchens | flagstone & masonry driveways | woodwork | steps | retaining walls | tree & shrub planting | ponds & waterfalls 905.842.0069 · www.ProScapeLandDesign.ca t s i l a i c e p S d r a Y k c a B r u o Y R NEW BOOK YOU ALL POOL INST TODAY! Come check out Authorized Dealer of NEW 2014 MODELS ON DISPLAY! lazboyspas.com YOUR T REPLACEMEN TS! IS L IA LINER SPEC SIZZLING SUMMER SAVINGS EVENT ON NOW! La-Z-Boy Spas offers 9 models that are loaded with standard features and are backed by our 100% no nonsense, no fine print guarantee. Spas starting from $3999 LEISURE CENTRE 5430 HARVESTER RD., BURLINGTON 905-631-0837 · 905-389-6610 www.foxpoolandspalc.ca · www.lazboyspas.com LEISURE CENTRE 5430 Harvester RD, Burlington · 905-631-0837 foxpoolandspalc.ca