House & Home

With climatologists predicting a warm, sunny summer, backyard entertaining is going to be hotter than ever this year. Creating a chic outdoor eating space is essential if you plan to host your share of barbecues. We’ve taken two examples of great outdoor style and shown you how to get the look for less, using great finds from PC® Home. (This blog and the All Decked Out Contest are sponsored by PC® Home.)

Inspiration: Beach Chic

The finds: Capture this fun, casual look with the Folding Hardwood Bistro Set (for larger groups, more than one table set can be pushed together). $150.

This rattan condiment holder is perfect for adding a beachside atmosphere to any backyard party. You can also use it to serve drinks without spilling. $13.

Serve up snacks with style with this rattan chip & dip holder. It's casual enough for a beach side barbecue, but sophisticated enough to come inside for dinner parties, too. $20.

Serve your ice cream in these stylish cups. The clever handles allow you to load them up with ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet without getting sticky fingers. $10 for a set of four.

This portable charcoal deck grill adds a touch of retro fun to any backyard. Plus, wheels make moving this grill a snap. It also comes in black, green and red. $100.

Inspiration: Lush Courtyard Dining

The finds: Style your patio by combining the PC® Home Estate Woven Conversation Set chairs and sofa with a wooden table. Using a sofa is a perfect way to seat many guests on a small patio. $600.

Add extra colour (and comfort) to your chairs with indoor/outdoor cushions. We like this muted lattice pattern in these fresh, on-trend colours. $13.

Try these stemless plastic wine glasses from the Classico line. They complement this table setting better than heavy tumblers. $3.

Add interest to your garden at night with solar lights. With these classic coach lanterns scattered around your dining area, the party will last long after the sun has gone down. $25 for two.

Successful barbecuing depends not only on the cook, but the cook's tools. These elegant, forged barbecue tools with rosewood handles start at just $10, a steal when you consider how well they blend form and function.

Make your outdoor cooking area as efficient as your indoor one with this stainless steel barbecue. Featuring 75,000 BTUs of cooking power and side burners to keep food warm, you'll be the ultimate grilling chef. Starting at $600.

Love the barbecue? You could win it! Enter our All Decked Out contest and you could win the barbecue and the PC® Home outdoor dining set pictured above! Plus, watch our video featuring chef Angie MacRae, complete with ideas on creating a casual outdoor dining room and summer entertaining tips.

Photo credits:
1. House & Home June 2008
2-5. PC® Home
6. House & Home July 2009
7-11. PC® Home