On my blog, I once wrote about life on Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or standard mint julep.
But Veranda living is more than just a sense of "place". What really makes it memorable is company of friends and neighbors, sparkling conversation, or a languid repose with a loved one.
A deck may not technically be a Veranda, but it can, nevertheless, be perfect gathering spot where memories are made.
The key, however, to great deck entertaining is to have a great deck. Many people don’t believe in decorating their decks but having good seating and some type of a theme can help make your deck most beloved part of your home.
A favorite theme for a deck is "Outdoor Barbeque." Though not really an official title, a version of "Outdoor Barbeque" encompasses a nice deck, with a classy set of chairs and a table and a grilling area where your husband and his friends can show their talent on grill. Sharing hamburgers and margaritas with your friends while you wait for homemade ice cream to finish running - now that is my idea of putting a deck to good use.
On other hand, a fun theme is great if you have kids. For example, Beach theme is ever popular for decks. Beach and lounge chairs cover deck with a table and chairs in center covered in bright blue and white striped fabric. You can even use ropes, sails, nets, and lifeguard floats to hang from sides of your fun deck and post flags from different Caribbean or Mediterranean countries on corners of deck.