Simple Decor and Fun for Garden Parties

Summer brings memories different memories for many, including vacations at the beach, amusement park, going to the town pool. One of the things I love most about summer is spending time in the backyard with family and friends. I'm not sure why, but food always seems to taste better outside. Gather neighbors and family and have a summer garden party. It can be a simple throw some burgers on the grill get-together or an elaborate multi-course affair. Whichever you choose, the décor and activities will really make your party memorable.

You don't have to spend a lot of money or time to create beautiful decorations with ribbon. Start by making mini maypoles to create a path to the party. Select colorful ribbon, any variety is fine, but make the lighter they are, the more the wind will make them move. Cut them into a variety of lengths. Next, affix the ribbons to wooden garden stakes and place around your yard. What a lovely sight to see the ribbons blowing in the breeze.

A bonfire always makes an outdoor party more festive. A fun activity and great conversation starter to go along with this is to have your guests write down on a piece of paper something they want to get rid of -- from house clutter to a negative emotion. Then have everyone throw the slips of paper into the bonfire, symbolizing the disappearance of whatever was written on it. This is sure to get everyone talking and sharing. You might have more in common with your neighbors than you thought! Then, of course, a bonfire also means time for some s'mores! So, gather those sticks for the gooey marshmallows and share some summer favorites while sharing your thoughts.

Want to make your simple backyard get-together even more memorable? What about making a simple take home favor for your party guests? Yes, even if it's just a simple cookout! Here's an easy gift to give and accept. Gather some smooth, small river rocks and inscribe them with a positive verb such as "laugh," "explore" or "love". Wrap the rocks in a simple white cloth and tie them with colorful ribbon. Your guests can take the rocks home and keep them tucked away in special places or set within easy view to serve not only as a summer memento but also a reminder of the bonfire activity. Keep those positives in mind this summer and enjoy your friends and family in the great outdoors!

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What Is Stoneware Dinnerware?

What is stoneware dinnerware made of?

Stoneware is a hard ceramic material made from 25% ball clay, 15% china clay, 35% flint and 15% china stone that is fired to a high temperature (about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit) giving it a dark, rich textured look of hand made pottery. It can be glazed in a wide variety of colors and finishes (matte, satin and shiny) for diverse designs or left undecorated, but dinnerware pieces should be glazed to keep them water and chip resistant. If you are looking for a bullet-proof dinnerware material that can handle any family, then this is as close as you will get.

Why is Stoneware a great choice for kitchen dinnerware?

Stoneware is so incredibly durable and tends to be thicker, heavier than porcelain or china. These casual dinnerware sets can handle everyday use and still keep there original beauty for years. The variety of color, patterns and styles make it easy to find a dinnerware set that will match any kitchen decor. You can use then in the oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher without harming them. They are able to stack on top of each other in the kitchen cabinet without scratching. This table ware has a sense of character that can only be appreciated by our individual taste.

Stoneware retains heat from the microwave, making it effective for warming food, but cautions should be used with ovens. Don't ever take a dish from the freezer and place it directly in the microwave or oven. Let it reach room temperature before placing it in the over or it will crack from thermal shock. Never use Stoneware on stove tops and broilers. Don't place hot dishes on cold or wet surfaces, as this can cause breakage too.

Most stoneware dinnerware sets come in a basic 16 pieces set that includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four coffee mugs/cups and four bowls. Some 16-piece sets exchange mugs for the glasses, but you can purchase as many sets of four as you will need for your family. Another great thing about casual stoneware dinnerware set is that you can mix and match them to create a unique set that fits your kitchen decor. They are reasonable priced and broken dinnerware can be replaced.

How to Care For Stoneware Dinnerware?

These are one of the easiest type dinnerware to own since a good quality stoneware dinnerware set can be put in the dishwasher or immersed in mild soapy water because it has a protective glaze, but always read the manufacturer's instructions before you put your dinnerware in the dishwasher.

Never put any piece of dinnerware in a microwave oven if it has metal bands or metallic paint in its design or decoration. It may destroy the microwave oven.

If your stoneware casual dinnerware set is to be the only set that you purchase, consider a simple white or off-white set that can be used for everyday, as well as for more formal occasions. It's easy to add bold decorative accents in order to spice up a table setting.

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