33 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen we embrace the idea of the grand lawn and garden rooms. This idea can be translated to a smaller backyard as well.” By preserving an open space for flexible entertaining while cultivating smaller, lush nooks of your yard for more intimate conversation — where a bench or bistro table invites guests to linger — your yard quickly becomes a flexible canvas for you to play host. INVEST IN FURNITURE THAT IS BOTH STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE. When selecting furniture to add to your outdoor space, aim to make guests feel connected. “Often, women can feel a rectangular table prohibits conversation, but I tend to disagree,” shared Tanton. “I love a long table that allows you to speak to those to your left and right and comfortably hear those directly across from you. I find that round tables can often put more distance between the person directly across from you than the rectangular tables. Also, make sure you provide comfortable chairs. You want your guests to sit and stay a while.” Teak and eucalyptus are currently trending, according to the team at Outdoor Spatial Design, lending itself to a coastal contemporary look. If you appreciate the Lowcountry’s historical charm, you can’t go wrong with timeless wrought iron pieces. Consider a sunshade or umbrella over key gathering places to keep guests comfortable in the hot Southern sun. The warm breezes and cloudless sunny days are back, bringing with them an urgency to refresh your outdoor space and make it pop with the vibrance of spring. From sprucing up your lawn and enhancing your home’s curb appeal to preparing your patio for monthly book club meetings with the girls, local experts weigh in on five ways you can transform your yard without breaking the bank. INFUSE COLOR AND TEXTURE. Meredith Tanton, owner and creative director at Sweetgrass Social Event and Design, suggests starting your spring refresh with the front porch. “Spring is a great time to refresh your porch and bring back some color with potted florals,” she said. “I also love to bring in a fun seasonal doormat and have especially been loving a layered door mat on a patterned rug. Don’t forget to add some décor to your front door — like a wreath or personalized detailed door knocker. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a classic boxwood wreath.” DESIGN SPACES FOR BOTH LARGE AND SMALL GROUP GATHERINGS. “The key is to create a space that is flexible enough to host a crowd while also providing shade for comfort and niches for side conversations,” explained Wade Alexander, landscape designer and horticulturist with Outdoor Spatial Design. “When designing event venues, The Party is Outside Refresh your space this spring BY HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN Charleston Women at Home Swee t g ras s Soc i a l Event and De s i gn owne r Me red i t h Tanton .
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