4 Tips for Hosting an Epic End-of-Summer Party

With Labour Day approaching, so too comes the inevitable end of summer. If you are looking to throw an end of summer party, you’re your backyard is lacking a bit, the Canadian Tire CANVAS collection has you covered with affordable, durable, and inviting pieces.

Tip #1: Keep it Comfortable, and Keep it Conversational

Create a central gathering space for your guests – somewhere that they can eat, drink, and socialize comfortably. The CANVAS Dashley Patio Dining Table, with it’s sophisticated and sturdy pedestal base, makes a bold statement and provides the perfect place to congregate. Be sure to surround the table with chairs that are not only stylish, but inviting as well. The CANVAS Dashley Cast Patio Dining Chairs are a classic look with curved armrests and removable cushioning that provides an extra level of comfort.

Tip #2: Create an Ambient Atmosphere

With the days getting shorter, be sure to have some great outdoor lighting. When the sun goes down, you can keep the party going, and create an elegant atmosphere.

We love the CANVAS Brooklyn String lights, they have an industrial chic look that is on-trend, and are super durable. You can attach up to 7 strands for coverage throughout the yard. Adding lanterns throughout the yard are great for setting the mood as well. The CANVAS Chantilly Lantern is a favourite due to its weather resistance, and stylish design. It works easily with any décor and brightens the space beautifully.

Tip #3: Create a Warm Welcome

As the summer enters fall, we can expect cooler temperatures, and in Canada, we like to squeeze every last bit out of summer. Keep the party going into the night by ensuring your guests are comfy and warm with a fire table, such as the modern style CANVAS Granville Gas Fire Table. The stainless steel burner on this table protects it from Canadian weather with extra durability, and its 26,000 BTUs are sure to keep your guests toasty. For an extra layer of warmth, keep  some outdoor blankets on hand, such as the CANVAS Striped Outdoor Throw – these are great to cuddle up in and enjoy the evening.

Tip #4: Presentation is Everything

Have you ever attended that party that looked like it was taken right out of the magazine? I’m going to help you to achieve that with some finishing touches for your epic outdoor party. Whether serving your guests food or beverages, do it in style with the CANVAS Grappa Beverage Cart. This cart helps to complete the comfortable vibe you’ve created, with wheels to make it easy to move around the yard as needed. Complete with weather-resistant wicker baskets, keep everything that you need easily stored and at your fingertips. Easily chill your drinks in the CANVAS Oval Outdoor Party Tub, a unique flare to the standard drink cooler, and serve up your tasty treats from in the super durable Serving Bowl and Dip Bowl Set. No hospitality industry experience? No problem! Serve your guests like a pro with the CANVAS 3-piece Galvanized Tray Set, a great way to present your appetizers or desserts with flare. They can even be used for a decorative display such as candles, plants, and whatever else you want to use to elevate your party presentation to the next level.

What better way to say farewell to summer then to top it off in style with a fabulous backyard party with the help of the Canadian Tire CANVAS line. Host an epic end of summer party that will provide memories for your guests long after the snow begins to fly.

Click here to see Shauna Lynn talking about the CANVAS line and how to host an epic end-of-summer party on CTV Kitchener with Nancy Richards.

How to Transform Your Backyard and be the Envy of Your Neighbours

Canadians love to entertain all year round, and nothing can keep Canadian’s inside during the summer months! With summer weather now in full swing, we are not only enjoying the gorgeous weather but are entertaining our friends and family in our outdoor living spaces. We continue to see the trend of bringing the indoors outside, but outdoor entertainers also crave convenience. This means that they want to have everything that they need at their fingertips – for serving food, storing drinks, and whatever else they need. This means that portability, durability, and weather resistance are a must. Not only that, we want these items to be attractive, and really make a statement.

There is no better product for achieving all of this than the CANVAS Vik Outdoor Fire Table. This stunning table creates a warm and comforting atmosphere in the form of a very versatile, and functional, statement piece. Featuring a unique design to help to keep beverages cool in the pull out ice bucket drawer, this piece provides additional table top space as well as the warmth and ambiance of a fire as night falls. It screams function, convenience and style!

When it comes to outdoor furniture, the trend is much sleeker and more elegant looking than ever before with lighter coloured furniture really making its mark. The CANVAS Clarkson Teak Dining Table is classic and chic, and pairs perfectly with the comfortable rounded back and tapered legs of the CANVAS Seabrooke Wicker Patio Dining Chairs. Not only does this table provide seating for up to 8 people, but it adds a unique and stylish touch to any outdoor dining space.

We just can’t get enough of this year’s on-trend outdoor décor colour of blue, whether it’s with a pop of navy, Mediterranean, or Cobalt, accent any outdoor space through your accessories and linens. The striking patterns on these accent pillows, like the CANVAS Porto Toss Cushion with Tripel and CANVAS Indigo Toss Cushion, really elevate the space and bring in the comfort of indoor living with a durable fabric and with high quality fill that holds its shape.

Anchor your outside space with a durable outdoor carpet that has loads of style. The CANVAS Melita Outdoor Rug boasts a contemporary design that adds texture, colour, and personality to your outdoor space.

Setting your outdoor table with CANVAS Faux Marble plates and bowls add a modern elegance and, while marble is nothing new, the smooth textures and swirly natural designs in a durable outdoor place setting, looks as elegant as our best indoor place setting. The CANVAS Round Marble & Acacia Wood Board is ideal for serving everything from appetizers to desserts, pairs beautifully with this place setting.

As the sun sets, lighting extends our time outside and adds an elegant ambiance. This year, lanterns are the statement pieces that not only provide light but add a level of sophistication. Check out the detail of the CANVAS Souk Patio Lantern and whimsy of the CANVAS Black Rope Solar Powered Lantern, which as the name indicates, has the added convenience of being solar powered.

Most importantly, have fun with your outdoor spaces. This is a great way to bring in some edgy and fun décor, and let your personality shine through.

Click here to see Shauna Lynn discuss the CANVA line with Lindsay Morrison on CTV Kitchener.

Creating The Outdoor Experience - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

Yesterday afternoon, while I should have been writing my Around The House Tip of the Week, I was instead drawn to the outdoors. It really is hard to resist enjoying the sunshine, and soaking up a little vitamin D. Though it is a typical spring day, with the sun mixed with a cool breeze, it’s not quite summer yet. In fact, it is just the beginning of spring, and while I was working on preparing my yard and gardens, I thought of how I could further improve my yard and make it an inviting “room” for entertaining. Manufacturers and retailers have really focused on outdoor entertaining, and provide solutions to all your entertaining needs. Regardless of your budget, you can create an outdoor retreat to enjoy for all as long as the season allows.

The Backyard Bartender
Every time I visit a sunny southern destination, I consider picking up and moving, and becoming a beach bartender. While that may be a far-off dream, I can certainly enjoy creating some tropical cocktails in my own backyard. Having been a bartender for over a decade, the bartender in me has dreams of a custom built and well-designed outdoor bar. If you decide to go with custom built, be sure to hire the right professionals to take care of the plumbing and electrical. Consider combining your grill and your bar, for the full entertaining experience. While custom-designed is always a great idea, it may not be the most practical, especially if you spend very few months of the year entertaining outdoors, as you’ll need to ensure that any outdoor permanent fixtures are protected from the elements in the winter months. There are however many great portable outdoor bars available with great functionality, but also give you the option of moving into a shed or garage in inclement weather.

Create The Mood
Want the warmth of a fire, without the hassle of collecting wood, starting the fire, and then maintaining it? Not to mention the smell of campfire that sticks to your hair and clothes for days (mmm...campfire). While not a new concept in outdoor entertaining, there is a greater selection than ever now of outdoor fire bowls, such as the Venetian Fire Bowl from Canadian Tire (pictured at right). There are lots to choose from these days, ranging from tabletop size, to full size. You can even get a gas fire pit (pictured left). These are operated on propane, and are portable enough to be place almost anywhere in your yard. They help to provide heat on a cool night, as well as create a warm ambience.

The Outdoor Living...Room
Decorating your outdoor room can be done with the same concepts in mind as decorating indoors. Look for inviting furniture with colours that compliment the surroundings, and create an enjoyable atmosphere for the activities that you enjoy outdoors. Look for durability and functionality, as well as comfort, for a room that you can enjoy all season long.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com