Flowers add such atmosphere to an outdoor living area. Whether they are planted or filling a beautiful vase on the table, they are appreciated and admired. Many flowers also provide natural fragrance, adding to the enjoyment of being outdoors. Here are some simple ways to incorporate flowers as decor in your outdoor space:

• Planting perennial flowers around the patio area to maximize your use of space.
• Use a trellis to elegantly display your roses.
• Cut or purchase fresh flowers and place in a large, decorative vase on the dining table.
• Use single flowers in bud vases as accents on tables and your outdoor bar.
• Place a grouping of flowers in your beverage tub for some added color.
• Set a single flower on each place setting as a decorative touch. Coordinate with table decor or use a bright, contrasting color.
• Use fresh flowers in a vase or planter in your porch areas to brighten the front of your home or add a natural touch to an enclosed porch.

Our Stainless Steel Beverage Tub is the perfect item to illustrate the fact that durablability can be beautiful. Made of high quality, double-walled 18/10 stainless steel, you will find that drinks will indeed stay ice-cold for the length of the party. Our double-walled design also eliminates the puddling that can occur from condensation, leaving your table clean and dry.

The brushed stainless steel we have chosen for the tub is elegant and simple, blending well with any decor or table setting. Measuring 21" in diameter and 11 1/2" high, you will find our beverage tub holds far more of a selection than most, giving your guests options and keeping you from having to refill frequently. This smart design is a Frontgate exclusive.

For a complete set, add our Lazy Susan, which fits neatly underneath, and a 5-quart ice bucket, both in matching stainless steel. We also offer a stainless steel ice scoop to complete the picture and make sure you have everything you need for an evening of entertaining right there at your fingertips.

Stainless steel was invented in the early 20th century. Its main advantage is its resistance to rust. This fact alone makes it far more practical to use than regular steel in a variety of applications, particularly for use outdoors. The material is made by adding the metal chromium to regular steel. This process gives the steel a look and shine that we have come to associate with stainless steel. The chromium is actually mixed in, not simply applied as a finish, insuring the product is sturdy throughout. There are at least one hundred different grades of stainless steel available today.

This incredibly versatile substance has been used in many different ways over the years, both indoors and out. You will find stainless steel in everything from bus shelters to barbeque grills. More recently it has become a much sought-after look in kitchens as well. Brushed stainless is a popular look for items that are in need of a more polished look, such as a fancy metal beverage tub or high-end blender.

Regardless of its finish, the look of stainless steel is modern, timeless, and extremely popular. Due to its durability and attractive appearance, it will likely remain an important material for a long time to come.

Whether you are setting up a patio bar for the first time or just gearing up for the new season, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. Making sure you have all that you need on hand to entertain your guests will ease your mind and allow you to relax and enjoy the time together. Besides the alcohol and mixers, here are some of the things you will want to have behind the bar on party day:

• Frozen Drink Maker. This item is one of the most important for any fully operational bar area.
• Copper beverage tub. Having one or more of these will allow your guests to choose what they like and have it already chilled.
• Garnishes. These can be stored in the refrigerator until just before the party. Select items such as green olives, maraschino cherries, and lemon and lime slices.
• Napkins. Whether you go with paper or linen is up to you, but don't forget this vital part of the picture.
• Tools. A strainer, corkscrew, bottle opener long spoon, shaker, and shot glasses are some basics to remember.
• Drink recipe book. Just in case your guests have special requests during the evening.
• Fresh ice.
• Details. Umbrellas, straws and fancy picks to hold fruit or olives make any drink spectacular.
• Margarita salt.
• Bottled water and non-alcoholic selections for those who don't indulge.

When one thinks of a beverage tub, usually it is in the "party" context, keeping champagne on ice for guests at an elegant evening get-together. This isn't the only time to use this stylish item. Here are some other great suggestions for when to use your beverage tub:

• Pool time. Why not keep some bottled water on ice for family and/or guests? It will be appreciated as a nice gesture, and will reduce the amount of trips in and out of the house in wet bathing suits.
• Relaxation time. When you are all ready to settle in on the balcony or front porch for a little reading or relaxation, why not make the time last? Bring a selection of different beverages, along with a light snack and keep everything cold while you unwind and choose which to have.
• Gardening time. Take the afternoon off and fill the tub with ice and place a pitcher of lemonade or iced tea in it to cool. Garden for a while and take a little break to refresh yourself. Repeat.

After you have your outdoor bar stocked up and ready to go, you will want to think about a little bit of extra decor to make it really shine. Whether you decide to go for a fun or a sophisticated look, taking care of a few small details can add to the overall look of your outdoor space. Here are a few easy things you can start with if you want to add to the atmosphere:

• Lighting. Candles are a great option, but you can also consider everything from stringing decorative patio lights to built-in lights. Torches may well be the ultimate choice for a dramatic impact. Pendant lights might be a nice option if you have the bar set up near an area of the house with an overhang and access to electricity.
• Snack dishes. If you have a theme going, select some dishes to complement it. If not, try some stylish containers or simply serve in shallow, attractive glasses.
• Fresh flowers. The addition of fresh flowers is always a classic touch.
• Napkins. While these may not jump to mind as decor, choose something fun or especially attractive, to add a really nice touch.
• Beverage tub. Finding the right one for your bar will give you both a staple decorative item as well as a functional piece.

When you have an outdoor living area, you know the value of having items that serve both a practical and a decorative function. Anything that can make time outside more enjoyable or attractive is worth a little consideration. Here are a few staples to consider investing in:

• Decorative outdoor planters. These wonderful items can be a terrific addition to the barbeque area. Fill them with fresh herbs to have seasonings available right there for your use. Also a perfect choice for flowers, which can then be cut for table decor just before guests arrive.
• Copper or stainless steel beverage tubs-whatever you prefer. Both can be a design statement as well as a place from which to serve drinks. There are many different variations on the simple tub design; some come with ornate stands, making them a beautiful piece to highlight.
• Garden hose holder. Choose one that is very elegant, designed with elaborate scroll work and other decorative touches.
• Ice chests and storage trunks. No longer made from "throw-away" materials such as styrofoam, these items have evolved to be made out of teak and other fine woods that are made for the outdoors.

Be creative when throwing an outdoor party. Here is an overview of some things to consider before the big day:

• Select a theme. It can be basic, such as a simple summer party or something more specific, like celebrating a birthday or having a costume party. New Enlgand clam bakes and Mexican fiestas are a few ideas.  This will give you a design to work within.
• Make up a list of people to invite and select invitations. Sending invitations to your get-together is a classy way to get the word out.
• Plan the party. Decide on food, drinks, decorations, games or activities, and music.
• Get some help. Invite a friend or two over to help you set up.
• Have a rain plan. If it does rain or become chilly, know what next steps you will take.
• Take advantage of things that will reduce your workload the night of the party. Use a beverage tub so guests can help themselves. Put the CD changer on random. Use long-lasting torches instead of candles. After all, you will want to enjoy yourself too.
• Don't forget favors. It is always nice to send guests home with a little token of your time together. A few examples of party favors such as wine charms and custom wine bottle stoppers.