Tania Sinel: ~our exterior home tour~

We finally get to put our new deck to use!

We love to entertain and already have had several small parties on our new space.

I like to create different spots for people to go, so not everyone is crowded around the grill, or one particular area. Creating these different "stations" helps to create conversation and keeps the flow going.

Before I get to the nitty gritty, I thought I'd share with you some pictures I took of the outside of our home. I don't take a lot of exterior photos, but I thought it was about time!

Our home has a small lake in the front and the woods in the back. It's pretty private even though we have neighbors all around.

Just for fun, here is that same angle from when we purchased our home.

A lot has happened in 20 years!

Yes, I left our Christmas lights up!

We had them hung by a professional last fall and I just couldn't bear to take them down.

Can we still be friends?

This is what you see from the culdesac.

The garage sits in front of the house.

Kitchen door, which is technically the front door.

Now here are some of my things I like to make sure are done before having anyone over for a night or day of outdoor entertaining!

Create a small groupings with comfortable furniture

Have side tables where people can set their drinks and plates

I put this side table together with this metal tub and a old wood round cutting board.

When in need, you improvise!

Have blankets and pillows for extra comfort on chilly nights

To see more photos of our outdoor kitchen, please go here.

Stripe pillows

Black pillows

Make sure guests have all the essentials ready to easily dish up food

I have mentioned this recently, but I am obsessed with all things grey and galvanized lately. It has such a wonderful patina and goes with a variety of styles.

I was recently browsing through Piper Classics and saw this fabulous compote and new it would be a show stopper.

It's huge and is perfect for a bowl of summer fruit.

Easiest centerpiece ever.

Then I saw these charger trays and knew it would tie the whole look together.