Summer holiday how tos

Some of my fondest memories of summer parties are of those held on porches — one in Charleston, S.C., at a friend’s third-floor flat in a rundown mansion, magnolia branches brushing the porch rails, music from an old record player wafting out an open window, candles lit everywhere.

Another was in Toronto, when a friend and her jazz musician husband invited friends from all over — many of them musicians from New Orleans who provided the music. Their home was tiny and people spilled out front and back doors, standing or sitting on mismatched chairs under Japanese lanterns hung from an apple tree.

But you don’t have to live in a Southern mansion or have top-drawer jazz musicians to create a little night magic. And you can do it anywhere: porch, deck, patio, condo balcony or country farm.

Dining al fresco is something every Canadian craves “because of our weather limitations,” says caterer Barbara Stuart of BRC Saladino Events ( www.stuartsaladino.com ). “It’s so special, every element becomes heightened, the jazz seems smoother, the food tastes better.”

And your main goal for entertaining outdoors, she says, is to “create an experience. Everything of the workday left behind, it should feel like hanging out at the neighbours’ with a glass of wine.”

BEFORE THE GUESTS ARRIVE

Create a hostess basket that includes bug repellent, throws for bundling into as the night grows cool, and flip flops for every guest — hot pink for the women, and a hockey theme for men. “Flip flops tell your guests they’re meant to relax and be comfortable,” Stuart says.

Not enough deck chairs? Pull whatever you have outside, including floor cushions, side tables that can support someone’s weight, benches, piano stools and folding chairs. If you’re on the front porch, bring out enough small side tables for plates and glasses. On the deck or patio, create small seating arrangements with chairs grouped around lower tables.

On the porch, nothing beats wicker, says Lena Patten, designer and owner of Muskoka’s Hilltop Interiors. “The screened in porch — Muskoka room as we call them here — is perfect with big, deep wicker sofas and swings and plump pillows. It works equally well for morning coffee, rainy afternoons with Scrabble, or evening parties with board games and martinis.

Citronella Votive Candles for Your Protection - LogBud.com

Enjoy the great outdoor experiences at the same time be protected from insect and mosquito bites by lighting citronella votive candles .  The use of candles to bring out citronella into the air can be used to keep mosquitoes and insects away. Citronella is safe for people and animals and can be used as an ingredient in insect repellents. Votive candles can be made with citronella so you can enjoy sitting on the porch or somewhere with a lighted candle minus the tiny pests that slowly eat you alive. You can even enjoy your barbecue as you sit on the lawn and spend your summer evenings with friends and family.

Citronella has been used in a variety of ways not just as ingredient in votive candles but is also used in cooking and in the perfume industry. A citronella is a plant that is usually found in the islands of Java, Sri Lanka, and in some parts of Asia. It may grow about three feet tall and is sometimes referred to as lemongrass. It is a tall, blue-green grass with a lemony scent and its oil is used as ingredients in candles and cleansers.  Aside from these, they can also be used as pain killers, disinfection purposes and as an anti-worm treatment. 


Citronella votive candles have been used in recent years not just for decorations or for the sake of lighting candles but also for protection especially against mosquitoes. Its natural fragrance is appealing as well giving a fresh smell of the natural world making it ideal to be used in aromatherapy as well. To make your outdoor worry free, light your citronella votive candles in appropriate votive candle holders to keep you safe too from the hot candle wax as it burns. Enjoy the great outdoor life worry free with citronella votive candles .

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