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Inside Outside or Outside Inside: Summer Entertaining that Works Either Way
May 23 2005

UNION, N.J., May 23, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- At some point, rain has ruined plans for a big backyard get-together. Or maybe you had your dining room set for an elegant party, but the summer weather was just too beautiful to keep your guests inside. Not a problem.

The trick to successful entertaining is flexibility, say the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond. The best way is with multifunctional accessories that can work indoors or outdoors if you or the weather dictate.

Here are some fresh ideas that work both inside and outside:

     *  Think "out of the bowl" when it comes to serving.
          -- Use fabric lined wicker baskets and canvas bins as a unique way
             of presenting dry foods like breads, sandwiches and cookies.

          -- Fresh fruit for dessert? Hang a mesh multi-level basket from a
             tree in the garden or coat rack in the den so guests can "pick"
             their own fruit.

          -- Clear acrylic tubs filled with ice cubes make for a great wine or
             soda presentation and can be used year round.  Tint the ice cubes
             with food coloring for fun.

     *  Know your color and style comfort zones.
          -- Don't be afraid to go with the color palette you favor inside
             your home outside.

          -- Black, white and neutral shades can make dramatic statements
             against your garden's greenery. And, bright colorful summer
             patterns can add freshness to your dining room.

     *  Formal Inside or Informal Outside?
          -- Don't be limited by where the party is when you think about its
             presentation - today's acrylic pieces look as clear as glass and
             placemats made of bamboo or woven plastics look as elegant on the
             patio as they do on a dining room table.

          -- Use beautiful table linens on your patio tables to lend an air of
             elegance to your dinner party.

          -- A three-tiered buffet ensemble used outdoors adds a formal air.

    Indoors or out, there are some important things you don't want to forget:
     *  Set aside a beverage and dessert area.  Remember to keep an extra
        surge protector extension cord on hand to plug in your coffee urn,
        smoothie maker and blender.

     *  Will guests be looking for the powder room?  Continue your
        indoor/outdoor theme using fresh soaps, lotions and hand towels in
        seasonal colors and patterns.

     *  And, be prepared for some stay-over company with an extra bed and spa
        accessories.  No home should be without an EZ-bed and a basket filled
        with fresh towels, soaps and terry-cloth slippers for your guests.

When you shop at Bed Bath & Beyond or online at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com, their wide entertaining assortment can make your summer table inviting no matter where you set it. Remember, whether you bring the outside inside or the inside outside, a great party isn't about location. It's about the special time you and your guests share together.

SOURCE Bed Bath & Beyond

Bari Fagin of Bed Bath & Beyond,
+1-631-420-7050, x5371,
bari.fagin@bedbath.com