PORCH ENTERTAINING.

If you are short of space but love entertaining, with a little thought you can convert a homely porch into an inviting, al fresco room.  Whether enclosed by screens or wide-open to the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood, your porch can perform double duty as an extra living or dining area with the addition of just a few “inside-outside” accessories.

·                     Choose neutral colours and textures as a base.  Think sisal, wicker, rattan and bamboo.  Find oversized and rustic baskets to hold plants or table lines.

·                     Add interest underfoot by laying down a braided rug or, if you are artistic, you can paint a design on the floor using sturdy paints suitable for outdoor use.

·                     Blur the line between inside and outside.  For example, if you have an old table, place it near a window or porch rail and pack it with plants.  Use moss-covered garden ornaments such as statues, urns and wall plaques to decorate the space.  Bring in a birdbath to hold magazines or top it with a piece of glass to make a side table.

·                     Anchor your indoor formal seating to your more informal porch seating with complementary fabrics and colours, using weather resistant fabrics on the porch furniture.  If you have a hammock, pile it with cushions in exotic hues and textures.

·                     If you love impressive flower arrangements, use large terracotta pots, with the holes sealed up, and anchor down with large stones.

·                     Introduce lighting with table lamps or hang hurricane lamps from shepherd crook stakes, firmly embedded in sand filled containers.  And don’t forget the votive candles with all their wonderful aromas.

·                     Display your collection of stones or sea shells in brightly coloured baskets or elegant glass vases.

·                     For that special occasion, introduce a little privacy with the addition of sheer drapes on rods that can be swung out of the way if required.

·                     If you have a “less than attractive” view on one side of your porch, erect a bamboo trellis which will act as a screen whilst still allowing light to filter through.

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