The Sophisticated French Caf� Garden Setup

Summer is here already, and all the sunshine and wonderfully green gardens are constantly inviting us outside for a little stroll. However, taking advantage of the good weather can mean a lot more than simply going for a walk in the park. If you're lucky enough to have a garden, a patio, or just a little spare corner by the window in your kitchen which has been in bad need of some redecorating for a while now, here is a thought: why not try for some of the "oh, la la" factor, and bring the sophisticated elegance of those little riverside French caf�s into your house in a few easy steps.

First things first: the must-have pieces for your very own Parisian corner are the round wrought iron table and the matching chairs. Every home and garden furniture center will have a lot of options available, depending on your shopping budget and the number of persons you're planning to seat. If possible, go for a white table or one in a light color, such as creamy yellow or beige and make sure the chairs match. Then consider the comfort of your own back and buy some chunky cushions to soften up the hard metal and make it easy to lounge by your table for as long as you desire.

Color is next. If you're feeling adventurous and you're planning to set up the table and chairs in your own kitchen rather than outside, you can take advantage of the opportunity and repaint the whole room in a pastel color, such as light blue or chic light pink. If that's not possible, simply go for pastel colored cushions and matching place settings. The centerpiece is next. A nice multi-tiered cake-stand filled with fresh fruit and delicious small cakes, a vase with fresh roses or a silver plate with delicious French pastries will do the trick.

When you have friends over, use white cups and plates. Little details will take you a long way. If you're serving coffee (and I can't possibly see why you wouldn't), don't put the milk carton on the table as such, but rather pour the milk in a clear glass jug which will add a touch of style to the whole meal. Do the same with the fruit juice and the cream. Use special dishes for butter and jam, and don't forget the delicious cakes and fresh strawberries, which will make for a nice contrast with the white dishes. Bon appetite!