As we drive the winding roads of the Northwoods, we can’t help but notice the hints of color that are peeking through the trees…indicating that fall is just around the corner and our warm summer days out on the lake are numbered (say it isn’t so!!!).

Yes, the boat has to be winterized and the outdoor decor stored for the season, but we still have wonderful things to look forward to inside our lake homes as the weather turns colder and the days get shorter.

Being indoors doesn’t have to be a dreary thought. Preparing for cozy days around the kitchen table with your loved ones should be exciting. In fact, with a little creativity, the best memories are yet to be made. Here are 5 surefire (and simple) ways to liven up the chilly autumn days to come…

 

1. Add some frivolity to your table

We know it can be difficult to say goodbye to dinners under the stars out on your beautiful patio, but just think of all the gorgeous dishware you haven’t used in a while. After all, don’t we all tend to default to our adorable melamine sets while living life outdoors?

That china and stunning glassware that has been sitting in the hutch is begging for some use! Why not jazz up a weeknight meal by pulling out all the stops. A full silverware layette, cups and saucers, assorted fabrics and finishes, glassware fit for royalty…a little frivolity never hurt anyone. In fact, it can make your indoor dinner oh-so-much fun!

 

2. Spice it up with a variety of salt and pepper shakers

A gorgeous nod to autumn in Wisconsin, these acorn salt and pepper shaker sets are just a few of the must-have options available in our showroom.

And if woodland decor isn’t your thing, maybe you’ll fall in love with this little lake-life-inspired rowboat…the perfect vessel for any spices. And those miniature oars…perfect for serving up just a pinch of flavor.

These seemingly simple accessories can go a long way in livening up any table setting. Trust us, the little details never go unnoticed!

 

3. Host an impromptu game night

What’s better than family time and lots of laughter? Well, we’d argue it doesn’t get much better than that. You don’t need a well-planned day trip on the pontoon to bring your loved ones together. Simply grab some casual dishware, pop some popcorn, pour everyone’s favorite drinks, and rally the troops around your kitchen table.

An impromptu game night (especially when the fire is roaring inside and the fall leaves are on full display out your windows) will add excitement to any run-of-the-mill evening or weekend at home.

 

4. Mix up the table

Who says that you have to match place settings? Nobody! Liven up your table by getting a little crazy with the decor.

Mix patterns with other patterns. Solids with other solids. Bring in a variety of chairs, glassware, silverware, dishes, placemats, and more. It might sound like a mess, but it will create a table full of visual interest that brings smiles to everyone you’re dining with. An easy way to brighten up a cool, dark fall night.

Maybe even try to create a place setting to match each family member’s personality. A fun challenge? We think so!

 

5. Host a formal family dinner

You are cordially invited to dinner with your family. Sounds pretty fancy, right?

If planning ahead is more your thing, forego the impromptu meals and get busy creating an elegant dinner for your loved ones.

Use your best dishware, find an interesting centerpiece, light some candles, and start making that 5-course meal. You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to gather around a beautiful table with all of your favorite people. Any night can be a holiday with a little bit of planning and imagination.

If you’re ready to liven up your table in preparation for fall, stop by our showroom! We’d be thrilled to meet you and help you select something extra special that makes your indoor living just as memorable as your days in the great outdoors.

Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team

 

Let’s be honest… spring and early summer have felt a bit… strange (and that might be putting it nicely). It has been hard not to have drinks on the deck with friends, share evenings on the water with neighbors, and welcome extended family for weekend getaways at the lake. 

On the other hand, this time has brought so many blessings in disguise. Extra quality time with our immediate families. The chance to play around with new recipes on the grill. Even the opportunity to remodel the outdoor living spaces to our heart’s content.

Fortunately, thanks to all of our wonderful customers (like you), who have taken our showroom policies to heart and continued to care about the health and safety of others, our community is seeing a shift in the right direction. Which also means the possibility of small get-togethers with family and friends. Thank goodness!

Whether you’re preparing to host family at your cabin, reconvening the ladies’ monthly book club, or even planning an intimate dinner party for close friends, we hope that these simple suggestions will help make your outdoor entertaining just that much more special and enjoyable in the weeks to come…

 

1. Recipes your guests will rave about

We can’t be the only ones who adore trying new recipes when we have guests…right?! Whether it is a savory appetizer, a unique dessert, or the perfect make-ahead cocktail, we are always looking for innovative ideas that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few of our recent favorites…

 

APPETIZER: Put it on EVERYTHING Cashew Dip

Courtesy of Bon Appetit

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 1 cup tender herbs
• 2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Pour boiling water over the cashews in a heat-proof bowl.
3. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Strain cashews through a sieve into a medium bowl, reserving the liquid.
5. Put cashews in a blender and add 1 cup of herbs, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp salt, and ½ the reserved liquid.
6. Blend until smooth and resembles the consistency of yogurt.
7. Place in a serving bowl and serve with Crudités and sliced French bread.

 

DESSERT: Peanut Butter Cheese Ball

Courtesy of Karly Campbell

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
• 3 Tbsp packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
• ¾ cup peanut butter chips

Directions:

1. Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Spoon mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap.
3. Pull up all 4 corners of wrap and twist tightly to form a ball.
4. Freeze for 1 ½  hours or until firm enough to keep its shape.
5. Pour both kinds of chips onto a plate and roll the ball in the chips to cover.
6. Freeze again for no more than 2 hours
7. Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
8. Serve with graham cracker sticks, apple slices, and Nilla Wafers for dipping.

 

COCKTAIL: Frozen, Make-Ahead Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned

Courtesy of WISCO Wheeler

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 ½ cup Old Fashioned mix
• 2 cups brandy
• 12 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• Sweet and sour soda, for mixing

Directions:

1. Mix water, Old Fashioned mix, brandy, and orange Juice concentrate.
2. Freeze 24 hours or until set.
3. For each serving, scoop ¾ cup of slush into a rocks glass.
4. Pour desired mixer (sweet and sour soda, lemon lime soda, etc.) into the glass and garnish.

2. Stunning, yet care-free serveware

While good food is a great start to your outdoor entertaining, how you serve those delicious dishes matters almost as much!

We don’t recommend that you pull out your best china to take onto the patio. And ceramic serveware can be risky as well (after all, nobody wants to excuse themselves from the party to clean up broken dishes on a hard surface…yikes!).

 The good news is that there are beautiful, elegant options in melamine serveware these days that are both pretty and practical for outdoor use. (The only drawback to this type of dishware – it can’t be microwaved. Other than that, it is perfect for al fresco dining.)

Don’t forget a selection of rocks glasses in beautiful summer patterns for your guests. (Pro tip – even though you might be tempted to put out a selection of glasses that match perfectly…you might consider glasses of similar styles, but varying patterns so that guests can easily track which drink belongs to them.)

Top off your place settings with fun, brightly-colored cocktail napkins. Whether you choose quality paper napkins for easy clean-up, or reusable cloth napkins that can be enjoyed time and time again, this little detail is the perfect way to add an extra splash of personality to your gathering.

Best of all, we carry all of this and more in our showroom…stop by anytime to take a peek and stock up for your next get-together.

3. Practical protection from the sun

Have you ever spent days looking forward to a meal out…one where you can sit on the patio and sip a fancy drink…only to have your dreams dashed by the fact that the patio of the restaurant is soaked by the sun without an inch of shade to break up those blistering UV rays? 

We know we have…and it’s the worst! Don’t let your outdoor living spaces pose the same problem for family and friends. 

An oversized umbrella to cover your dining table, a slim profile retractable awning over the deck, or any type of portable shade screen will provide welcome relief to your summertime guests. Trust us, any of these (or a combination thereof) make for a very wise investment.

If you’re looking for some additional inspiration for an upcoming event…

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor living spaces before entertaining this summer…

Or if you’re looking to take our suggestions to heart and stock up on outdoor-friendly serving ware and shade protection…

…then give us a call or stop by our showroom! We can’t wait to see you and meet all of your outdoor entertaining needs.

Yours,
The Lakeside Living Team

The snow and ice has (mostly) melted, the days are getting longer, and if you are like us, we are itching to enjoy the outdoors! 

We can’t deny that we are missing Friday night fish fry and Old Fashioneds at the local supper club, but we are ready to watch the sun set on the patio while firing up the grill. After all, summer in Wisconsin is what we all live for, right? 

Well, good news… even if we can’t invite our family, friends, and neighbors over just yet, now is the perfect time to start preparing your patio for the summer season ahead. We hope these 5 simple steps make your annual outdoor furniture maintenance and patio preparation a breeze!

1. Clean your floors

Before you move any of your furniture out of storage and onto the deck or patio, make sure you have a freshly cleaned surface, free of the dirt and debris that winter leaves behind. 

Hose down the wood or cement and make sure there is no damage from the cold. How terrible would it be to step on a nail that popped up just because you hadn’t completed your annual inspection? Ouch!

Once everything is as it should be, lay down your outdoor rugs. Whether they have been outside in the elements all winter, or rolled up and tucked away in the garage or basement, they are likely fairly dirty. Vacuum them, if that will do the trick, or hose those down if they are filthy. Then hang them to dry, if possible, in order to remove any excess moisture. 

After they are clean and dry, you are ready to lay them down and start hauling out your furniture. 

2. Prepare your furniture

No matter what material your outdoor furniture is made of, it will likely require a little bit of upkeep each spring in order to keep it looking fresh and inviting for your friends, family, and future guests. Here are a few tips and tricks specific to each material that will help you keep your chairs, tables, etc. in top shape:

• Natural Wicker

1. Always start by vacuuming natural wicker well. 
2. Once you have removed the larger debris and any cobwebs, wipe it down with a damp rag. 
3. Remember that detergents and soap don’t play nicely with natural wicker, so simply use water during your cleaning process for best results.

• Weatherproof Wicker(Resin) and Recycled Plastic

1. Start by hosing it down to remove dirt, dust, and water spots that may have appeared over the winter. 
2. For tougher stains, use a little dishwashing soap on a wet rag. 
3. Whatever you do, do NOT use a power washer. This will roughen up the surface of your furniture.

• Aluminum Sling

1. Just like weatherproof wicker and recycled plastic, start by hosing aluminum sling down to remove dirt, dust, and water spots.
2. Again, for water spots, dirt, etc., use a little dishwashing soap on a wet rag. 
3. If that doesn’t work for some reason, spot removers are available for aluminum furniture and slings, but always check with the manufacturer before using them to ensure that you don’t harm your furniture. 

• Cast Iron

1. Before you do anything, check for rust spots.
2. If you find some, these areas should be cleaned thoroughly, sanded lightly, and repainted. 
3. Once the paint is dry, wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth.

• Wood

1. Start by checking for any loose screws and tightening them, as needed. 
2. Clean your furniture according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
3. If your furniture has lost its luster, it may be time to re-stain it, which is something you can easily do yourself, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Take care of your tabletops

If you have tabletops of the same material as your chairs, you can use the steps listed above. If you have tables in other materials, natural stone, granite, or even mosaic tabletops… we have some tips for you too!

Start by cleaning your stone, granite, or mosaic surface. When you purchased the table, you were probably given instructions on how best to clean the surface…make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results. 

Once the surface is clean, we suggest re-sealing it annually to increase the longevity of your table. Again, you should have manufacturer instructions about how to complete the re-sealing process, but if you need help, don’t hesitate to call us or ask for help at your local home improvement store, when open. Any of us are willing to point you in the right direction!

Just make sure you give the sealant ample time to dry before using your table for the first time this season. Yes, we have heard of many people who learned that one the hard way. 

4. Check your cushions

We don’t know about you, but our cushions start to get that musty smell when they sit in storage all winter. Now is a great time to get them smelling fresh and ready for lots of use this summer. 

Start by airing them out, checking for stains, and inspecting for critter damage. Spot clean them where you can and allow them to breathe in the fresh air for a while to relieve any odors.

If you are lucky enough to have the kind of cushions where the cases can be removed, machine wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle and air dry them (always following the manufacturer’s recommendations, of course… do we sound like broken records yet?).

If you remove the cases and airing them out doesn’t seem to do the trick, it might be a good year to replace those cushions. After all, everyone loves a little upgrade. This might be the perfect time to add some new colors or patterns to your outdoor living space. (We can help!)

5. Come visit us!

Whether you know that your current patio furniture has reached the end of its life or you are just curious to see what else is out there, we would love to help. We suggest making a list for May 26th (fingers crossed that date sticks!) when you can finally stop in to our store.  We have all your outdoor essentials, including Lloyd Flanders special order outdoor furniture!

We hope that this patio prepping guide helps you get your patio back into shape, and we can’t wait to help you prepare to host the best post-pandemic cookout of the summer. 🙂

Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team

As we start looking forward to mud season up in northern Wisconsin (hey, we can start dreaming now!), does your to-do list include opening up your lake cabin? You bet ours does!

A while back, we put together a great guide for bringing your lake house back to life after winter, so why reinvent the wheel this year? 

Instead, we’re going to share 7 decorating tips to get those creative juices fired up and your cabin looking fresh and new!

Lake House Decorating Tip 1: Use Patterns to Add Elegance

We love the lake house/cabin vibe, but if you want to add a touch of elegance, some ornate, traditional patterns are the way to do it! 

You could easily incorporate patterns into bedding, window treatments, or upholstery, but we especially love these fancy pillows. Not only do they look like a million bucks (without costing it), but you can easily swap them out with the seasons. 

Plus, they’re small enough not to get too distressed with the daily come-and-go of lake life. Love it!

Lake House Decorating Tip 2: Mix Up Your Seating

Here’s a designers’ trick to bring some visual interest into your living or dining room… mix up the seating! Here, we paired handcrafted wooden chairs with high-backed upholstered ones. 

The effect is casual but elegant, interesting but not overdone! 

Lake House Decorating Tip 3: Use Ladders as Decorative Storage

Have you ever thought of using a ladder as blanket or towel storage? It’s functional and decorative! 

If you have grandkids running around, just make sure to keep an eye on them. Those little rascals will see this ladder as an instant playground!

Lake House Decorating Tip 4: Ottoman or Coffee Table? Both!

We love extra-long ottomans, because they can double as coffee tables! Just get a nice tray for drinks or snacks, and you have a stylish, functional living room on your hands.

Lake House Decorating Tip 5: Change Your Life with a Cozy Porch

Imagine how different your lake house life would be with a porch swing like this?! Get lost in good books, watch your grandkids get up to mischief in the lake, and soak up some firefly-speckled sunsets… 

Whether your future includes a cozy swing or not is up to you, but if you haven’t thought about your porch yet, consider spicing it up for comfort. Your summer on the lake will be all the merrier for it.

Lake House Decorating Tip 6: Sometimes Simple is Best

For your larger items, sometimes simple and functional is best. This armchair is sturdy, has great neutral upholstery for hiding years of use, and is a joy to sit in… that’s sounds like a perfect combination to us! You can always accessorize elsewhere to keep the space feeling lively.

 

Lake House Decorating Tip 7: Add Wisconsin Pride and Some Smiles!

There’s nothing like a little Sconnie pride to make you and your guests smile. Because life really IS better in Wisconsin. 😉

That’s it for today, but we’ll be back next month with more helpful advice. If you need a little decor for your space, or a team to redesign it, we’re ready to help!

Just stop by, give us a call, or sign up for our monthly lookbook.

Warmly,
Lakeside Living Design

If you’re looking to refresh your space in the New Year, you might be weighing the pros and cons of reupholstering your existing furniture versus buying new. 

While it’s no secret that we love to give used furniture a fresh take on life, it’s also true that not every piece of furniture is a worthy candidate. 

So here’s the big question… how do you know whether to reupholster or buy new?

Today, we’re answering this question and taking you behind the scenes of our custom workroom!

When should you reupholster versus buy new?

The answer to this question depends on your answers to these:

• Do you love this piece of furniture?
• Does it fit your body and have comfortable proportions?
• Does it fit well in your space?
• Is the frame holding up well?
• Is the piece from a reputable manufacturer?

If you mostly answered “No,” then it is time to invest in new furniture. We can help you make the best decision for your space, style, and comfort.

If you answered “Yes,” then you’ll be better off reupholstering your existing furniture. We can add new fabric and batting, re-web the foundation, re-tie springs, and replace worn-out cushions.

Note: The investment for reupholstering versus buying new is nearly equal for a piece of the same quality.

And now for the behind-the-scenes peek! Here are our 10 steps to reupholstering furniture to look brand new, refreshed, or ready to be loved… 

Step 1: Estimating Fabric & Labor

The first step is to understand how much fabric is needed, how many man-hours are needed, and create a plan for the project.

Insider Info: The larger the pattern on your fabric the more fabric will be required for matching it. This is true of any project, from a simple pillow to window treatments to complex upholstery.

Step 2: Mapping Cuts

Do we really draw a map of each piece and where on the fabric they should fall in order to correctly match the pattern on the project? You betcha!

Step 3: Deconstructing Upholstery

For upholstery projects, we have to tear down the piece, removing all fabric and filler right down to the frame. We’ll repair the frame and re-tie springs as needed before any updates to the upholstery.

Step 4: Fabric Inspection & Cutting

We closely examine every inch of the fabric for defects and flaws. No one wants a flaw, and we’re adamant about perfection!! Once we’re sure the fabric is up to par, we’ll cut it along the lines we’ve drawn.

Step 5: Sewing Fabric as Needed

Whether it’s upholstery, a custom window treatment, or pillows, the next step is sewing the fabric as needed for the item. This takes focus, care, and really is custom work!

Step 6: Prepare the Piece for Fabric

Next, we begin reconstructing the furniture by adding foam, batting, and preparing the frame for fabric.

Step 7: Apply Fabric to the Frame

When applying fabric to the frame, we have to be very careful about matching the repetitions of the pattern for a seamless, classy look!

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches & Inspect

Finishing touches include things like stuffing pillows and cushions. Once we’re confident the work is complete, we’ll inspect the whole thing from top to bottom to make sure it’s spick, span, and ready for your home!

Step 9: Wrap for Storage or Delivery

Whether we’re storing it for pick-up or putting it on a truck for delivery, we wrap up your piece with care so it arrives to you in pristine condition.

Step 10: A Loving Home

The final step is less about us and all about you. We love knowing that the pieces we make will end up in happy Wisconsin homes, where you’re sure to love and use them for a long time!

Workroom Special – 20% Off Fabric!

To celebrate the New Year, we’re offering 20% off of the fabric used in any custom commissioned piece. This special applies to reupholstery, window treatments, bedding, pillows and cushions, and is valid through the end of February. 

Questions? Have any furnishings that could use a little refresh? Give us a call or reach out here. 

We love what we do and can’t wait to see how we can support your happiest home in 2020!

Warmly,
Lakeside Living Design