In her book, No Compromise Decorating, Lynette Jennings teaches us that decorating has little do with rules but is in fact more about tools. She provides you, the homeowner, with some insight on how to gain an understanding about who you are and how you live in order to establish your decorating style. In just a few steps you can create the no-compromises home of your dreams!

No Compromise Decorating by Lynette Jennings Publisher: Meredith Books Price: $29

Make the most of your outdoor living spaces by treating them to a redesign. Before -the grill, serving cart, table and chairs were crowded together in an attempt to make them more convenient to the dining area. The remaining space was certainly large but awkwardly arranged and unwelcoming.

After the redesign- zones were created for grilling, dining, entertaining and conversation, with plenty of room for moving about. Weather resistant accessories were selected from the home to add color and interest. The result-a multi-purpose space that is more practical, attractive and inviting.

Spinach, Strawberries, Almonds,

Dressing: 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 Tablespoon poppy seed

Toss spinach, strawberries, and almonds together. Mix dressing. Pour dressing over spinach 30 minutes before serving.

The living room may be the first chance to wow the buyer after the initial curb appeal. Buyers are accustomed to seeing rooms with a designers touch thanks to all the TV shows, magazines, and model homes. It is important to give a polished look to a living room by eliminating clutter and sprucing up the interior.

Make sure the room's purpose is accentuated; a seating area in front of a beautifully dressed window can make an inviting focal point. A coffee table or other accent pieces can display a few beautiful accessories that engage a buyer and help them imagine living in the home.

By prepping the room and removing extra items and also highlighting with a few accessories themed to the room's color scheme or style, older real estate can have the look and feel of a model home.

Ah, summertime! It's time to get out your barbeque and lawn chairs and enjoy those "hazy, lazy, long days of summer!" Don't forget to get out your seasonal decorating ideas for those special outdoor get- togethers with family and friends. Here are some quick and easy budget decorating ideas that add ambience to any outdoor party or meal you want to host.

• For special parties pick a theme to coordinate your entire evening such as a luau, gardener's gathering, mystery dinner, or good old fashioned western barbeque. Depending on your theme, you can use inexpensive, unglazed clay pots that come in all sizes. They can be used as candleholders and/or silverware containers. Larger pots can be used as trash containers and small ones can be used as receptacles for swizzle sticks or coffee stirrers.

   

• Another candle holder idea is to carve holes into apples, pears, or other firm produce for perfect garden-theme candleholders. Get some pots that are filled with some seasonal flowers and they will perk up any table.

   

• You don't have a special tablecloth? Use sheets that you can pick up at discount or outlet stores that come in a variety of prints to match.

   

• Food can be used as bowls to match your theme. Try a cantaloupe or watermelon. Cut them in half, carve out melon balls, or take out the flesh completely. You can later fill them with the same melon balls, salads or sherbet to add a little interest to any table! Use seasonal fruits or vegetables in a variety of creative uses for centerpieces. An example would be to use lemons, limes and oranges alone or together in a clear tall vase or bowl.

   

• For a themed party such as a luau, get inexpensive silk floral leis that can be purchased at a dollar store and hand them out to everyone that attends. If you don't have very much time to host your party, then make it a classy potluck with everyone bringing a dish that goes with your theme. You'll be amazed at some of the creative dishes you will enjoy!

  ~~Irene Woodworth