number of Americans, the greatest vacation site is one where the locals speak your language, the merchants accept U.S. currency and there’s no need to pack and unpack. That may be the reason oneof the hot spots for leisure time these days is at home, in one’s own outdoor retreat. This step-by-step guide to creating a vacation spot at home can help: * Establish a budget. Determine the amount of money that you’re able to spend on creating an outdoor oasis. Knowing your limit helps you to distinguish between items in the “need” and those in the “want” column, which ultimately helps refine your shopping list. Keep in mind that yourability to splurge or to sparingly add a few items will be greatly enhanced by shopping at a store that has department store sale prices every day. * Assess your space. Porch, patio or poolside—determine how much space you have to work with and how you'd like to use it. How you plan to use the space will affect how you decorate. Will the area be used for entertaining or meditation? Don’t let limited square footage limit your imagination— accentuate the space you have with color, texture, plants and garden ornaments. Use resources such as this publication, garden magazines or home decorating specialty stores to help refine your vision. Take a great break without leaving home. * Focus on furniture. Weatherproof wicker, wood or micromesh tables, chairs and planters from Linens ‘n Things can be used to set just the right tone for your outdooridyll. * Choose a color scheme. Give your space its own unique identity with colors different from the rest of your home. Use cool colors to beat the heat, or celebrate nature with earth tones and botanical shades. * Accessorize. Express your style and complement yourcolors with decorative tablecloths, seat cushions, serving pieces and string lights that give your special place a summery look. Consider a candle garden or glass lanterns for a romantic theme, or string lights and flag candle torches for a morefestive look. For more information and ideas, you can go to www.LNT.com or call 1-800-LNT-8765 to find a Linens‘n Things store nearby.
