Entertaining on the Deck

About a month ago, on one of the first warm weekend evenings, we couldn’t wait to get out on the deck. We spent time sweeping up, pulling out the patio furniture and adding some character with pillows, lanterns and a bar cart. The scenery has changed so much in just a few short weeks since these photos were taken. It’s amazing to watch the forest come to life here in The Northwoods. The trees off the deck are now full of leaves and we are surrounded by beautiful green.

My inspiration for decor on the deck was the cream and green of the vintage style chairs and gliders.

The galvanized lanterns I found at Pier One.

The Relax pillow was a Home Goods find.

Rather than have a traditional coffee table, I found garden stools in green and white at Walmart. They add versatility. I can leave them all together to use as a larger table or separate them to use as end tables.

Crowd pleasing and easy appetizers are a must. Many times our get togethers are last minute and it’s easy to pull out veggies and crackers with favorite dips from Trig’s, our local grocery store. Trig’s carries a great variety, my family’s favorite is the Crab Dip and my favorite is the Cranberry Gorgonzola. This giant platter was a fun find at Home Goods.  I also love to spread chips on the tray surrounding salsa (see second photo above.) My hand painted salsa bowl was a wedding gift.

The striped umbrella and ceramic lanterns are from Walmart.

I like to set up an easy “help yourself” bar. I like to keep on hand a variety of options and items we know our friends like, but I also like to have a signature drink. Often lately it’s Moscow Mules. We mix vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and some fresh mint all in a beautiful copper mug that stays perfectly chilled.

I also like to make what I have named, “Manitowish Mules.” Manitowish Waters is a town here in the Lakeland area that is known for their many cranberry bogs. I first mixed this drink up for friends having cocktails at our house before heading to dinner at Smoky’s in Manitowish. The Mule was a hit! I mixed Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka with Pedal Hard Ginger Beer, added some fresh lime juice, some sugared frozen cranberries and some fresh mint. I found all my ingredients at Trig’s.

My favorite Mule though is what I named the “Minocqua Mule” using Bourbon, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice and Mint.

Another Mule that is delicious for summer we created using Prairie Cucumber Vodka, Ginger Beer, slices of cucumber and garnished with a fresh sprig of rosemary. Refreshing!

And our signature Mule named after our cabin, the Paradise Mule is a mixture of Vodka, Blue Curacao, Ginger Beer and garnished with blackberries picked right from our property. We freeze many of them to keep on hand.

One of the best parts of the bar cart is that it is on wheels so if the weather changes or the party moves indoors the bar cart easily roll right inside.

For summer mornings on the deck, the bar cart can be turned into a coffee bar. The deck is the perfect place to start the morning. Listening to the loons on the lake and watching the sun come up and a beautiful day begin. Here’s looking forward to summer!