Put a little personality in your outdoor entertaining

Warm sun-drenched days and cool starry evenings can inspire the host or hostess in us all. It's the perfect time of year for easy outdoor entertaining - to reconnect with family and friends at a backyard barbecue, neighborhood block party or rooftop soiree. It's also a time to show off your unique style and personality without the pressure of planning an elaborate sit-down dinner.

"While outdoor entertaining is definitely more casual, it doesn't have to be boring," says Ann Gearty, senior brand manager at Rust-Oleum. "With a little imagination and a few simple touches, it's easy to transform an ordinary barbecue or casual evening with friends into an event your guests will remember."

Decide on a theme - The easiest way to select a theme is to look at your guest list and your outdoor space and let them be your guide. For example, if you're planning a family party in the backyard, spice up the ordinary with a colorful tailgating theme. Planning a neighborhood gathering? Make it a back-to-school celebration that will put smiles on kids' faces (and parents' too) with a few simple props. Or, transform a casual rooftop party into a magical evening by taking a cue from Shakespeare's "Mid-Summer Night's Dream."

Set the stage - Once you've selected a theme, it's time to set the stage. Support your favorite football team by spray painting an old patio set, planters and other outdoor accessories in your team's colors. High-energy colors like Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Real Orange, Paprika, Deep Blue or Sun Yellow are just a few colors that may help you support your favorite team. Even old galvanized buckets can be transformed into brightly colored beverage coolers with a little spray paint. Add a festive table cloth, colorful paper plates and napkins, a "make it yourself" burger or chili station - and a custom colored bean bag toss game board - for a festive family gathering.

Transform an ordinary piece of plywood into a reusable "inspiration board" that's the perfect focal point for a back-to-school celebration. Paint the plywood with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint. It's available in traditional black as well as a tint base so you can choose from a variety of colors such as Banner Blue or Raspberry. Then invite the neighborhood parents to write inspirations like "Do Your Best", "Aim for the A" or "Practice Makes Perfect". Add kids, cupcakes, juice boxes, a few backyard games and inexpensive party favors -- empty juice cans transformed into pencil holders. Spray paint the cans with their favorite school colors, and personalize them with American Accents Decorative Paint Pens. They'll enjoy them throughout the school year.

Twinkling white lights on rooftop railings and large outdoor plants can set the stage for an elegant rooftop soiree for business colleagues. Spray paint flea market or garage sale finds like old bistro tables, wicker chairs, candlesticks and planters with Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic All-Surface Paint to give them the high-end look of Metallic Satin Nickel, Aged Copper or Oil-Rubbed Bronze. Universal can be used on any surface at any angle (even upside down), so you can paint wood, wicker, glass, metal - even plastic or vinyl - so let your imagination run wild. Chill the wine and welcome your guests for a magical evening outdoors.

Courtesy of ARAcontent