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By MARY JANE PARK
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 31, 2001
Quick: Before the humidity hits 100 percent and the temperatures rise to the mid-90s, revel in a few more al fresco celebrations. Whether at a gathering for graduates or a cookout, these items should add a merry note to any open-air festivity.
Bright flowers give a cheery look to the table, and lined baskets are perfect for holding bread, fruit, cookies and other goodies. Catch the Sun 16-ounce party cups (10, $1.99). Red Lazy Dazy beverage napkins (30, $1.99); luncheon napkins (24, $1.99); 7-inch dessert plates (36, $1.99); 9-inch luncheon plates, (32, $1.99); 101/4-inch dinner plates (18, $1.99). Wicker oval tray with red stripe liner, $14.99. All items, Target stores.
Built for bouquets or trailing foliage, metal vases are right for hanging outdoors. The small size holds a cut-off liter beverage bottle liner; the large one accommodates a potted plant. Primitives by Kathy vases, $13.95, small; $26.95, large. In rust, verdigris and whitewash finishes. Domain, 3129 Beach Blvd., Gulfport; (727) 302-9299.
Poolside frolickers need not worry about broken glasses; use these unbreakable ones in hot and cool colors. Some flatware sets have clear handles, some are in color. Martha Stewart Everyday polypropylene beverage cups, set of 4, $3.99. Martha Stewart Everyday Picnicware, 20-piece flatware set with caddy, $19.99. Kmart stores.
Park these floral candle stakes in a terra cotta planter filled with sand to light up any picnic table. Candle stakes, $1.50 each. Bombay Co., Brandon Town Center, Brandon; Countryside Mall, Clearwater; Tyrone Square, St. Petersburg; University Mall, WestShore Plaza and Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa. Toll-free 1-800-829-7789; on the Web www.bombayco.com.
Inflate these floating vases as you would a beach ball, fill them with flowers and send them sailing along in your pool. Floating pool vases. Two for $35. Chiasso. Toll-free 1-800-654-3570; on the Web www.chiasso.com.