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Shopping: Brighten up your outdoor living space

BY SUZANNE BOYLE

The grill is already in use, but the outdoor furniture is still indoors, waiting just like I am.

I yearn to sit outside in the morning with a cup of coffee, but I know I’m being optimistic.

If I could splurge on new outdoor furniture, I’d buy something that reminds me of year-round warm weather places. So, when I stopped inPier 1 Imports in Fairview Heights on Tuesday, I was drawn to the hand-crafted, wrought-iron tables with tiled tops. The patterns and vivid colors made me think of the tropics and Mexico. (If only we had palm trees.) The store has a good selection of small tables perfect for pairing with chairs and loungers. I particularly liked the one made with glass tile that had a cutout top shaped like a flower. These smaller ones are $99.95, while a big patio table in shades of sunset orange and yellow, part of the Rania collection, is $349.95. It has a matching tall counter table that could be an outdoor bar for $449.95 and a three-tiered drink cart for $299.95. This collection is not only beautiful to look at, but water- and rust-resistant.

Next, I popped into Marshall’s, where I saw a gathering of gray metal tubs and containers, some with rope accents and handles, others with painted sides. What a great way to display an armful of potted flowers or fill with ice and use as a beverage cooler. One big rectangular tub with wood handles and painted blue trim had an attached bottle opener ($24.99). The matching utensil and condiment holder is $12.99. Others ranged in price from $9.99 to $29.99. Heck, at these prices, use one to gather flip-flops and sandals by the back door.

In case your outdoor theme runs to country, Rural King in Swansea has heavy-duty wrought-iron dinner bells and triangles for $39.99. Mount one by the back door. The family won’t have any trouble knowing you need them when you ring one of these!

Save $100 on a four-piece, all-weather, wicker-style set of patio furniture at Old Time Pottery in Fairview Heights. Part of the Spring Super Sale that started Thursday, the set is now $299.99 and includes two big armchairs, a settee and a glass-top coffee table in nutmeg or whiskey colors. Get wicker furniture cushions on sale for $12.99 (chair) and $19.99 (settee). This and other deals are good through April 19.

Whether you need one now or in the near future for a graduation get-together, I’m here to remind you that Deals in Fairview Heights carries an 11-piece party serving kit for $10. It includes a big chafing rack and aluminum pan, two half-size pans, two fuel pods, plus serving tongs, spoon and forks.

Effinger Garden Center in Belleville is holding a special free workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday. While it involves miniature gardening and fairy plants, you’ll also learn a thing or two about succulents and Bonsai. Owners Rick and Trudy like to keep it casual, so stop in for this hands-on seminar right in the greenhouse.

Don’t miss downtown Belleville’s Diva Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. It’s full of prizes, deals, discounts and fun as you shop. Join all the ladies wearing boas and pay just $5 when you register at Eckert Florist, 201 W. Main St. Then join the after-party at Big Daddy’s 618, 313 E. Main St. This month’s Diva Night theme is Cardinal Nation, so dress appropriately!

Spend $100 on regular-price Brighton merchandise in one visit to Basket Case shops in east Belleville or downtown Lebanon and get a Brighton umbrella free. The offer is good through Sunday.

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2015/04/09/3755605/shopping-brighten-up-your-outdoor.html#storylink=cpy