Rustic Entertaining

Last fall we shared this potters bench, one of Flat River's first creations.

Today I was thinking how it would make a great outdoor bar or summer buffet stand. Much like the sold out wall mounted cabinet from Plow and Hearth below.The plant stand has the added benefit of being longer for more counter space and an extra shelf underneath.

 

With that in mind, I put together this collection of other outdoor entertaining details that would compliment a rustic style gathering.

1. Serve some homemade lemonade from a galvanized metal beverage container.

2. Then drink them out of mason jars with handles. These are popular lately and can be found all around the place, but here are Pottery Barn's.

3. Grab a tasty pastry from this tree trunk dessert stand...

4. after you've dined at a beautifully set farmers table. 

5. I perfer sunflowers though. The perfect summer flower. 

6. Strands of lights add a final touch, allowing you to enjoy each others company long after the sun has gone down. 

So, are you ready for your own potter bench? Contact Tim for information on getting your own custom piece.

Game Night

We love family game night. Monopoly, Clue, cards, Yahtzee, Life, etc. It's a fun relaxed time to get together and have some laughs while beating your loved ones.


It is also a low cost option for something to do together rather than go out to a movie, for example, which seems to cost more every time you walk through the door. This evening of bonding costs only the price of a board game (if you don't have one already, which you probably do) and maybe a pizza. Pizza is usually mandatory with this crew. Best of all, everyone can be included. Many games are suitable for a wide age range.

Go grab some family and a pile of games and get to it!

Nice weather is coming and the daylight is lasting longer. Bring game night outside! We like this tree stump checkerboard. By using pebbles you never have to worry about loosing the pieces.

 

What is your favorite game to play?

Outdoor Forts

Despite signs of spring beginning to pop up in the garden, and the vernal equinox only being a couple weeks away, it still looks like winter outside my window. In fact, it is currently snowing. That doesn't mean we can't start thinking about the nice sunny weather on its way though......hopefully. In fact, by planning ahead, you can get a head start on some projects for your yard.

Is there something you would like to see in your backyard this year? Maybe its a new vegetable garden, or a new patio. If you want to be the "cool" parent on the street, it might be one of these forts. Call it a hangout, club house, tree house, whatever you like. These are way cooler than any you will buy at Toys R Us.

via: http://www.traditionalhome.com/gardens_outdoorliving/outdoorliving/virginia-farm-garden_ss13.html

via: http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2011/06/02/fresh-ideas-for-outdoor-play/#backyard-theater

via: http://kentoncollective.blogspot.com/

And lastly, for those of you who can't build, you can certainly try adding some curtains below a deck and they it will be just as cool for giving them a space of their own.

Rustic Grandfather Clock

 

What do yo get when you mix tradition with the rustic style of Flat Rive Furniture? Our 'Old Timer Clock'. Made from a grandfather clock, birch bark, and twigs, this is definitely unlike any other clock you've seen before. Perhaps we will set a new trend for these free standing timepieces that have been around since the 1680s. 

A lot of time and attention to detail went into this piece, making it very special. Notice the intricate detail of the twigs. With three open shelves, not only does it function to tell you the time of day, but it can also be used to display your possessions and collections. 

Can you believe it started out at this?

 What do you think of Flat River Furniture's latest product? We would love to hear your thoughts.