(BPT) - The holidays, the big game, New Year's and everything in between: At this time of year there are plenty of reasons to invite family and friends to your home to entertain. In addition, there are also plenty of times - particularly on cold winter nights - when you just want to have a place you can go to get cozy, play a video game or watch a movie in peace.

Either can be an appealing option, but do you have an entertaining space that fits the bill? One where you want to spend your free time?

If the thought of your entertaining space has you sadly shaking your head no, the good news is there's no reason you have to settle for a less-than-ideal solution. Like the events you use it for, your space can change as needed. To help you make the most of your space for all of the group and individual events you have planned, follow these tips.

* Control light. A common design tip for most spaces is to allow for lots of light. You may want that when everyone comes together to watch a game, but for those times when you want to watch a film or play a video game, a darker environment may be more immersive. To keep total control of the light in your entertaining area, invest in room-darkening blinds or dark curtains that can block out the sun when you crave darkness and let in the light when you don't.

* Redefine your viewing experience. When people come to your home, they will often be there to watch something on the screen. That makes the right technology essential. The 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector is perfect for binge-watching the hottest shows, enjoying an immersive gaming experience or cheering on your favorite team. The projector itself can be ceiling mounted or set up to reflect onto any screen you want, and because it is empowered with Smart TV, you'll have access to wireless streaming, Netflix and YouTube. What's more, HDMI and HDCP input make your projector ready for Blu-ray and gaming consoles right out of the box. Whatever you want to do or watch, this project enhances your experience.

* Install a seating strategy. Every entertaining area has viewing seats that are less than ideal, and while a new projector can expand your viewing options, there's still no reason to settle for second-class seating. If you're planning to have a large group over on game day, a simple platform can provide your room with stadium seating and give everyone that at-the-game feel. If stadium seating isn't for you, strive for an open arrangement and place display tables and other storage solutions behind seating when guests come over. Those items don't need a good viewing angle anyway.

* Add a few extra comforts. It's time to take customizing your entertaining space up a notch by adding a few elements that are uniquely you. From full bars to mini fridges, humidors and portable air conditioners or dehumidifiers, there are several tiny additions you can make to any entertaining area to make the space more enjoyable. If you've ever wished you had something nearby, now's your time to add it. Think it over and you'll see that the right additions can have a big impact on how you use the space and how much you enjoy it. Reshape your entertaining space today. With so many big events coming up, every moment you waste in reshaping your entertaining space is another opportunity missed, so don't delay. Start visualizing your space for what it could be instead of what it is and you'll be on your way to creating the entertaining space you've always wanted.

To learn more about the LG's latest 4K UHD projector and to see it in action, watch the team from Inverse play this year's hottest game on this one-of-a-kind technology at https://www.inverse.com/squad-up.

​(BPT) - While it’s been popular in the past to bring the outdoors inside using trees and floral arrangements, a recent trend for many wedding venues is to create a homey space outdoors. Guests don’t need to rough it just because you’ve chosen to host your ceremony or reception outside.

Your outdoor venue can become more comfortable, as well as more stylish, with just a little help from Rental HQ.

1. Cover your chairs. Seating can be made more comfortable and look much more elegant than you might expect, whether your venue is a park, a beach or a backyard. All it takes is stylish chair covers, which can be easily rented to accommodate any size wedding.

2. Dress up your tables. Rented linens provide an essential touch of class to any outdoor venue, setting the right stage for your tableware and special centerpieces. Choose colors to complement your reception’s theme and floral arrangements or any other decor.

3. Protect against the elements. Plan for the time of year in your area and you can weather almost any circumstances. Even if the forecast is warm and sunny, you’ll still want a tent and/or table umbrellas, if not to safeguard against a possible shower, to tame the sunshine. You can even rent misting fans to help your guests stay cool. The outdoor wedding section of Rental HQ is a great place to get ideas and research your options.

4. Provide a foundation. A variety of flooring will ensure the safety of the bride’s train and sure footing, even for those sporting heels. Rentable floor mats and decking can help guests navigate the terrain from the parking lot to the venue. Multiple choices include tiles, carpet, turf or even a portable dance floor that can turn your backyard into a nightclub.

5. Light up the night. For an evening outdoor event, stringing lights or lanterns is often insufficient. You’ll want your guests to be able to see — and photograph — your special day. Renting adequate uplighting for your nighttime reception is a must-do. Focus on important areas such as the dance floor, the table where the cake will be presented, buffet tables or special floral arrangements. Choose LED lighting specially made for outdoor events, which is waterproof and will not create too much heat. You can choose different colors to create magical effects.

6. Homey furniture. Consider renting a few couches or comfy chairs to create a seating area where older family members can gather and greet guests, or your tired bride or groom can put up their feet for a few minutes while they chat with family and friends. Stage the area with a coffee table set up with the guest book so guests can sit comfortably while they jot their well wishes to the married couple.

Any outdoor wedding can be made special, no matter what the decor. To find a rental store near you or to research furnishings, lighting or other equipment you might need, visit the wedding section on RentalHQ.com. Planning for your special day is easier than you think with all of the right tools at your fingertips.
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(BPT) - The winter months are known as a leading cause of indoor stir-craziness. Colder temperatures, rain, sleet, snow and shortened daylight hours all mean we spend more time inside than we would like.

This poses a challenge for guys, who after months of hibernation are surely climbing the walls. Here are some outside-the-box ideas to support inside creative outlets for guys to help maintain their sanity.


B.Y.O.B. (Brew Your Own Beer)

The craft beer craze continues to grow, with nearly 1,000 new breweries opening across the country each year, according to the Brewers Association. But no need to venture out to the local taproom if you can serve the fruits of your own labor from the comforts of home. Given the right ingredients and equipment, brewing homemade beer is as simple as following a recipe. After brewing, fermenting and bottling over a couple of weeks’ time, invite the pals over to show off your own brand of beer.

Establish the indoor work station
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Tackling the list of projects around the house requires a work station where you can get things done, though being confined indoors means that space is at a premium. The portable Keter folding work table from Northern Tool + Equipment is an efficient way to establish this home base that you can easily fold up and store when finished. Use the table for working on any number of household odd jobs or help the kids with their hands-on school projects. Better still, park the table in the garage and treat it as a hang-out place for chips and beer with the buddies.

Man-décor the den

If time must be spent inside, add some intrigue from the great outdoors to your den or man cave. Nothing sparks some good storytelling like a realistic taxidermy specimen mounted on the wall, and the Jackalope Wall Mount from Kotula’s is sure to turn heads. No two of these creatures are alike, so regale your pals with epic tales of the chase until you can all get out on the trail again.

Embrace the elements
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You know what they say: “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” The only surefire way to overcome stir-craziness is to get outside, no matter what the elements may present. If it’s snowing, try an hourly or full-day snowmobile rental. If your area has been hit with heavy rains, fight back by taking the truck out. Be creative and get the whole family involved so that when the day is done, all will be happy to enjoy the comforts of the indoors once again.

Bubble up your brunch with Prosecco cocktails

(BPT) - Everybody loves brunch, but without the bubbly, it's just breakfast. Add a festive cocktail to the mix, and suddenly you've got a celebration.

The next time you're cooking up a weekend morning meal, be it a brunch-in-bed with that sweet someone or a noon-ish feast for friends, add authentic Italian flair to your crafty cocktails with Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero Frizzante, the number one Prosecco in Italy.

This vino frizzante, with scents of apples, pears and acacia berries, is as soft on your pocketbook as it is on your palate, making it easy to bubble up your brunch in style. Prosecco is definitely the bubbly on trend right now, gaining popularity as an approachable, affordable cousin of champagne. Here are five killer ways to use Riondo Prosecco to put the punch back in your brunch.

Italian Mimosa

Orange juice and bubbly is a little passe. Mix it up with this delicious Italian twist on an old favorite.

• 2 Oz. Orange Vodka
  
• 4 Oz. Blood Orange Juice
• 6 Oz. Riondo Prosecco

Mix the first two ingredients and divide among two flutes. Top each with Prosecco and garnish with a blood orange.
(Serves two.)

Blush Crush

Welcome the rum renaissance with this perfectly refreshing cocktail.

• 2 Oz. White Rum
• 2 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 Oz. Simple Syrup
• 6 Chunks Fresh Watermelon
• 10 Fresh Mint Leaves
• Riondo Prosecco (enough to fill glass just below the rim)

In two tall glasses, muddle lime, simple syrup and watermelon. Add ice, rum and Prosecco. Stir. Garnish with mint.
(Serves two.)

Veranda Mojito Fizz

This Italian take on a Cuban classic is perfect for a patio brunch party.

• 2/3 Cup Blueberries
• 12 Mint Leaves
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar in The Raw
• 4 Oz. Light Rum
• 5 Tablespoons Lime Juice
• 2 Oz. Riondo Prosecco

Divide blueberries, mint, sugar and lime juice into two tall glasses. Muddle until blueberries are smashed. Fill the glasses with ice and add the rum. Stir slightly. Top with Prosecco and garnish with blueberries and a mint sprig.
(Serves two.)

Venetian Mule

This cocktail is a fresh spin on the famous Moscow Mule, which, legend has it, was created in New York in the 1940s.

• 1 Lime
• 4 Oz. Vodka
• 1 Oz. Ginger Liqueur
• Prosecco (enough to fill glass just below the rim)
• Ice

In two chilled copper mugs, squeeze the lime over ice. Add the vodka, the ginger liqueur and finish with Prosecco. Garnish with a slice of lime.
(Serves two.)

La Vita Margarita

Take the classic to the next level with refreshing Italian bubbles!

• 3 Oz. Tequila
• 2 Oz. Lime Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar
• Salt (optional)
• Prosecco (enough to fill glass just below the rim)

Shake the first three ingredients with ice. Strain into two glasses rimmed with salt if you desire. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a lime wedge.
(Serves two.)

Adding these festive Prosecco cocktails to your weekend menu will make yours the most sought-after brunch invitation in town. And if you’re not in the mood to host, consider the following hot spots across the U.S. best known for their brunch pours: https://vinepair.com/articles/10-best-brunch-programs-nationwide-2017/.
Saluti!

(BPT) - Whatever the occasion, you can take advantage of the sun and extra space outside for the perfect backyard party. Let these tips help you plan and get your outdoor space ready for guests.

1. Cluster the conversation spots

When planning your backyard layout, think beyond the patio table, and provide more than enough seating for all. Arrange sofas and chairs into conversation clusters to keep people outside and enjoying each other’s company. It’s also smart to provide coffee tables, side tables and other spaces where people can set their drinks and snacks. Don’t be afraid to borrow pieces from a friend or neighbor to make the party set complete.

2. Add the right lighting

Consider the time of day of your gathering and what that means for your lighting. Intense late-day sun glare is unpleasant for all, but a few strategically placed patio plants can make a dramatic difference (and make the space feel more intimate). For the post-sundown festivities, light up the party zone with holiday lights along deck rails or zig-zagged overhead. Add a fire pit, and, if it’s chilly, an extra stash of throw blankets and jackets and you’ll have a cozy, well-lit space for those late-night talks.

3. Keep flying invaders at bay

No one likes it when uninvited guests like flying, biting insects show up. Bottles of insect repellent in a conspicuous place are a good bet on buggy nights, but keep these (and the spraying area) well away from the food. For a chemical-free alternative, set out a fan or two on a low setting to stir up enough of a breeze to keep the pests away.

4. Get your game on

For the ultimate crowd mixer and crowd pleaser, keep a few fun and easy yard games on hand. Dust off the old bocce ball set. Or, with a few simple materials from your local hardware store, you can create and customize DIY versions of your favorites, including bean-bag toss, ring toss or even target shooting with water guns.
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5. Keep the snacks simple and stress free
The secret to a good party is not stressing over every detail of the décor and the same goes for the food. An array of delicious but simple snacks are more than enough to get the party started. Soft pretzels are always a party favorite, but did you know that most people — 69 percent of them, to be exact — prefer to eat their soft pretzels dipped? Another 28 percent prefer cheese toppings. For the perfect snack to spice up the festivities, include a batch of Superpretzel Parmesan Garlic Bites or Superpretzel Everything Pretzel Bites (see recipes below).

Parmesan Garlic Bites

Ingredients:

• 9-12 Superpretzel Soft Pretzel Bites
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons wet, minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons dry parsley
• 2 tablespoons pretzel salt
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• In a bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, garlic, pretzel salt, parsley and cheese and set aside.
• Deep fry the pretzel bites in your favorite cooking oil at 360 degrees F for about 2 minutes.
• When done, dredge the pretzel bites into the oil and cheese mixture.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Everything Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

• 20 Superpretzel Soft Pretzel Bites
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Melted butter
• Optional: whipped cream cheese (for dipping)

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Directions:

• Prepare soft pretzel bites according to instructions on the box.
• Lightly coat soft pretzel bites with melted butter.
• Season soft pretzel bites with everything bagel seasoning and soft pretzel salt.
• Bake in 350 degree F oven until golden brown.
• Serve with whipped cream cheese.

(BPT) - It’s important not to allow the stress of entertaining large groups to become a burden. Below are four tips to help organize a kitchen and host with ease, creating a functional space for family and friends to enjoy.

Plan ahead

Set aside time early in the week to plan the menu, from simple appetizers to the main entree. Grocery shopping apps allow the family to share and build lists together — which can help avoid any last-minute trips to the grocery store. Also, try to identify dishes that can be prepared in advance so more time can be spent away from the kitchen when guests arrive.

Maximize storage and counter space

Optimize counter space by designing small stations for easy access to the necessities. A coffee bar “nook” complete with cups and mugs can help kick-start a busy day. Storage near the fridge should be stocked with foil and containers, ideal for packing up leftovers after a large party. Reserve the island counter for meal prep and the cabinets below for serving ware and glassware storage.

Keep all staples in arm's reach

Cooking can be made simple by organizing the essentials. Keep similar tools together, such as bakeware and cookie sheets in one drawer, and pantry staples in another. Spices and herbs should be alphabetized and stored near the stovetop to effortlessly add flavor. For those with design in mind, opt for open shelves to showcase dishes and small kitchen accessories, such as succulents and cookbooks, while keeping everything within reach.

Simplify kitchen cleanup

Cleaning is often the most time-intensive chore in the kitchen, but if designed right, can be a breeze for home entertainers and kids alike. The Delta Foundry Kitchen Faucet offers laser-like precision to contain splatter, meaning less soaking, scrubbing and shirt swapping.
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