AtHome America Kicks Off Summer With Hot Entertaining Ideas; Local Resident Offers Entertaining Ideas to Make Your Summer Gathering Fun and Easy.

ALSIP, Ill. -- From elegant affairs to simple gatherings in the backyard with friends or family, Lisa Brandau, co-founder and president of AtHome America, offers local residents sensational entertaining ideas to make any summer gathering fun, yet simple.

"The key to making entertaining fun and easy is to use items that have versatility. By having products that can be used as home accents and also have a specific function, gives you a wide range of options when entertaining," said Brandau.

Brandau recommends these simple, functional and decorative entertaining ideas when hosting your summer get-together:

--Candles: Candles create a very peaceful or elegant ambience - whether you are inside or outdoors. In addition, you can create a decorative arrangement that adds something special to any event.

--Dessert Displays: AtHome America's Imagine This, Imagine That ceramic serving piece can be used as either a cake stand or tidbit tray, as well as for decoration, such as a pillar candle holder. Dessert display items make great entertaining pieces because they can be used a multiple of ways.

--Tabletop: Set any table for a celebration and entertain guests in style with AtHome America's Bistro Buffet Collection. The various pieces will enhance any table and serve a variety of purposes. Serving dishes do not necessarily have to be just for food, but can also be filled with candy, decorative glass stones or potpourri for a stylish home accessory.

--Wine Companions: Colorful, hand-painted wine glasses add a summer glow to any gathering, whether they are on a shelf or filled with your wine of choice. When entertaining, don't let the bottle of wine stand alone; instead, use a wine caddy to complete the mood of your soiree.

--Serving Trays: Many tray sets can be used to entertain your guests with flair or adorn your walls with stylish modern or vintage pieces. Trays will add interest to either your table or wall.

"The summer is a great time to entertain because of the multiple possibilities for ideas and creativity, since you can utilize both indoors and outdoors," said Brandau.

AtHome America's 2006 spring and summer catalog offers this season's hottest entertaining items that are both versatile and durable. New spring and summer items are available until June 30, 2006, or while quantities last.

For more than 20 years, AtHome America has been decorating homes through home shows with their extensive collection of stylish and affordable home-decorating accessories, designed with family in mind.

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