We welcome the warm weather by spending more of our time outdoors — and this includes having friends over for dinner or parties. Backyards, rooftops and balconies come in handy in order to host an outdoor soiree, and we've begun planning some of our own. We started out party planning research first by looking for some outdoor friendly, affordable lights. Here's what we found. More

The current issue of the online gardening and outdoor mag Leaf features this budget minded garden in London that is chock full of good ideas. I thought it would be fun to deconstruct, so you might also be able to 'get the look'. More

Looking for some energy efficient lights to dress up your backyard this summer? Below are 5 you can buy, and 5 to DIY if you want to update a string of LED lights you already have or make a solar lantern of your own: More

Name: The Oasis Clubhouse
Location: Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Size: 5000 square feet
Years: Almost 1 year

When I got the invitation to check out one of the most exclusive private clubs in Buenos Aires, I was more than excited. When I walked up to the unassuming door and rang the bell, I was a little confused. But once inside, the nondescript entry leads into a small foyer which opens up to an inviting living area which unfurls into a lush, vibrant backyard bar and pool.

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IKEA SOLVINDEN Solar/Wind-powered LED Pendant Lamp
• $29.99
• IKEA

Living in Los Angeles means perpetual sunlight and a pretty good dose of Santa Ana winds throughout the year, making the new IKEA SOLVINDEN Solar/wind-powered LED pendant lamp a pretty good fit for illuminating an outdoor front or backyard area. The efficient LED bulb provides light for up to 12 hours before needing a recharge; time powering back up is about 9-12 hours in sunlight (12 if it's cloudy) and it's also rated for charge up of 24 hours with wind speed of 4 m/s. It's also a great way to teach children about renewable energy in action! More

Landscape people don't generally frequent shows like the New York International Gift Fair ... but I thought I would give it a look. On my first trip to the NYIGF, I was pleased to find that in stepping outside my box, I learned about some great products that I may never have seen at the garden and landscape trade shows that I normally frequent. These are my favorites ... More

What are you doing with all those garden-y gadgets and tools now that the cold has set in? Perhaps instead of hiding them away until the days get longer, they can be put to a different use as holiday decorations. Here are a few ideas:
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As posted on Monday, I'm a fan of over-the-top outdoor holiday decorations and have always enjoyed driving through festive neighborhoods. The more elaborate and over-the-top, the better. Of the top 10 list of destinations for Holiday Lights, did your city make the list? More

There are extravagant Christmas lights, and then there is this house, with over 5 minutes of timed lights to Slayer. The display even includes a snowman lip-syncing the words. Check out the video after the jump…
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The glitz and glam of holiday décor can be striking, but for my own apartment I prefer something a little more fresh, simple and natural. I love this home in Denmark because it's all about celebrating winter. Evergreen fronds and subtle hints of the season are set against the backdrop of a gorgeous Scandinavian interior. More