Outdoors

SET THE TONE

Hang outdoor Christmas lights and decorations in the surrounding garden and space to create a pretty and festive environment for you and your guests. Or, try scattering decorative lanterns around areas of the garden or deck and patio areas that will benefit from some additional light. TIP – for a quick and easy DIY project, line glass jars with inexpensive batteryoperated wire string lights.

CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the ideal time to take advantage of southeast Queensland’s warm summer weather, and many families will celebrate with an alfresco-style lunch. Here are some tips to help you prepare your outdoor space for the busy festive period.

PRODUCT ALERT Decorative screens, such as this one pictured from Protector Aluminium, can dress up a plain fence, or be used to elegantly screen off an entertainment area.

SWIM READY

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to do so, now is the time to do a thorough safety check of your pool area. Drowning among children most commonly happens in summer (38 per cent), which is why Australia’s largest producer of pool fencing products, Protector Aluminium, has joined forces with Royal Life Saving to provide the following safety tips. 1. Make sure your gate shuts properly, the kid-safe latches are in working order and there are no climbable objects for kids to gain access to the pool. 2. Always keep your pool fencing and gate hardware clean, compliant and in working order. Take a good look over your pool fencing to make sure it isn’t need of any repair. 3. A swimming pool gate must open outward from the pool; must be self-closing and self-latching; latch must be more than 1.5 metres from the ground and must shut on the first swing. 4. A swimming pool fence must be secure and at least 1.2 metres high (or 1.8 metres high if on a boundary), be no more than 100 millimetres from the ground and have no vertical gaps more than 100 millimetres apart. For more safety tips, visit royallifesaving.com. au/stay-safe-active/locations/water-safety-athome and follow the link to the Keep Watch Home Pool Safety Checklist.

DID YOU KNOW? Protector Aluminium’s G8SAFE pool gate hardware comes in a range of options, but all latches feature easy installation, a patented self-latching mechanism, increased magnetic force to eliminate rattle, and exceed Australian standards.

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Curtains & Cushions •Blinds &Shutters Re-upholstery • Homewares

Rob Larson’s The largest range of curtain and upholstery fabric on the Sunshine Coast. p y In house workroom ensuring quality. & CURTAINS INTERIOR DECOR 117 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba Ph 5444 2412

When dressing the table for your outdoor Christmas, begin with a neutral base and add colour. The Nimes white linen tablecloth from Linen House will bring a timeless look to the dining space. CHRISTMAS GREENERY

The key to creating a relaxed and comfortable alfresco dining area is to build from the table up. Once you have settled on your key piece – the dining setting – the rest will fall into place. The Primavera outdoor dining table from Domayne is beautifully craft ed from recycled teak.

Blend practicality with festive fun by combining two popular plants to brighten your outdoor dining area for the holidays. Citronella is a natural mosquito repellent, while poinsettia bring the colour of Christmas to your space. To ensure the poinsettia survives past the holidays, move it to a location where it will receive at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. GET TO WORK

Concrete patio in need of a clean? For surfaces that aren’t severely damaged, a simple bicarb and vinegar wash will do. Spread the bicarb over the surface, cover with vinegar and then scrub with a stiff bristle broom. Tip: Have a deck that is in need of some upkeep? Turn to page nine for tips.

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OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED 17TH DECEMBER 17TH JANUARY, 22 We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year from the team at

Call us or visit our showroom for a free design consulta on

3/4 Access Crescent, Coolum Beach, 4573 Ph 07-5446-4548

SUNSHINE COAST

At Choices Flooring Maroochydore, we know that good interior decorating starts from the floor up.

With the latest designs in carpet, timber, laminate, luxury vinyl and window furnishings, we have the perfect decorating solution for every lifestyle and budget.

When you find the floor you’ve been searching for, contact us to book in a free measure and quote!

Choices Flooring Maroochydore 3/32 Wises Road, Maroochydore 5443 6280

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WISES RD BCF

IGA The Zone

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