Don't acknowledge the rumors. Address the invitations as always. In fact, it would be rude not to; they are still married couples, and as you are inviting people with their partners, you must invite them. Absolutely don't add "and guest" under these circumstances! (Do I need to explain why?) If you are very, very close with them, you could ask about how they would prefer to receive invitations. But if you were close enough to ask about such a sensitive thing, you'd know whether or not they really are divorcing anyway. I recall that a week before our daughter's bat mitzvah, we heard that one couple was divorcing (more than a rumor; we knew for sure). We wondered if we should change the table assignments for the party. We ultimately decided that if it would be a problem, one or both of them would call with last-minute regrets, or they'd call and explain and ask to be seated separately. Anyway, they could just sit separately at the table (seats weren't assigned, just tables). IIRC, they came together and sat together and it all worked out just fine. In fact, I was impressed at their maturity in not letting their own circumstances make anyone else uncomfortable. I wouldn't have thought less of them for declining, even last-minute, in this case. In your situation, the employees can easily attend without their soon-to-be-ex-spouses if they prefer.

First, you are so luck to have such a wonderful getaway vacation home! It is on a beautiful lot. I agree with missymoo as well, and also what Olychick said. Something about that table smack dab in the middle of the room seems to block entry into the screened porch. I love the idea of a sofa against the wall, something like what robo posted with some comfy cushions and arms, and a chair for reading with a footstool that could also double as an extra seat. Add a small cocktail table you can also use for a tray of snack food. The bar cart is also a great idea. Encourages people to gravitate to where the food and drinks are. You could also string up some lighting along the perimeter and it would look very inviting. Do you get a lot of sun on the deck? It looks shady so I would think a new round table with chairs for seating would be fine and then move your grill & the pub table out there. You can get some pretty nice chairs that swivel and rock. I have also seen some benches that double as storage for the cushions so that might be an option if there is room. That would keep cushion maintenance down for you when you aren't there.

Curious to know what you all think of this. I made it using a virtual exterior paint tool, which really isn't the tool for the job. It was, however, one I had access to. I basically drew it all for a rough idea and wasn't able to fully edit out everything I would have wanted. I also couldn't choose quite all the color variation I would have wanted in my decor here simply because all the colors except black were translucent. The house and door colors are actual colors I am considering as well adding the shutters. Anyways, very curious to hear what you think. Also I would probably do something to hide the basement window...just not sure yet. Again this is a general idea made with, let's face it, a very poor tool. Thanks for all the help you've given me on this!

I would remove the lanky hedges that read as a barrier. Plant the area close to the foundation with an interesting variety of bushes, flowering perennials and annuals for long season bloom. I would also remove the shutters. The windows are not right for them. With the changes you plan, it should look very nice. Good luck.