LOL it said no dogs :-( ..... at times I am the dog I even grow the bones LOL Seriously though the six or so hour drive is in next years plans. Should propose it as a group trip for the C&S club here and invite our sister group in Ct.

Maggie, could you do 3 or 4 small round tables in addition to the picnic tables in case there are some that didn't want to use the picnic table(if they had to 'lift' their legs to seat themselves?) You could use a lg. round white cloth on them. And on the bows, you could put the fresh cut flowers with a little greenery in a vile with water in the knot for a nice touch.you can get viles from a florist & just push it down into the bow knot. As far as the men..if you are going for a "Ladies Garden Party", & if it was at noonish, etc., then just have the women as they would most likely enjoy it more & would like the dress-up idea. I know I would!! You could ask a friend or two that you would be inviting their idea on that. Will there be a lot of children? One option is to have just the ladies, but I wouldn't worry about the kids keeping clean..they are 'washable' and after all it is an outside affair. You are very organized to be starting your planning so early!

Thanks everyone! :) The paint was some already mixed walmart paint. Color creations, Gloss Banner Red. It's what the dude told me worked best for outdoor furniture. Not sure what Michael's is. But, Hobby Lobby sells fabric, crafts, decor. Can find some pretty cute stuff, at great prices. Here's another pic of my "baby" :) He's off to kindy in Aug, and my heart breaks every time I think about it. We packed up a lunch in the picnic basket Friday, and went to the park to hang out. We weren't there 5 mins, and I found myself sobbing like an idiot. It suddenly hit me that my older boys would be out of school in two wks. And that was probaby the last "park day" with a little guy.(sure we'll be at the park a million times more. But, it'll be different. They'll be FOUR, lol) I've been a stay at home mom, taking my babies to the park for 12 yrs. Now what do I do?? :( He's sooo excited and ready, but am I? sniff, sniff. He's not only my paint buddy, but my shopping pal, lunch date, and he's awesome for naptime cuddles. Where does the time go??

Chemicals, chemicals? The absence of all chemicals is a complete vacuum. There are virtually no finishes that are non-toxic in the liquid state and there are virtually no finishes that are toxic in the cured state, despite what you may read or see emblazoned "all natural" across the label. Remember that poison ivy, snake venom, heroin and cocaine are "all natural". (sorry, but this is a pet peeve) If it's peeling up you are going to have to do something for a good foundation. Like eal51 suggests, a paint or paint-like stain is your best choice. Clear finishes, for the most part, just don't hold up without regular maintenance. One exception might be "OneTime."