Khristi Zimmeth
| Special to The Detroit News
More perfect picnics
The recent heat wave shouldn’t keep you from enjoying a summer meal al fresco while you can. Whether it’s a romantic afternoon, girls’ day at the park, or a family hangout, designer Paige Loperfido of Decor & More Design Studio (decorandmoredesigns.com) in Grosse Pointe offers these five simple ways to elevate your next outdoor gathering:
The foundation: Layer embroidered blankets and soft textiles for a cozy, stylish setup.
Serve it up: Choose platters and trays that are beautiful and travel-friendly.
Baskets + boards: Pack a balanced cheese board with sweet and savory bites for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Sip in style: Use durable, pretty drinkware and prep easy batch cocktails or mocktails in advance.
Final flourish: Add a few floral touches, portable games, or a small speaker to complete the vibe.
‘Whimsical Garden’ is this week’s contest pick
Karen Nagy of South Lyon rolls out the red carpet at her home with this “Whimsical Garden” setting featuring red and yellow and white blooms and cute signage. She writes that her fanciful creation is a “small fun garden space” in her suburban subdivision. Nagy will receive a home or garden book and will compete for the grand prize — a $200 gift certificate to English Gardens — through online voting by Homestyle readers in early September. The grand-prize winner will be announced in Sept. 12. For entry instructions and rules, go to detroitnews.com/gardenphotos25. Don’t forget to tell us a bit about what makes them special to you, what flowers you used, or what inspires you. We want to hear your gardening story!
Create a healthier home office space
Looking for a healthier way to work from home? The Veritas 360 desk from Hulala Home is a rotating, electric height-adjustable desk that makes transitioning between sitting and standing effortless. Designed for productivity and comfort, the Veritas 360 features a built-in sedentary reminder, a secondary rotating desktop for task flexibility and ample storage space. Details such as an integrated power outlet and cable management system keep your workspace neat and organized while the sleek mid-century modern design complements any interior decor. Hulala Home collaborates with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant trees through its partner, thegoodapi.com. For every purchase made on Hulala Home, a mangrove tree is planted in Madagascar. Visit hulalahome.com.
Experience the Northville Garden Walk
Join the Country Garden Club of Northville and other local gardening enthusiasts for the 31st annual Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9. Wander at your own pace on a self-guided tour through colorful blooms and six charming area gardens and purchase goods from a variety of vendors. Advance tickets are $15 and available online or at Gardenviews, 117 E. Main St., in Northville, and from EventBrite.com. Tickets the day of event are $20 and sold only at Eventbrite.com and in the Green Space at the corner of Wing & Cady streets. behind the Northville Library. The walk will be held rain or shine. Proceeds support community scholarships and local/national horticultural organizations. Visit cgcnv.org.
Improve your home’s HVAC efficiency
Rising energy costs and more frequent weather events such as the recent heatwave make HVAC maintenance and monitoring more important than ever, says HVAC supplier All Filters (allfilters.com). The company claims that inefficient systems can increase energy bills by up to 30 percent and lead to expensive repairs and recently released a list of the five most common mistakes to help homeowners avoid high heating and cooling bills.The “one-size-fits-all” filter replacement myth Assuming all air filters need changing on a standard schedule overlooks factors like pets, smoking, or filter type — leading to wasted funds or reduced efficiency. Believing higher MERV Ratings are better. Believing the highest MERV-rated filter is always best can harm HVAC systems not built for dense filtration, leading to airflow restriction, motor strain, and potential failure.Furniture blocking air return vents. Blocking return air vents with furniture or decor restricts airflow, straining HVAC systems and causing uneven cooling — especially during possible heat waves.The “one-at-a-time” filter shopping mistake. Homeowners who invest in filters one at a time at retail prices can spend up to 40% more compared to purchasing in bulk. Neglecting seasonal maintenance. Waiting until a heatwave to address HVAC issues leads to costly breakdowns, while spring maintenance — or early professional checkups — helps ensure efficient operation before peak summer demand.