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Ways to upgrade your deck before the annual company get-together

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So, the big company get-together is at your house this year! There’s so much to do to get ready, and that list includes an upgrade to your backyard deck. It has needed attention for a couple of years now, and what better thing to put a fire in your belly than all your coworkers coming to your home for the first time. Really, there’s no pressure! Plus, once the party is over, you and your family will be able to enjoy the deck so much more than before its transformation.    

Now it’s time to start planning the details. What features would you like to see incorporated? Do you want built-in flower boxes or benches? How about hooks so your coworkers will have a place to hang their purses and jackets? Perhaps the deck needs a canopy to provide shade since the party is in July. This list will provide some suggestions to help you get started in style.

First things first. You’ll need to think about the foundation. You could always give your existing deck a fresh coat of paint, but instead, these wooden deck tiles are a great choice! They provide the look and feel of a gorgeous hardwood deck at a fraction of the cost and will make your deck look and feel brand new. Their interlocking snap and go system requires no tools so installation is a breeze, and, because of their design, you can replace tiles as needed. It is recommended that you use a waterproof deck sealer when installing these tiles outdoors.
$0 from Amazon

Of course, your revamped space will need fairy lights to add ambiance! These little white lights are perfect for the job. Each set is 21.5 feet in length and you can attach up to five sets together. Wow! That makes for one long set of lights! The bulbs will stay lit even if one burns out (cue Clark Griswold) and spare bulbs and fuses are included just in case.
$18 from Amazon $17 from Walmart

Nothing warms a space quite like plants can. Growing your own herb garden will not only beautify your deck but give you a sense of accomplishment as well. This garden kit contains everything you need: four packets of herb seeds, four soil pellets, four biodegradable planting pots, four labels, and a gardening guide that will help you get started. Plus, once your garden grows, you can reap the rewards of your efforts by sharing a homegrown cup of delicious herbal tea with your coworkers. Imagine their surprise when they learn that the tea they’re drinking was grown from seed!
$20 from Amazon

Once a project is underway and progress is being made, it’s so tough to quit working when the sun goes down. Never fear! With this weatherproof utility light, you can keep working all through the night if you wish. The flexible design bends to give you light wherever you need it lighting up your workspace. This light comes with tons of added goodies including loop rings, a stow pouch, magnet sliders, utility loops, and a 6-foot extension cable. The brightness is adjustable to make it as bright or dim as you need it for the task at hand.
$100 from Amazon

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It’s hard to believe that it’s your turn to host the annual work party, and exciting that your coworkers will get to know you a little bit better by visiting your home. Last year when Sharon hosted the party everyone learned that she has pet chickens, and now we all understand why she always has hard-boiled eggs for lunch. It will be exciting to see everyone’s reaction when they learn that you are into roses and have an enormous rose garden with rare blooms out back. Time away from the office is so important to enhance those work relationships and get to know one another on a different level. Even though upgrading your deck will be a lot of work, the benefits will be enormous both during and after the party. Just think, once the party is over you and your family will have a like-new space to enjoy for years to come!

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