Thanks for all the suggestions guys!! Keep 'em coming!! Winter interest is definitely important, but unfortunately, with the way the house and the sidewalk are, there isn't room for both shrubs and perennials in the foundation gardens. I did leave the cone shaped yews on the ends of each garden as well as some other evergreen shrubs that are next to the sidewalk leading to the breezeway. I've already pulled out the remaing boxy yews though. I considered planting a few evergreen shrubs like heather or holly or something else with the foundation plantings, but decided against it. The area is really too small for most shrubs and I felt I would prefer perennials there for spring, summer and fall. During the winter, we get so much snow that pretty much whatever is there is buried anyhow. I planted a few Rhododendrons in the bump outs. I do like the idea of adding a few more. Karinl brings up an excellent point that my house is so large as is my lot, that it dwarfs most of what I plant. I'm hesitant to put any large or even mid sized conifers only because I am concerned it will block out the light we get in the house. I had orignially planned to make the gardens in front larger with mass plantings to help but decided that might be a bit overwhelming to do all at once. I think what I plan to do now, instead, is in later years, add some more large island beds in the front. And yes, Karinl, perennials are a MUST! I love flowers!! As you can probably tell, I also love trees so we are adding lots and lots of those as well. Saypoint, thanks for your comment about the colors running together! I didn't think of that. I guess it may not be that important then that the shutters are a different color. And I am certainly doing large flower gardens in the back too! Thanks again for all your suggestions! I'd love to hear some more! Tara Here is a link that might be useful: Photo Album with additional updated photos of the current progress

I too agree on the 'game' during an adult party-with the exception of one quick one that has always create laughter in lg parties I've done. Simply, you have each table of seated people split in to 2 teams (the one, two manner), then have all of the 'ones' stand together in a circle on the dance floor. Ditto with the two team. Direct them to remove their shoes & throw them into the center of their circle. Once done-you or the emcee-step into the circle & mixes them all up in a pile. On the count of 3..everyone must scramble to find their shoes, put them on & the 1st team who completes the race...wins. I also had a caricature artist on hand who worked for a minimal fee for those who wanted one done. Something else I did was set up an area for a photographer to take pics of couples, or buddies at the party. It could be a well set, candle lit table for two-toasting w/champagne glasss-or something funny-like the 'boss's desk with a swivel chair and a side chair-posing the couple with the man sitting in the swivel chair, feet upon the desk & the gal taking a memo. A placard on the desk in big print says:"IT's MY TURN"! or something funny! Pics could be passed out later in the evening as souvineers.

We definitely need a plan with dimensions. My first thought is to put the fridge & freezer on opposite ends of that back wall with the range centered between them. You'll want a pot filler, but it shouldn't be a problem as there's already water there for the fridge. Put the microwave and warming drawer in the island, and leave the sink where it is. This way you don't need to move any walls, or mess with the floors if you don't want to. And I would definitely remove that crazy soffit over the island! :-)

What fabric, color and size would look good? Advice appreciated.