On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.

Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.

But Veranda living is more than just a sense of "place". What really makes it memorable is the company of friends and neighbors, sparkling conversation, or a languid repose with a loved one.

A deck may not technically be a Veranda, but it can, nevertheless, be the perfect gathering spot where memories are made.

The key, however, to great deck entertaining is to have a great deck. Many people don