Get ready for the weekend with scaled-down trees and tables

No matter if it’s sunny or raining, it’s Memorial Day weekend and the focus is on the outdoors.

I stopped in at Effinger Garden Center in Belleville this week and noticed a lot of little things. Little as in petite evergreens that could suit a small sunny spot in the yard or a fairy garden. Check in the greenhouse by the indoor office for an array of delightful scaled-down plants. Some are actual miniature or dwarf varieties of evergreens and therefore won’t grow much. Others are smaller versions of larger plants that eventually will get bigger. All of these plants need full sun and prices range from $4.98 to $19.98. Have a questions as to what to pick? Ask for Alex Livingston, who knows a lot about the subject, as well as about bonsai.

Sometimes a big table with an umbrella in the middle just takes up too much space. Or, maybe you need shade on either side of a pair of loungers on your deck. Check out the Stratford wicker umbrella side table at Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fairview Heights. Designed to fit most umbrella poles up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, the table is made of all-weather wicker with a durable rust-resistant steel frame with a hand-painted, wood-look finish. Cost: $99, minus umbrella. You’ll also find matching pieces in chairs and other furniture.

At our family’s beach house, there are long, heavy-duty curtains that can be pulled across the southwest side of the porch to block the sun, wind and sand. They are a necessity and get a beating from the elements. If you’re looking for a product that is durable and long enough to run from ceiling to floor, consider the outdoor curtains from World Market in Shiloh. They are on sale right now. While you may find what you need in the Shiloh store, you can also order them online. Made from durable, spun polyester with the look of burlap, they have big grommets at the top so you can use a sturdy rod, are sold in 54-inch wide pairs and come in 84-, 96- and 108-inch lengths. Online, there are five colors. Prices range from $54.98 to $119.98.

Ace Hardware stores have folding wooden Adirondack chairs on sale for $39.99 in four colors. A matching wood ottoman or a folding side table is $19.99. Prices are good through Monday.

Serious swimsuit sale, ladies, at Macy’s, with half off brands such as Anne Cole, Captiva and Kenneth Cole Reaction through Monday.

You’ll find lots of patriotic party supplies at Deals in Fairview Heights, with big packs of red, white or blue paper plates and napkins for $3. Plus, you’ll find smaller packs of flags and other related decor for a buck.

I have terrible handwriting. So, when it came time for me to write on a chalkboard for an event, I knew regular chalk would not be my friend. So, I went to Michaels Crafts in Shiloh and asked for help. I came home with a type of felt marker (called a chalk pen) that writes on chalkboard, white board and glass — with easy removal. That did the trick. You can buy them there individually for $3.99 or as small sets, four for $12.99.

This story was originally published May 21, 2015 at 7:17 AM with the headline "Get ready for the weekend with scaled-down trees and tables."