Q: " While card manufacturers of all sizes accept freelance work, consider starting with smaller companies where competition may be less fierce. Consider what types of card-writing interest you. Perhaps you enjoy developing funny quips, for example, or consider yourself gifted at composing meaningful poetry. Understanding your own talents will help you target card companies that produce relevant card collections. Ensure that you're targeting your material to the company's needs. One manufacturer may be in particular need of rhymed poetry for sentimental cards, for example, while another might have a word limit for humorous text. Study retail card displays. Reflect upon what types of material work well. Pay specific attention to the styles of cards each manufacturer provides so you can target your material most effectively. The greeting card format is more directly personal than most other forms of writing. Even a blog that you write with a confidential "me-to-you" voice actually reaches a host of readers; greeting cards, by contrast, are explicitly sent from one individual to another. Composing greeting card text provides a great opportunity to practice "writing tight." Carefully consider each word to ensure your verse or quip packs maximum impact from minimum length. " Greeting cards on a rack have an average of 1.5 seconds in which to catch a consumer's eye. Cards with strong "rack impact" will stand out to consumers. Ensure your text will attract potential buyers quickly. Remember that the cover of a card is what consumers see when they're scanning a rack or display. A high-impact beginning will ensure that potential buyers pick up the card and open it to view your amusing punchline or heartfelt verse.
A: Search online for "paying greeting card markets. Request companies' guidelines before submitting your material. Pay attention to voice. Aim for "rack impact.

Q: A good rule of thumb is to provide enough seating for your minimum expected number of regular guests. That way, you can make sure that you have plenty of perches for everyone who feels like taking a load off. If space is a concern, consider going with a foldable, stackable, or collapsible style that you can put away easily after everyone goes home. Buying your patio furniture in sets can help you save a few dollars. In many cases, a pack of identical chairs costs less than one or two individual chairs in different styles. Modular furniture is one of the hottest current trends in decorating. A good set of modular patio furniture will make it possible to set up your pieces in a way that allows you to make the best use of your entertaining space. Keep an eye out for tables, chairs, and benches with built-in storage compartments, which will also help you keep the clutter on your deck to a minimum. The term "modular" is used to describe pieces that can be grouped together in many different configurations. Pieces made from materials like recycled plastics, marine-grade polymers, and resins offer the most bang for your buck. These types of materials are strong, water-resistant, and impervious to stains, mildew, and insects. And, since they don't require paint, you won't have to worry about them peeling or cracking over the years. Powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, and treated woods like teak and cedar also make good materials for outdoor furniture. Shelling out for the good stuff is a wise investment. For a few hundred dollars, you can fill your outdoor space with items designed to hold up to years of use. Cheaper furniture, by contrast, tends to break down quickly, forcing you to spend money on repairs or replacementsmoney which will add up over time. Budget furniture is also typically less attractive and comfortable than items with higher price points, since it's often thrown together in a hurry using cheap materials.
A:
Set up extra deck chairs if you plan on hosting large get-togethers. Shop around for versatile modular outdoor furniture. Choose durable furniture built to withstand the elements. Be willing to spend a little extra for high-quality furniture.