All Outdoor Patio Furniture

While umbrellas are commonly associated with rain, they are also used to shield us from the sun.  In fact, the latter is the larger, nobler purpose, as it is more important, health-wise.  After all, getting wet in a cloudburst is not going to hurt anyone (except, perhaps, the Wicked Witch of the West, but I believe she’s dead, anyway).  On the other hand, as we all know, if we’re exposed to them for long periods, the sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to our skin and eyes.

Actually, that more dignified use is the one that served the members of nobility so well, centuries ago.  Back then, the original umbrellas were carried over the royals, not only to keep them shaded and cool, but to protect their skin as well.  The same was true of the early patio umbrellas that were used in ancient Rome and Greece.

Even now, staying out of direct sunlight seems to be the bigger concern for many of us.  For example, when looking for a seat on a restaurant’s patio during the day, most people will avoid any outdoor dining table that doesn’t have a patio umbrella.  When we take our beach umbrellas with us to the shore, it’s generally not because we’re afraid of rain, but because we want shelter from the sun.  That’s also why street vendors have market umbrellas over their carts.

Undoubtedly, there are even more, very gallant, acts that these outdoor umbrellas perform, besides simply safeguarding us from rays and rain.  Remember, there are other things that can fall out of the sky, which would be quite unpleasant to have land on our skin, clothes, picnic tables, food, or drinks.  Naturally, I’m talking about the leaves and sap that often drop from the trees.  I certainly can’t think of anything else.

Now, I am absolutely not downplaying the importance of the patio umbrella in keeping things dry.  That definitely is a great thing, as outdoor party plans don’t have to be canceled just because there’s a chance of rain.  I mean, it’s quite comforting to know that you won’t have to endure the disaster of having your hair get all wet!

Of course, like outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas have undergone significant improvements over the years.  For one thing, you can get one that features a tilting mechanism, which lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella’s canopy in accordance with the sun’s position, so that you will always have full coverage.

Another wonderful thing about today’s outdoor umbrellas is that they are available in every color imaginable, as well as scores of patterns, and endless color combinations.  Therefore, you can match them with your outdoor décor, as well as the outdoor furniture cushions on your patio chairs and chaise lounges.

Among the greatest attributes of an outdoor umbrella, however, is its aptitude for providing privacy, whether your picnic table is set up in your backyard, or on your patio.  Even if you have fences, walls, trellises, arbors, or garden screens, a nosy nearby neighbor may be able to look down on your outdoor living space.

On the other hand, if you have a patio umbrella, you’ll block the view from above; and, no matter how valuable it is in any other area, its ability to foil a prying neighbor’s curiosity is priceless!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor umbrellas, patio chairs, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic tables, trellises

Okay, so you’ve determined what purpose your patio will serve.  The next step is to settle on a color scheme; and, if you wish to add a theme as well, figure out what it will be.  For the former, you may have fewer decisions to make, as you’ll simply (yeah, simply) have to choose some hues.  In the latter instance, however, you will further be committed to finding supporting accessories; and that can be quite time-consuming.

On the other hand, it can be a lot of fun; and, besides, you’ll be searching for the definitive items for your outdoor décor, no matter what.  It’s just that your selection will be somewhat broader if you’re not limited to things that must tie in with a specific subject.  Of course, if you declare your theme to be eclectic, you can throw in anything you like, and no one will question it.

One potential advantage of featuring a particular topic is that it is sure to be one of your passions.  Therefore, you may have already collected many related pieces; and many of them may be sitting in closets, collecting dust.  If so, this is the perfect opportunity to display them.  For example, if you spend all of your vacations at the beach, it’s likely that you’ve picked up lots of shells, beach bags, and other maritime-associated souvenirs, in your travels.

Well, now they can be part of your patio décor; and they’ll fit in splendidly with a beach, or a tropical, theme.  Furthermore, you can use them as creatively as you like, as you’re not bound by any rules.  For instance, there’s no law that says that arbors, trellises, and pergolas can be covered only with flowers.  No-o!  You can drape them with fish netting that’s filled with shells and sea glass, or hang starfish, and multi-colored (fake) fish from them.

Place potted flowers into upside-down beach hats, old beach bags, and pails, and use them as planters.  Then, for a nice, finishing touch, push some little, plastic shovels into the soil, just far enough so that they’ll stand at a slight angle.

If you’ve managed to acquire any bar or restaurant memorabilia, such as menus, glasses, signs (chairs, tables, kitchen sinks), or anything else, by whatever means (I know nothink! I see nothink!), incorporate them as well.  Not only will they look great on your outdoor dining table or patio bar set, but they’ll be sure to spark some interesting conversations and stories (like the ones about how you got them!).  Top off your outdoor tables with cheery patio umbrellas, and use beach umbrellas or market umbrellas in other spots, to provide more shade – and atmosphere.

When it comes to finding outdoor furniture, you’ll have another wealth of choices.  Wicker patio furniture with outdoor furniture cushions in bold patterns or stripes, and some wicker accent tables, will really complement the beach theme.  To make things even more festive, you can add some polywood Adirondack chairs and ottomans, in various colors.

Naturally, lighting is important, too; and there are dozens of fun styles and types available.  You can string your garden structures with twinkle lights, put torches around your patio and yard, set citronella candles on picnic tables, and use outdoor table lamps, lanterns, pendant lights, tree lights, solar lights, and decorative post caps.

So, how can you find all of these wonderful outdoor décor items?  Just do a little surfing on the ‘net, of course!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, decorative post caps, garden structures, market umbrellas, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor table lamps, patio umbrellas, Pergolas, picnic tables, Planters, polywood adirondack chairs, trellises, wicker accent tables, wicker patio furniture

Many people fantasize about having gorgeous yards and gardens like the ones that they see in magazines but making those dreams come true can be difficult.  For some, the challenge may be that they can’t afford to hire professional landscapers; for others, it may be that they don’t have a lot of room.  Truly, if your yard is not huge, it’s easy to start feeling that your options are limited.  However, garden structures, used properly, can work wonders with small spaces.

First, step back and look at the big (or not so big) picture.  Size up the available area, and, rather than thinking of it as being restrictive, assess its possibilities.  Make a list of the elements that you want to add, and decide which ones you can realistically include.  While you’re at it, see if there’s anything that you can get rid of to make more room.  Sometimes, features that have been there forever seem like they’re built-in, when they can actually be removed.

Of course, your plans may not even be that grand; you may simply want to create a nice, cozy, outdoor living area.  If that’s the case, a pergola may be the perfect solution.  Garden pergolas come in such a wide range of sizes that you’re sure to be able to find one to fit into your design.  Get one that’s large enough to cover a few Adirondack chairs and ottomans, or a settee and an outdoor coffee table, and you’ll have a shady little backyard haven; or put a picnic table under it, and make it a charming outdoor dining alcove.

Naturally, you’ll want a pretty garden, too.  Sometimes, in a confined area, people tend to break things up into sections of tiny flower beds; but too many undersized patches can give a yard a disjointed look, and make it seem even more closed in.  Try making garden beds that are longer and wider, even if you have to take out part of your lawn.

If you’re working with a space, such as a side yard, that’s too narrow to hold garden beds on both sides, use planters.  Place several of them on your porch, along its steps, and down the walkway leading to the yard, to create a sense of continuity, and the illusion of a larger area.

If you really don’t have room for a flower bed, add some trellises, and plant flowering vines to cover them.  You can also use trellises and arbors to camouflage any unattractive landscape features that you would like to take out, but can’t, because they really are built-in (such as exposed pipes or old concrete steps leading to nowhere).  Actually, an arbor can be a dreamy little hideaway, all by itself, if you get one with gates and built-in swings or benches.

You don’t need a lot of room to create a focal point, either.  All it takes is a garden bench situated near a small statue or fountain, or a birdfeeder and birdbath; even a planter bench with a lattice back will do the trick.  Use decorative stones to make a pathway leading to the feature, to help to draw the eye in the right direction.

One thing you definitely don’t want to do, when landscaping a small yard, is to clutter it up with a bunch of lawn ornaments.  So, just say “gno” to gnomes.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, Arbors, birdfeeders, garden structures, ottomans, outdoor coffee table, pergola, Pergolas, picnic table, planter bench, Planters, trellises

Nearly everything, including the way we dress and decorate, the tools and equipment we use, the food we eat, the places we go, and even the way we live, changes with the seasons.    Consequently, many of our possessions are stored in garages, sheds, attics, and cedar chests, for the better part of the year.

Right now, for example, patio furniture, grills, picnic tables and baskets, shorts, tank tops, lawn games, and mowers, are being used or worn every day.  Two months from now, however, we’ll be packing them up, and getting out our warm clothes, rakes, and fall decorations.

Even those who live in regions where the weather barely changes throughout the year, have to adjust to the seasons.  The only difference is that they don’t have quite as many things to put into storage; and that’s good.  After all, it’s sad when something that has been indispensable for months, suddenly becomes a worthless object that’s merely taking up space.

So, it’s always nice to find ways to be able to use things beyond their traditional seasons.  For instance, many people who live in cold climates enclose their porches, patios, and gazebos, so that they can enjoy their porch furniture year-round.  Millions of people have also decided that their Christmas lights, rather than being buried in boxes, should be strung around their arbors, trellises, and pergolas, to add permanent sparkle to their outdoor décor.

Picnic baskets, too, can be functional all year long; yet, people usually put them away at the end of summer.  That’s a shame, because they sometimes get dirty or damaged, or even gnawed by rodents, during the winter (the baskets, that is, not the people – or so one hopes).  Furthermore, like the other types, picnic baskets are attractive, and available in different designs and colors; and they can serve a number of purposes.

Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to keep them hidden away, especially if you have more than one picnic basket, as many people do.  Keep one on your porch or deck, near your favorite lounge chair, and use it to hold magazines, board games, knitting supplies, binoculars and bird books, or anything else that you want to have handy.

In your pool house, you can fill picnic baskets with towels, tanning lotion, bug spray, hairspray (just don’t get those two mixed up!), or other health and beauty products, for guests to use.  Larger baskets can hold extra blankets or outdoor throw pillows, for those chilly nights when you’re lying in your hammock or swingbed, gazing at the stars.  At backyard parties, put them on your outdoor buffet table, to hold napkins and utensils.

Of course, you can always use picnic baskets in your kitchen.  Fill them with snack foods, such as cookies, crackers, nuts, protein bars, and even cereal, rice, and beans (as long as they’re sealed in plastic bags).  You can also keep napkins and tablecloths in them.

In the summer, drape some cloth napkins in pretty patterns, such as gingham, around the edges of the picnic basket, and put a bouquet of dried flowers on top.  Use russet-colored napkins and, perhaps, dried leaves or Indian corn, in the fall.  At Christmastime, use red and green napkins, along with any of the multitude of seasonal decorations.  When spring comes around, try flowered or pastel napkins, and some colorful flowers.

Truly, if you let your creativity flow, you’ll think of a hundred uses for picnic baskets.  If you can save just one of them from the jaws of a rodent, it will be worth it.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, cedar chests, Gazebos, grills, hammock, outdoor buffet table, outdoor decor, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic tables, Pool house, porch furniture, Sheds, swing bed, trellises

Everyone has a different picture of the ideal backyard.  Some people like grand gardens that feature arbors, trellises, pergolas, and garden bridges, while others feel it’s more important to have lavish entertainment areas furnished with grills, picnic tables, and patio chairs.

There are also those who love the thought of creating private little havens on their patios or in their gazebos; and some people want nothing more than outdoor rocking chairs on their back porches.  The interesting thing is that, no matter how diverse they are, most people’s ideal scenarios also include lush lawns and beautiful flowers; but not a single weed.

There’s no doubt that it’s a perpetual struggle to eliminate weeds; and, alas, our fantasies are among the few places that they can’t actually invade.  We do, however, put forth valiant efforts to thwart them, some of which we covered yesterday.  Of course, there are other things that can be done, besides pulling them up, digging them out, spraying them, or salting them (or sautéing them).

For one thing, you can try to keep them from growing in the first place (or any place), by launching a pre-emptive strike.  If you want to go the way of the spray, you’ll find many weed killers that supposedly prevent them as well; but you do have other choices.

Among these are weed barriers, which, like everything else, have their strengths and weaknesses.  Available in fabric and black plastic, they control the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching their seeds, and keeping them from putting down roots.  Fabric barriers let some moisture and air through to the roots of plants; but weed seeds that land on them can put down roots through the fabric, get tangled in it, and tear it when you try to extricate them.

In contrast, plastic barriers are impenetrable by the weed roots, so, yeah, they also keep out the sunlight, water, and oxygen that plants require.  Obviously, you can’t poke holes in the plastic to benefit the plants, without allowing the weeds in, too.  Another drawback is that, because the plastic is slick, any mulch that you cover it with may be washed away by even a moderate rainfall.  Therefore, fabric is more suited for use in flower beds, and plastic, in places that you want to keep absolutely weed-free.

Mulch is another option that has a lot of points in its favor.  The first, and most important, is that it’s very effective in inhibiting the growth of weeds.  Furthermore, because it insulates the soil, it keeps roots from being compressed by foot traffic, prevents bulbs from blooming too early, and conserves water, by slowing evaporation.  Beyond that, it comes in endless types and hues, so it can add color, texture, and variety to your landscape.

A covering of mulch over a garden bed should be applied in a four-inch layer, thinned to two inches around plants.  It shouldn’t be allowed to come in contact with tree trunks, or your house, garage, or shed, as it promotes decay.  It also erodes and blows away eventually, so you’ll have to replace it periodically.  Keep grass clippings from spraying into it when you mow, and remove fallen leaves from it.  If they’re left to decompose in the mulch, they’ll invite weed seeds to breed.

Indeed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, Garden Bridges, Gazebos, grills, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic tables, trellises

The Fourth of July is this weekend, so get your grills ready, set up those picnic tables, and reserve your favorite Adirondack chair; and don’t forget to set a place of honor for your most distinguished guest, Old Glory.

Although we’ve already covered some of the rules for displaying and handling it properly, there are still many more.  One states that the flag should never serve as a drapery, such as would be put over a speaker’s desk, or a platform, or be used as any decoration in general.

The flag should never be used in advertising, nor have any advertising signs attached to its staff.  It shouldn’t be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on anything, such as a handkerchief, napkin, or cushion, that’s designed to be used briefly, and then discarded.

Furthermore, the flag should not be used as clothing, or as any part of a costume, or athletic uniform.  However, flag patches can be used on the uniforms of firefighters, police officers, and members of the military and patriotic organizations.

There should never be any kind of mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, number, symbol, or drawing put on the flag, or attached to it.  Moreover, it must never be used as a receptacle for holding, carrying, receiving, or delivering anything.

Apparently, we’ve really strayed from the original tenets of respect for the flag.  After all, it’s used in decorations all the time; in fact, everywhere we look this weekend, we’ll be seeing glaring examples in items such as flag tablecloths, placemats, and napkins.

Certainly, there are tons of red, white, and blue decorations that are perfectly acceptable, even if they have stars or stripes on them, because they don’t depict the actual flag.  There are streamers, balloons, pinwheels, candles, paper and plastic plates, glasses, and utensils, and much more.  You’ll also find red, white, and blue bunting for doorways, porches, balconies, and gazebos (when you hang it, make sure that the blue is on top).

You can also use it as a runner for your outdoor dining table, set over a plain, white tablecloth.  To make it more striking, use solid red napkins, solid blue plates, and utensils in all three colors.  If you don’t want a runner, sprinkle the tablecloth with red, white, and blue glitter, and top it with another, clear tablecloth.

Put red, white, and blue flowers into vases of the same colors for centerpieces, or get some red geraniums, white impatiens, and blue salvia in containers, from a nursery, and group them together in planters.  Place red and blue candles on white trays; they’ll look great in the daytime, and add a festive glow after dark.

Truly, after the sun goes down, you’ll really want things to sparkle, so don’t forget to decorate gazebos, arbors, pergolas, trellises, and trees with red, white, and blue twinkle lights.  For an extra-special touch, get red and blue bulbs for your outdoor lamps and lanterns.

Indeed, there are hundreds of ways to bring patriotic colors to your Independence Day party, while displaying the flag in a proper place.

Of course, that rule about not using the flag in decorations is not the only one that’s been stretched to the limit over the years.  How about the one that prohibits its use in clothing and costumes?  I mean, that ship sailed a long time ago.

Just for starters, I think Uncle Sam has got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, Gazebos, grills, outdoor dining table, outdoor lamps and lanterns, Pergolas, picnic tables, trellises

As I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two (hundred!), every year, millions of people turn their yards, porches, decks, patios, and gazebos into outdoor living rooms.  This has been going on for quite some time now; and it doesn’t appear that the trend will ever end.  In fact, it’s reaching new heights, as these exterior spaces are also being made into outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, game rooms, guest rooms, and just about any other type of room you can name.

If you’re trying your hand at this kind of landscaping, and you have a large area to develop, it may be difficult to know where to begin.  That’s no wonder, because it’s like trying to decorate a house that doesn’t have walls or ceilings.  Wait a minute.  Like that?  No.  It is that!  After all, without walls and ceilings, it’s not a house; it’s a yard.  So, there you are.

Still, you can approach the task as if you’re remodeling the inside of your home.  All you need is some structure; or, rather, structures, as in, the garden varieties.  Yes, you can use garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas, to define your outdoor rooms, and then work on each section as a single, manageable project.

Start by determining how much space you have, and how many outdoor rooms you want.  Make sure that they will all be large enough to suit the functions that you have in mind for them.  Otherwise, you may have to give up a room, or design one for dual purposes, as you don’t want things getting too crowded.

A dining area should be spacious enough for, at least, a grill, a picnic table (or outdoor dining table), some patio chairs, and a few accent tables.  To add more privacy or shade around a pool, place some trellises in key locations, leaving an adequate expanse of grass open for playing lawn games.  If you want just a quiet little retreat, you may need only a remote corner of your yard.

If you already have a gazebo, pool house, cabana, or sunroom, use it as a focal point, and build around it, tailoring the other areas to specific uses.  You can use anything, from a simple trellis, to a paneled garden screen, depending upon the degree of isolation, and the style, that you desire.  Even if you have limited space, one carefully-chosen piece, such as a gated arbor with a swing, or a double planter bench with a lattice back, can instantly become a miniature haven.

Actually, you can have a lot more fun – and a lot more freedom – designing rooms in your backyard, than you do when working within the confines of your house.  For one thing, having trellises as walls lets you change the size of an area any time you wish.  Moreover, with patio furniture now available in so many styles and colors, there are tons of decorating options as well.

Of course, you’ll also be able to select from thousands of varieties of gorgeous climbing flowers, which will surround you with color, and bring your outdoor rooms to life.  So, I guess that would make them living rooms, in the truest sense.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, arbor with a swing, Arbors, cabana, double planter bench, gazebo, grill, outdoor dining table, paneled garden screen, patio chairs, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic table, Pool house, sunroom, trellis, trellises

Every year, millions of people get married outdoors.  Some take their vows in their own backyards, as they stand in beautifully-decorated gazebos, or beneath arbors or pergolas, while others choose public places, such as parks or beaches.  No matter where the ceremonies are held, however, those who are planning outdoor weddings must be prepared for every eventuality.

For example, I once attended an outdoor wedding in Minnesota, during the second week of October.  Naturally, when I first heard of it, I was worried that the event could be ruined by cold temperatures, rain, or, considering the location, even an early snow.  Instead, there was a freak heat wave, and it was 94º on the big day!

Now, even in August, that would have been a bit uncomfortable; but it wouldn’t have been the nightmare that it was for the out-of-towners who had packed for chilly weather.  So, if your ceremony is going to be outside, stay abreast of weather conditions, and e-mail your local forecast to long-distance guests a few days in advance.

Remember, their comfort is key to the success of your event; and, aside from the weather, seating is one of the most crucial considerations.  For the actual ceremony, of course, you’ll probably have to rent some wood outdoor folding chairs.  If you want to dress them up, you can use ribbons, or, for a more formal look, go to any event planner and get some of those white outdoor furniture covers that are designed to slip right over the chairs.

Afterward, during the period when people will be mingling, make sure that they will find patio chairs, garden benches, outdoor sofas, settees, porch swings, and porch gliders, in all areas where they are welcome to wander.  Don’t leave anyone without a place to sit.

Wind is another thing that can blow your plans; and it can kick into high gear on any day of the year.  Therefore, it’s best to avoid light fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, for bridal, and bridal party, gowns.  Likewise, long trains and veils may prove to be injudicious selections if it really gets gusty.  You should also plan for wind when you’re getting your hair done for the occasion.

Of course, even more substantial materials will be tossed around in very high winds; so, for good measure, you may want to use fishing weights, which can be spray-painted to match any color, to hold down veils, dresses, and tablecloths.  You can also use the weights on ribbons, and attach them to place cards, to keep them where they belong; or put the cards into decorative photo frames, which will be your favors.  Moreover, be sure that the patio umbrellas on your outdoor dining tables and picnic tables are held down firmly with heavy umbrella stands.

Indeed, there’s an endless list of details to tend to, in order to be certain that your outdoor wedding will go off without a hitch.  Uh, I’d better make that, in order to be certain that everything will go smoothly.  After all, if there’s not a hitch, it won’t actually be a wedding!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden benches, Gazebos, outdoor ceremonies, outdoor dining tables, outdoor folding chairs, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor sofas, outdoor weddings, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, Pergolas, picnic tables, porch gliders, porch swings, settees, umbrella stands

Colors play significant roles in our lives; so much so, in fact, that they’ve seeped into the fabric of our language and our culture, and have even saturated our sensibilities.

Each color has its own, special meaning, and many are used universally to represent and convey specific feelings and ideas.  Colors influence our moods, and can be used to warn, welcome, comfort, excite, soothe, and inspire.  They are famously invoked to denote rage (I’m seeing red!), envy (the green-eyed monster has reared its ugly head), sadness (I’m feeling blue), cowardice (yer yella!), good health (I’m feeling in the pink!), and more.  Those that aren’t used in expressions are often turned into names, such as Violet, Sienna, and Pearl (although the term, “pearls of wisdom,” puts that last one into both categories).

In some cases, colors are crucial to orderly societal functions.  For example, when driving, everyone knows that red means stop, green means go, and yellow means step on it!  (Just kidding, of course!)  Likewise, we’re all aware of the indications when we hear “red alert,” or “code blue.”

Colors are commonly associated with pride, strength, and unity, as on a nation’s flag, or a team’s uniform.  They are also integral to some of our major celebrations and holidays; on Independence Day, red, white, and blue prevail, while at Christmas, red and green dominate the scene.  Some monumental affairs, such as weddings, are completely planned around theme colors.

Even the degree of happiness that we feel in our own homes is affected by colors.  When we decorate a room, no matter what style we choose, or which materials and furniture that we use, our satisfaction with the results often depends largely upon the color scheme.  This is equally true of our homes’ exterior areas, including porches, backyards, patios, decks, and gazebos.  Actually, because these have become, for millions of people, the main places for entertaining during the warmer months, outdoor décor is more important than ever.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to bring color to these spaces.  Besides your natural surroundings, which may include a variety of multi-hued vegetation, you can plant some garden beds, and display flowers in window boxes and planters, as well as on trellises, arbors, and pergolas.  Furthermore, because outdoor furniture comes in so many different shades these days, patio chairs, picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, and porch swings, can be just as colorful as the flowers.  Even solid wood outdoor furniture groups can be embellished with outdoor furniture cushions and patio umbrellas, which are available in countless colors and patterns.

So, just as is the case with everything inside your home, your outdoor furniture can reflect your taste, style, and personality; or, perhaps I should say, it can show your true colors.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, Gazebos, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor furniture groups, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, Pergolas, picnic tables, Planters, porch swings, trellises

Those who have spacious backyards can fill them with all sorts of wonderful outdoor furniture.  Along with their porch swings, patio chairs, and accent tables, they may also have room for outdoor sofas and loveseats, outdoor coffee tables, rocking chairs, ottomans, garden benches, face-to-face gliders, grills, and even gazebos.

Most people, however, either have smaller backyards or patios, or only terraces, porches, or balconies; and, in many cases, they feel that these spaces are too dull or cramped for entertaining.  If this is your quandary, you probably have more options than you think, because even the most lackluster area can be turned into a beautiful outdoor living room.  Beyond getting the right outdoor furniture, which you can find in sizes, styles, and colors to grace any space, you can do things to make it more accommodating, while playing up its coziness aspect, which is very appealing.

If you don’t know where to start, try going from the bottom, up.  Truly, the floor can have just as much of an impact on the look of an outdoor room, as it does on an indoor room.  Paint a slab of concrete, or old, worn-out decking, with paint that’s made for porches and decks.  You can also use marine paint, designed for the hulls of boats, which is available in several bright, bold colors.

Choose a solid color, or add stripes, or geometric shapes, to create the illusion of a larger space.  To make it even homier, put down some colorful area rugs, just like the ones that you use indoors.  Toss in some cushy outdoor throw pillows in vivid, mix-and-match colors, and people will be comfortable sitting right on the floor.  For extra seating, put a picnic table bench along a wall, or off to the side.

You don’t have to worry about having your outdoor living room completely packed with furniture and accessories all of the time.  On special occasions, you can bring out some indoor pieces, such as serving carts and end tables, and even hang some art on exterior walls for the duration of the party.  Even a small outdoor dining table will look spectacular when you set it with your good china and silverware, crystal wine glasses, and cloth napkins with napkin rings.

Naturally, lighting is very important as well; and, while candles always spark a festive atmosphere, they’re not the only things that can light up a party.  There are several styles of outdoor table lamps, outdoor floor lamps, and outdoor lanterns that will get glowing reviews.  Other great choices are hurricane lamps, LED candles, paper lanterns, and strings of white Christmas lights, wrapped around trees, railings, planters, arbors, trellises, and pergolas.  For a really magical touch, you can even place candles inside your planters, as long as they’re in spots where they won’t set anything on fire.  Just don’t forget to extinguish all of the candles when the party’s over.

Of course, if someone breaks one of your good wine glasses, it may be over sooner than you had planned!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

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