Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

As we’ve established, when packing for a picnic that won’t be held close to home (yours, or anyone else’s) it’s important to include anything and everything that you could possibly want or need.  Now, I don’t know whether or not anyone has ever actually accomplished this, but I do know that even the most organized, fastidious, list-making perfectionists can slip up sometimes.

Strangely enough, often, the overlooked articles also happen to be some of the most basic and obvious, such as salt and pepper, ketchup, or other condiments.  Another interesting-yet-common mistake that people make is forgetting something that is closely related to another item that they have already packed.

For example, they’ll put in the silverware (or plastic ware, as the case may be), but not the serving utensils, or the long-handled forks, tongs, and barbecue mitts that are needed for safely cooking on grills.  Likewise, they’ll bring blankets, but forget outdoor throw pillows, or towels (if they’re planning to go swimming).

Therefore, it’s best to think of things as belonging to certain families, so you’ll be able to make quick associations when you’re readying for an outing.  Perhaps you may even want to draw up some “family trees” for the essentials, and store them in your picnic basket.

Among the oft-forgotten things that should be on your lists are cutting boards, if you’re going to be slicing anything, and sharp knives, not only for said slicing, but for when you’re serving meat; in these cases, plastic knives just won’t, well, cut it.

You may also want to set aside an attractive, unbreakable vase to take with you on occasions when you wish to dress up the picnic table.  Fill it with flowers from your garden, or wildflowers that are growing near your picnic site, and you’ll have a lovely centerpiece.

Outdoor folding chairs are great to have along as well, but if you don’t have room for them in your vehicle, load up some of your outdoor furniture cushions.  You can use the ones from your patio chairs to sit on, and those from your lounge chairs for napping or sunbathing.  Take a beach umbrella with you for extra shade, even if you’re not going near the water; and don’t forget the first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Books, magazines, puzzles, and lawn games, such as croquet, horseshoes, badminton, and quoits, are absolute musts for traditional outdoor family fun and recreation.  Of course, to make it official, you’ll have to leave the video games and other high-tech gadgets at home, turn off your  cell phones, and don’t check your e-mail (yes, I realize that’s a preposterous suggestion, but, at least, try it; you may enjoy your triumph over technology!).

Well, since I can’t think of another famous bear to quote, I’ll end this blog on a serious note.  While we’re all having our safe and happy Memorial Day celebrations this weekend (and that is what I wish everyone), the most important thing to remember is the true reason for this holiday.  It is meant to honor all of the women and men who have died while defending our great country, and showing appreciation to veterans, as well as those who are still serving in the military.  Without them, life here would surely be no picnic.

Happy Memorial Day!

Kathy 

Tags: beach umbrella, Croquet, lawn games, outdoor folding chairs, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, Quoits

In recent blogs, we have been discussing deck safety.  Although this issue is paramount throughout the year, it is particularly important in the summer, when decks are brimming with people, picnic tables, patio chairs, gliders, lounges, grills, toys, coolers, and, in many cases, mini refrigerators and other appliances. 

As mentioned, among the things that make decks especially vulnerable to damage are the people who build them, and the fact that most of them are fully exposed to the elements all year long (the decks, not the people – or so one hopes).  However, even though your deck is subject to a lot of moisture, there are many things that you can do to protect the wood. 

Obviously, weatherproofing a deck with a stain and/or sealant when it’s new can make a big difference.  If you’re just going to seal it, use a high-quality product that’s water-repellent or waterproof, as opposed to being simply water-resistant, to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.  Like stains, sealants are available tinted in many different shades.  Be sure to get one with a high UV protection rating, which will prevent a lot of damage, not only from water, but from the sun’s rays, which can also cause significant harm. 

While most people do seal their decks at first, we get a lot of questions about how often to re-treat them; and, naturally, it depends upon the product, and the regional weather.  One way to tell when it’s time for another application is to pour a glass of water over the boards.  If the water beads up, the deck is still water-repellent; if it is absorbed, you’d better re-seal it.   

Whether or not to stain the deck is completely a matter of personal taste.  Staining can enhance the look of the wood’s grain, by giving it a deeper, richer color.  It can also restore the color and character of older decks that have gotten bleached out by the sun over the years.  As always, get a stain that offers maximum protection from UV rays. 

Also remember that the deck isn’t the only thing that needs to be shielded from the sun.  While you’re out having your summer fun, slather yourself with a sun block that has an adequate SPF.  Then, and add some insurance with a patio umbrella that has a high UV protection rating.  CedarStore.com has hundreds of them; and, in fact, with all of the colors, patterns, and combinations thereof, it’s more like thousands.  Oh, yeah, and don’t forget the beach umbrella for extra shelter at the shore.

After all, umbrella coverage is the best way to stack the deck in your favor.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: beach umbrella, deck, decks, patio umbrella, umbrella