This is the time of year when our thoughts are preoccupied with comfort foods, hot beverages, sitting around fires, taking vacations to tropical islands, and anything else that will help us to get warm.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that coffee houses, which are usually pretty lively anyway, are even more crowded now, as they also serve hot cocoa and tons of decadent desserts.  Naturally, in the winter, people also prefer to spend more time in their homes, where their sunrooms are the hot spots.  These two places are so popular, in fact, that many people are actually turning their sunrooms into coffee nooks.

If you want to try this, it’s really easy to do; and you can re-create the tranquil charm of an old-fashioned, mom-and-pop shop, rather than the jam-packed chain establishments that are so prevalent.  To get the atmosphere of a traditional café, furnish it with a wood or aluminum bistro set, accessorized with checkered or floral print placemats and napkins (with napkin rings), sugar bowls, creamers, fresh flowers, candles, and containers with individually-wrapped biscotti.  Make it really authentic by producing colorful menus on your computer, then fold and stand them upright on the table.

Create a lounge area by adding synthetic wicker chairs and sofas with soft cushions in colorful patterns, as well as coffee tables, end tables, and accent tables, topped with magazines.  If the sunroom is big enough, you may want to put in a partition, and have a dining set on the other side, for larger gatherings.  If you prefer a rustic décor, choose cedar or pine furniture; for a more elegant motif, consider a teak or cherry dining set.  Put up shelves and stock them with mugs and cups of different sizes and colors.

Of course, you’ll need the main attraction, too, so get a bunch of brightly-colored containers and fill them with an assortment of specialty coffees and teas.  You won’t even have to worry about being an expert at making coffee, because, with the great coffee, espresso, and cappuccino makers that are available, along with the wide variety of coffees, you’ll soon be whipping up concoctions that are every bit as good as (or even better than) anything you’ll find at even the most popular coffee franchise (not mentioning any names, of course!).

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

These days, color plays a huge part in furnishing an outdoor living room (the area formerly known as the backyard).  One of the big advantages of shopping at CedarStore.com is that we offer a full spectrum of color choices in outdoor furniture, so you’ll be able to find porch chairs, swings, face-to-face gliders, garden benches, ottomans, accent tables, and everything else, to complement any décor.

Our huge palette does not stop there, however, as we also feature a spectacular line of outdoor furniture cushions in scores of brilliant colors and stylish patterns.  Because they are available in several materials as well, I thought I’d give you a bit of information about each.   

Sunbrella®, which comes in a stunning variety of colors and designs, is unparalleled for its quality, durability, and ease of maintenance.  It is highly resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and the fading that can be caused by the sun’s UV rays.  The best way to keep it looking new is to avoid letting anything set into it, so be sure to brush off dust, dirt, or crumbs, before they become embedded in the fabric, and wipe up spills immediately.  This should be no problem, because it’s what you would naturally do anyway.  You can also spot-clean stains just by using warm water and mild soap.        

Cushions made of olefin polypropylene and polyethylene spun fibers feel as soft as cotton fabrics, but have strength and durability that’s comparable to canvas.  They are treated with a Teflon compound, which makes them resistant to tears, stains, and mildew.  Finished with a UV inhibitor, they are wonderfully resistant to fading, so that their many colors stay true and vibrant for years.  These, too, can be cleaned with soap and water.      

Our 100% Polyester cushions feature an open weave, which gives them the feel of a soft fabric, and lets them breathe as well.  They are also treated to resistant soil and stains, and can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water, or simply sprayed down with a hose.

Sunsharp and Teflon cushions, which also come in a rainbow of colors, are designed to withstand the elements in style, resisting soil, stains, dirt, and fading, and are as easy to clean as the rest of our cushions.

So, it appears that you can’t go wrong with any of them.  No matter which you choose, comfort is the bottom line; so just relax and put your tush in our cushion. 

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy