All Outdoor Patio Furniture

The end of August beckons pencils, notebooks, school buses, and that fated end of summer.  As children and teachers prepare to head back to school, it’s hard to not assume your endless afternoons of family outdoor living are headed toward a close. But, rather than bidding farewell to your outdoor furniture, why not plan a party to bring everyone together to celebrate one last “hurrah!” Encourage your children to invite friends that will soon be classmates and their families.  That way, you can meet any neighborhood parents that you have not yet had a chance to get to know.

This is always the time that it feels like the Summer season got away from us.  And as many parents have a tinge of sadness as the Autumn season puts our children out of reach for nearly 8 hours a day, this is a wonderful time to bring everyone together.  Lounging in outdoor rocking chairs and porch swings will give the parents a no-stress occasion to talk about the upcoming year and perhaps solutions for car pooling to athletic practices or play rehearsals. Meeting the families of your kids’ classmates is an important part of getting involved with their overall education, so let this be a time to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year through good food and meaningful introductions.

Especially if you’ve missed opportunities for outdoor entertaining, crafting a dinner party for a time other than Labor Day weekend is a grand idea.  That way, guests that have already committed to family reunions or other engagements will still be able to attend your event.

Try to strike a balance between Summer and Autumn.  This gathering will be your opportunity to start to bring in Autumn decorating influences, while still celebrating summer.  Decorate picnic tables with vases or planters that mix daisies and hydrangea with mums and asters.  It’s not time for pine cones and pumpkins yet, but past due for Fourth of July décor.  Have fun mixing and matching your more subdued summer and autumn outdoor décor for an End of August celebration that hits the nail right on the head.

Give the kids, and yourself, a grand opportunity to enjoy that casual summer fare.  Keep it simple with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and potato salad. This is also a great opportunity to use a lot of the vegetables and herbs that your garden is producing too fast for you to use!  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans will all do terrifically in a big salad created from your homegrown lettuce.  Share the bounty of your garden with guests to celebrate what an amazing summer we’ve enjoyed this season.

If the weather is right, it might even be a chance pull your outdoor dining sets out from under your porches or gazebos, and out further into your garden.  Try setting up a few outdoor bistro sets or your picnic table as deep into the greenery as possible.  If you’re worried about the state of the food, you can always keep the eating under your pergola or other usual spot, and simply move your patio chairs or garden benches out into the yard.  Desserts and conversations can move seamlessly out into your late summer blooms as the longer summer day turns to dusk.

Give everyone something to take away with them to remember the experience.  If you have any seeds that your flowers have begun to produce, make little bags for guests to plant for next summer.  If you still have vegetables or herbs left over from your garden, this is a wonderful opportunity to give them as gifts.  Encourage new acquaintances with classmate-children to exchange contact information.  The end of August is the perfect time to allow families to spend some last quality time together before the start of school, as well as meet and greet the parents you’ll be sure to see throughout the school year!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, grill, outdoor bistro sets, outdoor decor, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, pergola, picnic tables, Planters, porch swings

Naturally, wood outdoor furniture has different care requirements than those of polywood, vinyl, aluminum, or plastic.  There are many types of wood from which it may be constructed, and each has specific characteristics that give it a beauty all its own.  While these traits also affect a wood’s durability, there are other factors that will determine how long it will actually last.

One of the variables is the way that people decide to treat (or not treat) it from the start.  Of course, the best way to ensure that your outdoor wood furniture will hold onto its good looks and structural integrity is to know something about the individual kinds of wood.

Western Red Cedar, for example, is one of the most popular woods, as it is gorgeous, and exceptionally durable.  With its rich texture, inherent radiance, and deep, warm tones, which range from light amber to honey brown, it makes spectacular porch swings, outdoor dining sets, and garden benches.  Cedar has innate oils that repel insects, and make it highly resistant to decay, as well as dimensionally stable properties that help to keep it from warping.

If you wish to maintain its original hues, use a sealer on your cedar outdoor furniture when it’s new; otherwise, leave it unfinished, and it will eventually turn to a rustic gray.  If you want it somewhere in between, wait until it reaches the tone you desire, and then seal it.  You can also change the shade of the wood by staining it.

Treated Southern Yellow Pine also makes stunning, sturdy outdoor chairs, chaise lounges, and picnic tables, that will withstand years of heavy use and harsh weather.  Treated pine undergoes a process of kiln-drying, before and after a special pressure treatment, which helps to prevent decay, and minimize warping, checking, and twisting.

As with cedar, you can seal and/or stain treated pine outdoor furniture to retain its yellow hue, or allow it to weather to a yellow-tinted gray.  Applying a stain/sealer once a year will preserve the wood’s luster, and protect it from the elements; and it’s best to use one that offers UV protection, and is resistant to mildew.

Teak is one of the best of all hardwoods for making outdoor furniture.  It grows in rich soil that infuses the wood with a high concentration of mineral deposits, which make it heavy, dense, waxy, thermally stable, water-repellent, and resistant to decay, insects, and warping.  You can sustain its resplendence with a stain/sealer, or let it turn to a silvery-gray.

You’ll find quality stain/sealers at any hardware store, in many color options, including clear, honey, cedar, and redwood.  Darker stains are better for maintaining the natural look, as they provide more protection from UV rays and body oils.  Applying a couple of coats every few years may be sufficient; but a lot depends upon your region’s climate, and how much your wood outdoor furniture groups are exposed to the elements.  If you leave them out all year long, unprotected by outdoor furniture covers, you may have to treat them annually.

The good news is that virtually every kind of wood patio furniture, when properly treated and maintained, will stay attractive and solid for quite a long time.  Knock on wood.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cedar outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, garden benches, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor wood furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, wood outdoor furniture, wood outdoor furniture gruops

classic Pasisian balconies

If you have a small porch, you may be confronted with the issue of choosing and arranging outdoor furniture that will make the most of this outdoor space.  But, before you start fretting, take a moment to give thanks!  Even a small Parisian balcony is something to be thankful for, as an outdoor space attached to your home is a wonderful gift.

But, now that you’re thoroughly thankful for your porch, it’s time to figure out how to make the most of it.

For you dwellers of the small porch, don’t shy away from adding patio furniture.  I find Adirondack chairs and outdoor rocking chairs the most versatile pieces for smaller porches.  They’re easily transportable, fun to re arrange, and can be grouped or separated as needed.  Try facing all of your patio chairs outward to face the view.  You might be thinking, “My view is of a busy road and a neighbor that frequently mows the lawn in his underwear.” You could look into planting trees or trellis sections along the edge of your yard to block that view entirely with green.  But, we’re focusing this post on porches! So, why not try hanging a multitude of hanging flowers and plants around your porch?  Or, if the situation is serious, see if you can hang durable indoor-outdoor curtains or sheers to help camouflage the view. But, also don’t discount the fun of people watching.  While you may have tired of your exhibitionist neighbor-landscaper, your guests might find it thrilling!

Using a mix of outdoor rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, patio chairs, and other outdoor furniture, you can arrange them to all face out but cluster them to still encourage conversation.  If you feel comfortable, by all means go for larger porch gliders or garden benches, but don’t over-crowd your porch if the space just isn’t available.

Also, evaluate how you’ll use your porch carefully.  Are you looking for a space to relax or to relax… and eat? Or both?  Your porch might not fit a picnic table, but there are plenty of outdoor bistro sets and trestle picnic tables that are perfect for small outdoor spaces.  Plus, you can pull the chairs or benches from that bistro set over to your other outdoor chairs if you have a few extra people over to sit a spell.

If outdoor dining is really your preferred method of enjoying your porch, by all means go for it!  Survey your options for patio dining sets and outdoor bistro sets until you find something that fits your space, your style, and your budget.  And, don’t be afraid to ask for customized options!

If you have the room, make sure to still craft a little secluded corner for yourself.  Even if you use an outdoor rocking chair you plan to pull over to the larger group when guests arrive, have a home base for it.  Add an outdoor accent table for piling books and setting your drink on, and know that that little corner of the porch will be your special spot.  If you prefer afternoon naps to afternoon snacks… string a hammock in the corner of your porch.  It will give you a retreat, while adding a hint of relaxing whimsy to your over-all design scheme.

No matter the size of your porch though, porch swings will work anywhere!  In fact, you might want to use one  to craft that personal retreat I mentioned earlier.  Find an outdoor furniture retailer that provides customizable lengths, measure the widest part of your porch, and ask them what size they recommend to get the most use from the area.  Don’t forget to also get plush outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows to make your porch swing a destination!

So, no matter the size, shape, or view from your porch… remember that it’s a blessing! Use your space wisely with expert outdoor furniture arrangement, and you’ll enjoy it for longer!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: adirondack chairs, garden benches, hammock, outdoor bistro sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, patio dining sets, patio furniture, picnic table, porch gliders, porch swings, porches, trestle picnic tables

Of the millions of Independence Day celebrations that will be taking place this weekend, a large percentage will be pool parties.  If you’re going to host one, don’t skimp on the red, white, and blue decorations, when it comes to your pool house or cabana.

Of course, outdoor décor, although key, is not your first consideration; nor, for that matter, is the food.  If you own a pool, you know that ensuring the safety of all those who will be using it takes precedence over everything.  After all, you want everyone who goes swimming to have fun, and emerge feeling refreshed and, perhaps, hungry for another burger hot off the grill.

Obviously, the first, and most crucial, precaution is to never allow kids to go into the water unsupervised.  Even those who know how to swim, or are using flotation devices, can develop cramps underwater, or hit their heads, before anyone knows what’s happening.  Moreover, no child under four years old should be in the pool at all, unless accompanied by an adult.

So, make sure that there are enough patio chairs, lounge chairs, or steamer chairs around the pool, positioned too much to drink.  Anyone overseeing children must be fully alert, and able to keep track of them; and that’s hard enough as it is, because, as I’ve noticed many times, while watching kids at pools, they all seem to look alike when they’re wet!

It’s also a good idea to set rules – in writing – and post them prominently, poolside, along with emergency numbers.  Make sure that everyone reads them before going into the pool, and knows that they will be strictly enforced.  Keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook, or a life preserver, nearby; and, if you don’t already know it, learn CPR.  Don’t hesitate to yell at your kids if they violate any regulations; and, if necessary, do it loudly enough to scare their friends straight, too.

All pools should be enclosed with fences, at least four feet high, which have gates that can be locked, and no nooks or crevices that can be used as footholds.  Keep outdoor furniture, such as garden benches and picnic tables, away from the outsides of the fences, so that kids can’t use them as aids in climbing.

When they’re not in use, pools should be covered; otherwise, open them completely.  Never leave a cover on partway, because kids may get trapped beneath it.  When an above-ground pool is not in use, remove its ladder.  Don’t leave toys near the pool, especially moving things, such as tricycles and wagons.

Never let anyone dive into an above-ground pool, or from the sides of an in-ground pool; and don’t let anyone go down a slide head-first.

It’s also important to remember that even small amounts of water, such as can be held in wading pools, hot tubs, fountains, barrels, and even buckets, can pose perils to small children.

The point is to (please!) just be safe and happy, and have a wonderful time celebrating this, the

234^th birthday of our nation; and (please!) be kind to each other while you’re at it (aw, heck, I know you will!).

Happy, Happy, Safe, Safe Fourth of July!

Kathy

Tags: cabana, garden benches, grill, lounge chairs, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, picnic tables, Pool house, pool safety, steamer chairs

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

When designing your outdoor spaces, it’s hard not to take inspiration from country lifestyles.  When our pace of life seems to be constantly racing, it’s no doubt that we dream of simpler times full of sweet iced tea and lazy afternoons.  Anyone who grew up on a farm will certainly be quick to tell you that the country lifestyle has just as much, if not more, work than a suburban dwelling.  But, let’s keep our dreams idealistic and create country-rustic-wonderful outdoor living areas to enjoy!

The best outdoor space to decorate for country living is a large, hopefully wrap-around, porch.  If you are lucky enough to have a big porch to work with, there’s no need to gloat! But, do consider yourself incredibly lucky.  Everyone else out there, don’t sweat it.  Gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor spaces can just as easily transition to country living.

Use Functional Storage: It’s hard to say “southern” without adding “hospitality” after it. My grandmother can tell you that part of living in rural areas of the south is always being ready to entertain guests.  While, you may not agree with being quite so available, make your porch or outdoor area transition to a gathering space as quickly and easily as possible.  Keeping outdoor buffets and patio shelving stocked with outdoor dishes, table clothes, and even table games will make hosting get-togethers no problem at all.  One way to truly harness country charm is to make it obvious that your porch or outdoor space is not just an area you occasionally use… but one of the central spots of your home.  The more functional and lived in it is, the better.

Mix Bright Whites with Color Accents: Using bright clean whites will make the whole area look sunny and dazzling.  You can do this by using white wicker outdoor furniture or painting your patio furniture white.  Don’t go overboard, it’s not a hospital, but mixing  white garden benches or picnic tables in with your designs will recall that white washed country charm.  Then, add focal points with light blues and deep greens.  Don’t feel limited into only adding a blue patio chair or maybe a green outdoor table, weave these colors throughout your outdoor dishes, table dressings, center pieces, and ever flowers.

Don’t Skip the Porch Swing: There are few pieces as essential to a country porch as a porch swing.  Luckily, your options are endless.  Whether you choose to paint a wood porch swing white or one of your accent colors, choose a classic wicker, or even just stick with the natural wood… it will add immediate appeal to your outdoor space.  Plus, besides its stylistic perks… a porch swing is just a wonderful addition to your home!  Sway away your cares as you devour that book you’ve been meaning to read, catch up with a friend, or even just close your eyes and listen to the wind blow.

Mix Rustic and Refined: My mother’s house is bursting at the seams, all full of furniture and “stuff” that my great grandmother saved for my grandmother, that my grandmother passed along with a bunch more “stuff” to my mother, and now I am laying in wait for all of it, plus more, to be passed on to me! Sound familiar?  No self-respecting country porch would go out and buy all new furniture and décor, so don’t be afraid to use patio furniture that is well loved.  You can paint it to add color and hide some major wear-and-tear, and continue to use it and enjoy it.  But, of course, every generation keeps accumulating more wonderful décor! Mixing older rustic pieces with highly styled luxury makes a perfect balance of comfort and fashion.  Prize your keepsakes and show off your style!

Add Some Green: You certainly don’t need to have the best tulips on the block to have a great country porch.  If you’re an avid gardener, pull those container gardens and planters up into your space and fill up those window boxes.  Using green ferns and other plants will create warm and inviting spaces.  While brightly colored flowers will add those “simply nice” touches we all love.  Not into digging your hands in the dirt? Stop by a farm stand or other garden supply center and fill vases or old mason jars full of fresh cut flowers to enjoy their splendor.

And, if you’re really passionate, you’ll add the last perfect finishing touch: a big woven sun hat with a brightly colored ribbon and a tall glass of sweet tea.  Ahh, sounds perfect to me!

Have Fun,

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, outdoor buffets, outdoor table, patio chair, patio furniture, patio shelving, Pergolas, picnic tables, Planters, porch swing, wicker outdoor furniture

When you’re having an outdoor wedding in your backyard, there are, of course, many things to worry about, besides the insects that are waiting to crash the affair.  During every step of the planning stage, the comfort of your guests must be your paramount concern.  Then, after each detail is painstakingly worked out, and you think that you’ve got everything covered, go back to the beginning, and make arrangements for the unexpected.

As I’ve said before, even if you’re having a simple cookout, it’s essential that you supply everything that anyone could possibly need, before you sit down at the picnic table.  Well, that’s nothing, compared to the magnitude of preparedness that is required for an outdoor wedding.

Naturally, it’s absolutely necessary to have some sort of shelter.  If you own a gazebo, you already have the ideal setting for the ceremony.  Undoubtedly, it’s picturesque on its own; so it will be utterly spectacular when it’s decorated for the wedding.  However, unless you have a very large gazebo, or a backyard pavilion, you’ll have to rent a tent for the reception; and make sure that it is sturdy enough to endure heavy winds, and that it has thick, weighted sides.

You can also have an indoor room set up for guests, in case the weather really gets nasty.  Decorate an enclosed patio or porch, including your patio chairs, gliders, chaise lounges, accent tables, and planters, with ribbons and/or streamers in the wedding theme colors.

Of course, providing cover is crucial, even if the weather is magnificent, as too much sun can become unbearable (and there’s enough fainting at weddings as it is!).  To begin with, make sure that it won’t be glaring in people’s eyes during the ceremony.  If you’re going to be standing under an arbor or a pergola, position the seats on the side of it that will have the sun at their backs.  It’s also a good idea to use wood outdoor folding chairs, as metal can get very hot.

As for the reception, have patio umbrellas for all of your outdoor dining tables.  Large, free-standing cantilever umbrellas, or commercial market umbrellas, with heavy umbrella stands, are also great for use over food and beverage tables, outdoor bars, and garden benches.

Another way to protect guests from the sun and heat is to have sunscreen available for people who forget to bring their own.  In extremely hot weather, consider renting some large, electric fans for the tents; and if your gazebo is equipped with outdoor ceiling fans, don’t forget to turn them on.  To keep everyone cool from the start, you may even want to print your programs on decorative fans, and have your ushers pass out cold bottles of water to the guests as they arrive.

After all, it’s better to have your ushers pass out water, than to have your guests pass out!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, arbor, backyard pavilion, cantilever umbrellas, chaise lounges, commercial market umbrellas, garden benches, gazebo, gliders, outdoor bards, outdoor ceiling fans, outdoor dining tables, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, pergola, Planters, umbrella stands, wood outdoor folding chairs

I truly believe that any garden is enhanced by an outdoor living space.  A simple seating group or even a dining area will allow you to enjoy your garden as much as you work in it.  After all, having a place to spend more time in the fruits of your labor will only lend to your overall enjoyment.  Sure, the sweet smell and exciting sights of your blooms and plants while walking along your garden path are certainly enchanting.  But, imagine sitting in it while reading a book, while sharing coffee with friends, while simply thinking about how much you love your garden!

Though, as many people embark to create an outdoor living area, they feel overwhelmed.  Flipping through gardening and home magazines, it would seem everyone would need to be an interior designer with years of experience and unlimited funds in order to craft comfortable seating or dining areas.  Is it possible to achieve relaxed balance?

In reality, it’s much simpler than you might think.  There a few simple planning tricks to keep your spaces even-looking, without seeming sterile.  I’m here to convince you that anyone can!

Start With The Basics: Before considering which historic architect your living space is aiming to exude, try dialing back and thinking about the bare essentials.  What do you want to get out of this space?  A relaxed retreat for just you and perhaps one other person?  An open-air dining area to share meals with big groups all summer long?  Or, are you looking for a more intimate setting to linger over tea and conversation?  Pinpointing these kinds of expectations will allow you to add the details in a much smoother way.  Remember to keep your purpose in mind throughout the entire process.  While picking each piece, ask yourself if it lends to your original intent.  That way, your entire outdoor area will keep a consistent feeling.

Rustic or Refined: Once you’ve decided whether you’re creating a big family living room or a quiet and secluded oasis, you can consider how lavish of a direction you’d like to take.  Many people thrive on the rustic, untreated wood settings.  If using cedar outdoor furniture, you can enjoy the sweet aroma of western red cedar while viewing the beauties of nature.  The natural luster of the wood can reflect the perfect simplicity of a day spent in the garden.  Of course, there’s also something to be said for luxurious outdoor spaces equipped with big patio umbrellas, outdoor furniture cushions, pillows and throws; as well as outdoor ceiling fans and even electric outdoor lighting.  Again, a lot of these decisions will relate back to the first one.  There’s no wow-factor quite like a plush outdoor room, but that also means that you’re likely to spend a bit more money and up the continued work required to maintain it.  If you want to add some amenities, but aren’t looking for over-the-top luxury, just add one or two things that you would find most helpful.  Hate the still air? An outdoor ceiling fan will keep the breeze going.  Worried about the sun? A patio umbrella in a bright color surrounded by more rustic furnishings will create a wonderful space.  Also try simple, unadorned outdoor furniture cushions to keep your back side comfortable without adding needless luxury (unless, of course, you want it!)

Vary the Pieces: While this probably applies more to outdoor living areas than open-air dining spaces, it’s important not to get too stuck on just one type of furniture.  Create a dynamic area by grouping porch gliders with Adirondack Chairs, garden benches with outdoor rocking chairs and unexpected accent tables.  Having a lot of different pieces will not only create interest and start conversation; it will also make it more comfortable for more people.  Some people love to relax in a chaise lounge, while for others a porch swing is the height of relaxation.  Cater to yourself, cater to your guests, and add as much variety in seating options as you can! Often, you can get all different kinds of outdoor furniture with a common thread—like a heart shape cut into the back or a similar line in the legs.

Add Color: Besides adding variety, the best way to make your living or dining area reflect you and look fantastic is to add color.  The ways to do this are nearly endless.  Some people choose to use their fabrics to create comfortable pairings of natural wood and coordinating colors. I would suggest having two or three colors in mind, before you embark on the fabrics.  Also remember not to overdo the patterns.  Stripes on your outdoor furniture cushions, plaid pillows, a flowered throw blanket, and a block-print patio umbrella is likely to be a bit overwhelming.  A no-fail strategy is to pick one area to highlight a pattern, and keep everything else solid colors.  Another great way to add color is to use paint.  This will allow you to make a wonderfully bright and unexpected space, or you can simply use a well placed lime green accent table, to draw the eyes around the entire space.  Imagine a porch with white wicker outdoor furniture, with muted blue outdoor furniture cushions paired with a matching blue porch swing off to the side.  The coordination of color will allow the entire porch to hold together as one living space.  Deciding on your colors and pattern placements before going into the project will ease some of those overwhelming choices, though.  So think about which garden hues make you most excited about being out in nature.

Make it Functional: Even the most lavish outdoor living area can still be extremely functional.  As I’m sure you’ve considered, designing a room completely exposed to the elements can create some decorating pitfalls.  Two big tips I would give come right down to the tables.  First, consider your tables!  Whether you use several accent and side tables, or one big coffee table, think about how you’re going to use it.  Personally, I love the outdoor tables that have a little bottom shelf.  It gives me a place to stash magazines or even dirty dishes until I’m ready to come inside.  Having a place to keep your “stuff” while keeping table tops clear makes me feel a bit more at ease.  But, if you’re someone who likes everything right out where you can see it, you should look for nice big table tops with room for all your outdoor helpers.  You might also want to consider storage or deck boxes.  A lot of really nice looking storage and deck boxes are available that can be used as a coffee or side table, or even just set out of the way to remain available for emergency extra seating.  These can hold your pillows, throws, even your furniture cushions.  Of course, it can also hold board games, outdoor dishes, or anything else you’d like to keep outside, but worry about its reaction to harsh elements.   Also, if you’re aiming for a dining area, remember that many outdoor dining sets are foldable.  This will let you simply fold them up and stash them behind your back porch when they’re not in use.

Well! I hope that helped.  Please don’t let another season go by without creating an outdoor living area within or near your garden, simply because the task of decorating another space seems overwhelming.  It’s true, outdoor room design is a bit more complicated than indoor rooms because the options and space constraints are so, well, unrestrictive.  But, relax! Have fun, try different things, and develop a space you can’t wait to use and enjoy by keeping unity while adding variety.

Tags: accent tables, adirondack chairs, cedar outdoor furniture, chaise lounge, deck boxes, garden benches, outdoor ceiling fans, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor lighting, outdoor rocking chairs, outdoor tables, patio umbrellas, porch gliders, porch swing, wicker outdoor furniture

While we may not be thrilled to find nicks on our wood outdoor furniture, usually, we can be relieved if they’re minor ones, as these are the easiest to handle.  Of course, the amount of damage that a particular piece will suffer, in any situation, will depend upon the kind of wood that it’s made from, and whether or not it is finished (and, if it is, the type of finish can also make a big difference).  Even so, in many cases, it is possible to fix scratches, or, at least, make them less noticeable.

Certainly, there are other things that can mar wooden outdoor furniture, such as the white rings that often appear after someone has set down a glass without a coaster under it.  If you can blot up the moisture right away, it may not leave a trace; but if you don’t get to it in time, a hairdryer may save the day.  Put it on a low setting, and run it over the spot a few times, keeping it at least six inches away, so that the wood will get warm, but not hot.  If that fails, try rubbing the area with some boiled linseed, olive, or vegetable oil, then wiping it clean.

If nail polish gets spilled on your wood outdoor furniture, don’t wipe it up, because it contains solvents that can soften and remove the finish.  Just wait for it to dry, gently scrape it off with something plastic, such as a credit card or a driver’s license, then apply some wax, using superfine steel wool.

Undoubtedly, it’s nice to know that we can restore the good looks of our wood picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, porch swings, and garden benches.  At the same time, however, we must also remember that, like beauty, the damage sometimes runs deep.  A burn, for example, can be quite troublesome; but if it’s not too severe, try rubbing it with a paste made of fine fireplace ash and lemon juice.  Afterward, wipe it clean, and touch it up with the same kind of finish that is already on the wood.

If it’s a deeper burn, surround it with masking or painter’s tape, and scrape out the burned wood with the rounded blade of a craft knife.  If necessary, re-stain the exposed wood, then use a mixture of equal parts of clear nail polish and acetone-based polish remover to fill the hole, one coat at a time, making sure that each layer dries before applying the next.  Finally, use superfine sandpaper to smooth the surface before you remove the tape.

Because such burns are usually caused by cigarettes, you may be able to prevent them by not putting ashtrays on your outdoor coffee table or accent tables.  Ask smokers to light up only on the perimeter of the yard, or in another designated area, and provide large ash urns, or empty coffee cans, filled with a few inches of sand.  Indeed, this is the best way to make sure that people will keep their butts off your outdoor tables.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, ach urns, adirondack chairs, garden benches, outdoor coffee table, outdoor tables, picnic tables, porch swings, wood outdoor furniture, wooden outdoor furniture

Now that Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us, visions of grills, picnic tables, burgers, and hot dogs are dancing in our heads.  This long-anticipated holiday marks the unofficial start of summer; and, because, in many regions, it’s the biggest season for outdoor living, people are going to be having as many picnics as possible, between now and Labor Day.

When you think about it, picnics are among the greatest social events ever devised.  Perfectly blending food, family, friends, recreation, entertainment, and merriment, they’ve been bringing people together since long before Yogi Bear ever swiped his first “pic-a-nic” basket.  In fact, they’re viewed by many as the ultimate, all-American way to celebrate our national holidays.

However, even though many consider the picnic to be red, white, and blue, its beginnings are actually more bleu, blanc, et rouge.  Making its first appearance as a new word in the 1692 edition of Origines de la Langue Françoise de Ménage, the word, pique-nique, is believed to have been derived from a combination of the French word, piquer, meaning to “pick” or “peck” and nique, an obsolete word, which meant “trifle” or “little pieces.”  In the book, it was described as a potluck gathering, to which everyone brought a dish; and the food, which was packed and carried in the first picnic baskets, was set out for all to “peck at.”

The word, picnic, was introduced in English in 1748.  Then, in the 19th century, a group of wealthy Londoners formed the Picnic Society, promoting it as a fashionable social affair, to which each attendee was expected to bring food, and contribute some form of entertainment.  It wasn’t until the middle of the century that it became associated with the outdoors, and the first picnic blankets appeared; soon afterward, its rapid rise in popularity led to the invention of the picnic table.

These days, while picnics can still be grand occasions, they are usually more on the casual side, and can take place in backyards, public parks, or on small, out-of-the-way patches of ground.  Furthermore, it doesn’t take a lot of people to make a picnic; in fact, you can have one all by yourself.

Of course, this weekend, there will probably be a lot more of the large gatherings; so you’d better be prepared.  Besides having an ample food supply, make sure that you have enough patio chairs, Adirondack chairs, outdoor rocking chairs, garden benches, and extra picnic table benches, so that everyone has a place to sit.

Oh, yeah, and don’t forget that everybody will be looking forward to playing some all-American outdoor lawn games, too.  Hmm.  Let’s see.  Uh, how about croquet and quoits?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, croqeut, garden benches, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, picnic table benches, picnic tables, Quoits