Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Many homes would benefit from a guest house.  Whether you entertain often or have in-laws over for every holiday, having a separate guest house can allow both your guests and your home to feel a little more at ease.

Save Your Sleep: Nobody sleeps well with house guests.  The hosts are worrying whether they supplied enough towels, the guests are tip toeing around the kitchen searching for a glass only to knock over your pile of cooking magazines.  It can feel like a competition of who can be more accommodating: the guests or the hosts.  But, in the end, no body feels completely at ease.  Have you ever stayed with a friend that has a burglary alarm system?  You hear this phantom beeping in the distance from your pull-out couch and wonder if there’s some problem.  Skip the stress for both parties.  Having a separate structure to serve as your guest house will let guests retreat to their own space, eliminating the need for tip toes on all fronts.

Save the Hassle: A lot of people avoid the hassle of house guests by investing in a hotel room.  But, now meals and activities have to be scheduled around check ins and check outs.  If the best hotel is across town, no one will be traveling to and from during rush hour! Plus, if there are kids along for the trip, they’ll inevitably forget a favorite toy or book, sending a parent back out into the weather and traffic to retrieve it from the hotel room.  Having a separate guest house will allow families to retreat, but only be a few steps away.

Save Some Money: The upfront investment of a backyard guest house will well outweigh the ongoing costs of those hotel rooms.  After you factor the night rate, parking, gas going to and from the hotel, and other expenses associated with hotels, guests will end up cutting travel costs in half when coming to visit you.  Easing travel spending for your loved ones is the greatest gift you can give, especially during the holiday season.

Using a cabana or a pool house as a private guest house is an easy, customizable, and affordable option.  Designing your structure online, you can personalize the tiniest details and choose a size that works for your lifestyle.  The world of garden structures is a lot bigger than open-air gazebos and pergolas, fully insulated backyard cabanas and pool houses are serving as guest houses, home offices, and extra home spaces.

Tags: cabana, garden structures, Gazebos, Pergolas, Pool house

As I mentioned, this is the perfect time of the year to start feeding the birds; and it’s important to place birdfeeders in spots where they will have shelter from the wind, and refuge from predators.  Although shrubs and trees are ideal, garden structures, such as arbors, trellises, pergolas, and gazebos can do the job as well.  Multi-paneled garden screens will provide good coverage, too, as will gated arbors, and arbors with extensions.

Another alternative is to create a makeshift row of hedges, by getting some planters, and filling them with small evergreens; even artificial ones will work.  You can also use planter trellises, or planter benches with lattice backs.  Anything is better than nothing; in fact, if you’re not going to store your patio furniture in the garden shed during the winter, protect it with some mildew-resistant, easy-to-clean outdoor furniture covers, and let the birds use it to shield themselves from the elements.

As for the birdfeeders, there are many types to choose from, including tube, platform, hopper, fly-through, post-mounted, and hanging.  Whichever you select, make sure that it will keep the food dry, so that it will not become moldy.

When you’re shopping for food, keep in mind that sunflower seeds appeal to the widest variety of birds.  Black-oil sunflower seeds are the favorites, and are enjoyed by every kind of backyard, seed-eating bird.  Their rich oil content makes them a high-energy food, and their thin shells make them easy to crack.  Although striped sunflower seeds are also great, they have heavier shells, which are tough for smaller birds to open.

You can also get sunflower seeds that have been mechanically hulled; and, while they cost a little more, there will be no waste, and no mess.  On the other hand, with in-shell sunflower seeds, the hulls account for up to 45% of the product weight, and will be left lying around on the ground.

Nyjer seeds, which are tiny and black, draw all sorts of finches; and, because of their high oil content, they make wonderful winter food.  Imported from Africa and Southeast Asia, they are slightly expensive; but a bag of them will last awhile.  Moreover, nyjer seeds leave absolutely no waste; and, because they’re steril­ized at all U.S. ports of entry, they will not germinate.  Cracked corn and millet are quite affordable, and will attract many ground-feeding and game birds.

Always read the labels on bags of bird food, and avoid brands that have large amounts of milo (sorghum), wheat, or oats.  Although they may be cheaper, these ingredients are merely fillers, which most birds won’t eat; so, buying products that contain them will be a waste, in more ways than one.

Suet, which is loved by all kinds of birds, comes in an assortment of flavors.  Naturally, birds are wild about nuts, too, particularly peanuts, walnuts, and almonds; and, luckily, these are available in many high-quality bird foods these days.

Of course, you may pay a bit more for these mixes, but, believe me, if you’re nuts about birds, it’s worth it.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, birdfeeders, garden shed, garden structures, gated arbors, Gazebos, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, Pergolas, Planter Benches, Planters, trellises

When you’re setting your picnic table, bedecking it with autumn’s awesome bounty will be a boon, because it will bestow a bedazzling, bewitching beauty that’s beyond belief; and, to be sure, it all begins with the basics.

For starters, you can dress up the chairs for your outdoor dining set, with outdoor furniture cushions that feature fantastic fall colors, such as gold, bronze, russet, red, orange, burgundy, and yellow.  When it comes to the tablecloth, as we’ve established, you have a million choices in colors, patterns, and materials.

Whatever selections you make for your table décor, you’ll surely want to conjure some magic.  Luckily, this is easy to accomplish, because, as is the case with many of the astonishing illusions performed by professionals, it’s done largely with lighting.

There’s no doubt that the proper radiance can make the mood merrier, the meal more memorable, and the milieu monumentally mesmerizing.  Just as the twinkling strands on porches, gazebos, arbors, trellises, and pergolas, invoke an air of enchantment throughout your landscape, the lighting on your table can work wonders as well.  In fact, the same kinds of decorative bulbs that you’re using on your garden structures can lend a lavish look to your table setting.  For example, you can tape a string of them underneath a glass-topped outdoor dining table, then use a thin tablecloth, through which the colors can softly glow.

Certainly, candlelight never fails to captivate; and you can use pillar candles, votives, and tea lights everywhere.  Although you’ll have no trouble finding attractive candleholders, if you want a striking, seasonal touch, hollow out some miniature pumpkins, and let them do the job.  Of course, if you carve designs into them, the flickering flames will create a fanciful effect that will further add to the fabulously festive fall feeling.  Just go to a craft or department store and get a kit that contains the tools and patterns for cutting Halloween figures into larger pumpkins, but use the implements to make simple, autumn shapes, such as leaves and acorns.

If you plan to have a centerpiece, it should be spectacular, but not overwhelming; and, once again, the most ordinary ingredients can make something magnificent.  For instance, you can fill a basket with apples, grapes, gourds, nuts, acorns, and berries, then carefully tilt it onto its side, and arrange the contents to appear as if the abundant harvest is spilling out onto the table.  Then, add some mums or sunflowers, and accent the display with a few candles.

If you’re using small pumpkins as candleholders, you may want to craft a complementary, pumpkin-themed centerpiece.  You can even make a vase out of a pumpkin, by hollowing it out, filling it with florists’ foam, which you can get at any craft store, and inserting fall flowers into it.  While you’re at it, pick up some artificial leaves; you can use them in arrangements, or place a few, randomly, around the table, to give the impression that they’ve fallen from the trees.

For a bit of sparkle, sprinkle shiny, multi-colored, leaf-shaped confetti over your main tablecloth, then cover it with a clear, plastic one.  Use your imagination, and you’ll come up with many other ways in which you can be-leave your outdoor dining table.

Truly, when you use fall’s harvest to embellish your décor, you can be sure that your table will be set with a bounty that’s befitting of royalty; and you’d better believe that the guests that will be coming will be saying that it’s a beauty to behold.

But right now, I’d better be going.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden structures, Gazebos, outdoor dining set, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions, Pergolas, picnic table, trellises

Certainly, you’ll want to create the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor dinner party, as well as the ultimate experience for those attending it; and the food, the outdoor décor, and the company will be integral to your achieving that goal.  In fact, there are times when putting together just the right combination of these ingredients can almost guarantee success.  However, when you’re planning an outdoor affair, especially at this volatile time of the year, there’s another force that can undo all of your efforts at the drop of a hat; er, rather, let’s make that several drops – of rain.

Indeed, sometimes, Mother Nature can get mighty testy when she is not included on the guest list; and if she decides to crash your party, there’s not a thing that you can do about it.  Moreover, in some cases, rain may be the least of your worries, because she does not simply have the element of surprise – she has many of them; and if she’s really angry, she may show no quarter.

Therefore, your first consideration should be keeping your guests out of her path, as well as her wrath.  Luckily, there are steps that you can take that will prevent everyone from being entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature’s capricious nature.  These precautions can also help to preserve the food, the tableware, and the decorations.

Of course, the ideal situation would be to have a gazebo or a pavilion that’s large enough for all of the guests, the picnic tables, and the patio furniture.  In the absence of either of these garden structures, a patio that’s covered by a roof, awning, or even a pergola, will afford some level of protection.

Even if you have a small gazebo that won’t accommodate the entire party, you may want to, at least, keep the food in it, on an outdoor buffet.  Then, make sure that whatever picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, or bistro tables that you will be using are equipped with patio umbrellas.  You can get them in beautiful fall colors, such as burgundy, bronze, plum, red, orange, gold, and russet.  Another option is to put a large market umbrella over the outdoor serving table and the outdoor bar.  Naturally, if you have any other kind of outdoor structure, such as a garage, pool house, cabana, sunroom, or shed, or even an enclosed porch, you should use it to house the food.

Otherwise, it might be wise to rent a tent or two; but if you don’t, just be certain that you have some kind of backup plan, in case things get nasty, and the party has to move indoors.  Wherever you intend to take refuge, you must provide adequate seating for everyone; so, if you don’t have enough outdoor furniture, get some extra folding chairs.  If there’s not adequate room to fit a picnic table inside, you can use a folding table, some outdoor accent tables, or even bring in just the picnic table benches.

The key is to make arrangements for dealing with unfavorable circumstances, and have everything set up in advance.  That way, you, your guests, and your party, can continue the revelry, unscathed.

On the other hand, there is always the chance that your foresight will irritate a certain, spiteful entity, who may feel cheated that she didn’t get to have her revenge; so, just be careful, as she may be waiting to launch another assault the minute you step back outside.

After all, it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cabana, garden structures, gazebo, market umbreall, oudoor accent tables, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor structure, patio furniture, patio umbrellas, pavilion, pergola, picnic tables, picnnic table benches, Pool house, shed, sunroom

Now that you’ve gone to the trouble of decorating for autumn, it’s time to show off your handiwork; and there’s no better way to do that than to have an outdoor dinner party.  That way, you can also demonstrate your fabulous hosting skills, as well as your culinary creativity.

One of the best parts about this get-together will be that you’ll be able to concentrate on the menu, instead of feeling pressured to come up with a clever motif.  Because it’s an affair that’s meant to celebrate the season, the theme, as well as the color scheme, will already be established.  Truly, with your home and landscape dressed to the hilt in fall’s finery, it will be evident as far as the eye can see.

All you have to do is to enhance your party area with the ideal accents and accessories; and, once again, you won’t have to go to great lengths to find them.  You can use many of the things that went into making your outdoor décor, so everything will tie in splendidly.  You’ll have lots of fun dreaming up novel arrangements to display, not only on your outdoor dining table or picnic table, but on outdoor accent tables and outdoor buffets as well; and you can even adorn your patio furniture.

Certainly, you’ll have no difficulty getting people into the mood of the occasion.  In fact, they’ll be infused with the spirit of merriment the moment that they arrive, especially if your porch, garden structures, trees, and shrubs, are glistening with strings of miniature lights.  Besides sparking a festive atmosphere, they’ll highlight some of the beautiful leaves, which would otherwise be virtually invisible at night; and you don’t want to let that happen, as they are the stars of the season.

Unfortunately, though, there are many factors that can dim your enjoyment of the foliage (aside from living in a climate where it doesn’t change much in the fall).  For one thing, even if you choose a date that comes before the leaves are supposed to peak in your region, an unexpected cold snap can cause their intense colors to fade earlier than anticipated.

Then, again, the vines and flowers on your garden structures may have leaves that simply don’t change to attractive autumn colors.  For example, I have some on my patio that are quite lush during the summer, but just turn a spotty, brownish-yellow, then shrivel up, before they fall.  You may also have new arbors, trellises, or pergolas, that don’t have anything growing on them yet.

So, if you have a dearth of leaves in your yard, or if you want to augment the ones that are already there, it’s not a crime to use fakes.  You can get them at craft stores, in “branches” or garlands, some of which come already entwined with strings of lights.  Put them in centerpieces and wreaths, drape them over door frames and windows, and wind them around garden structures, including gazebos.

Indeed, artificial leaves can make exquisite, even elegant, decorations; and some of them look very authentic, particularly at night, in soft light.  Of course, they can also be on the delicate side.

Therefore, you should handle them with care, as it will be quite expensive to replace them every year.  After all, they don’t grow on trees.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden structures, Gazebos, outdoor accent tables, outdoor buffets, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic table, trellises

There’s no doubt that the things that you can find in your own backyard and garden, on a nature walk, or during a visit to a farmers’ market, can be used to make some spectacular outdoor décor.  After all, that’s what they are, anyway; you’re just gathering, arranging, and exhibiting them in strategic places, in and around your home.

At the same time, like most people who are dressing up their homes for fall, you will probably use artificial embellishments as well; and that’s understandable.  In fact, it’s necessary in some situations, such as those in which an item that you wish to use won’t hold up in a long-term display.  Luckily, however, a good number of autumn’s natural elements are quite hardy.

Pumpkins, as we’ve established, can often last through the entire season; that is, as long as they’re left intact.  I mean, once they’re carved, even the most menacing-looking, sharp-toothed, jack-o-lanterns will, after about a week, begin to resemble old men who have misplaced their dentures.  Twigs, berries, corn stalks, hay bales, Indian corn, pinecones, gourds, and acorns, are also extremely durable; but, alas, the multi-colored leaves, which are autumn’s proudest emblems, are also the most fleeting.

Therefore, we must take pleasure in them while they last.  Aside from hiking in the woods, or driving through the country, we can, of course, enjoy them from our porch swings, hammocks, and patio chairs.  Unfortunately, with the sun going down earlier every day, by the time we’re finished with work, and other obligations, it’s nearly dark.

Here, again, store-bought decorations can come to the rescue.  For example, we can string miniature, twinkling bulbs through our vine-covered arbors, pergolas, and trellises.  This will afford a twofold advantage, as it will prolong the time that we have for viewing the foliage, while allowing us to see it, literally, in a completely different light.  Indeed, as lovely as those crimson, bronze, and golden leaves are during the day, they’re absolutely dazzling after dusk, when highlighted by a soft, orange-white glow.

Actually, once you adorn your garden structures with lights, you may even start looking forward to the early sunsets.  Not only does this enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it automatically creates a festive atmosphere.  This is especially exciting when you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party, where delighted guests can enter through an arbor that’s sparkling with lights.

To make things even more striking, you can illuminate the path with walkway lights, put post cap lights on fences, and wrap strings of lights around trees, shrubs, and planters.  You should also have lots of candles, along with outdoor lamps and lanterns, on picnic tables and outdoor accent tables, in the main party area.

Now, if you have a gazebo, it will be, at least, a stunning focal point; but, if it’s large enough, you may be using it as the center of the gathering.  Whatever the case, if it’s decked out with lights, and other fall decorations, the effect will be downright spell-binding.

So, if people start asking how you managed to conjure such a magical evening, you can just tell them that you have your own, personal Gazebo Wizard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden structures, gazebo, Hammocks, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, Pergolas, Planters, porch swings, post cap lights, trellises

When you’re decorating your home’s exterior for fall, don’t forget to cover outbuildings, such as garages, storage sheds, pool houses, and cabanas.  Naturally, this also goes for gazebos, arbors, trellises, pergolas, and garden bridges.  Just as they bring fresh dimensions of splendor to your yard and garden throughout the year, they can add new elements of excitement and festivity to every season.

Pumpkins, gourds, squash, mums, acorns, pinecones, berries, apples, leaves, twigs, corn stalks, straw, hay bales, and Indian corn, are among the most popular items that are used in fall decorations.  Moreover, in many cases, you can use the real things, instead of buying artificial versions.  In fact, the only unnatural embellishments that you may need to enhance their beauty will be some twinkle lights.  These can be quite striking when you string them around porch and gazebo railings, and entwine them in latticed garden structures.

You can also use lights on an autumn wreath, to make your front door look warm and welcoming; and if you have an enclosed gazebo, place a wreath on the gazebo door as well.  Dried cornstalks also look great around the railings of gazebos and porches, and on mailbox posts.  Just use twine or wire to hold 15-20 stalks together, then tie them with a ribbon in a fall color, such as burgundy, orange, or bronze.  Place some hay bales nearby, stacked on patio chairs, outdoor accent tables, or picnic table benches, and set some pumpkins and Indian corn on top of them.

Another wonderful way to dress up your porch, patio, deck, or gazebo, is by using planters.  Fill them with ornamental grasses in reds, oranges, bronzes, and plums, and place them next to doors, and along railings, steps, and walkways.  You can make them all in one color, or create dramatic combinations, and throw in some fall flowers, such as mums, and a few small pumpkins.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good idea to get a large assortment of pumpkins, in all sizes, and put them everywhere.  One of the best things about them is that you can use them whole, as part of your outdoor décor, for most of the season, and then, if you’re so inclined, transform them into some signature fall edibles, including the number-one favorite, pumpkin pie.  If you’re planning to do this, however, you’ll have to select some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking.

You won’t be able to use the larger, jack-o-lantern types for this purpose, as their pulp is too watery and stringy, although you can still bake and eat their seeds.  Indeed, if you want to turn them into pies, breads, soups, muffins, or cookies, you’ll have to get some of a smaller, sweeter variety, known as the sugar pumpkin.  Because this kind is not always featured in pumpkin patches, you may have to visit a farm, nursery, or roadside stand.  Furthermore, while you’re at it, don’t overlook all of the other gourds that are available now; like pumpkins, they’re as good for decorating as they are for digesting.

By the way, if you’re feeling funny about covering your home with vegetables, don’t worry about it.  Botanically speaking, you’re using a bunch of fruit; and there’s certainly nothing strange about that!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, enclosed gazebo, Garden Bridges, garden structures, gazebo, Gazebos, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic table benches, Planters, trellises

It’s safe to say that pergolas are among the most popular garden structures in existence; and, actually, it has been safe to say that for quite awhile.  I mean, a really, really long while.  How long?  Well, a serf in the Middle Ages could have said it with confidence.  Even a landscape designer in Rome, during the time of Caesar, could have made a similar declaration.  And a writer for the ‘Home & Garden’ section of a newspaper in ancient Egypt?  Ditto.

Pergola (PUHR-guh-luh) is an Italian word that is derived from the Latin, pergula, which means “projecting roof.”  While pergolas, with their universal appeal, have held their favored status for centuries, they have, naturally, taken many forms over the years.  For example, beginning in late medieval times, and through the early Renaissance period, it was common for gardens to have green tunnels.  The idea was to have passageways that would remain cool and shady when the weather was hot and sunny, and dry when it was raining.

The tunnels were made by binding shoots of willow, or “withies,” together at their tops, to create a series of arches, which were then loosely woven with long, wooden slats.  Once in place, these structures would have climbing flowers and ivies planted nearby, which would eventually cover them.  These were the early forms of pergolas.

It wasn’t until around the 17^th century that pergolas began to look more like the ones that we see today.  The main difference was that they were usually much grander, typically constructed with massive pillars of brick or stone that were fitted with large crossbeams.  During the 18^th and 19^th centuries, however, there was a movement toward creating gardens that featured mostly natural elements.  Therefore, manmade structures, such as pergolas, were a bit scarce for awhile.

Of course, as we all know, you can’t keep a good garden structure down; and pergolas proved that in the 20^th century, when they made a comeback.  Today, they’re huge (well, huge, as in, wildly popular – the actual size that you get is up to you).  Incredibly beautiful and versatile, they lend themselves to dozens of uses, as they fit in perfectly with nearly any garden design, and can even solve many landscaping problems.

For instance, if you have an open space in your yard, you can turn it into a nice, shady retreat, just by adding a garden pergola, and putting some patio chairs and accent tables beneath it.  With a picnic table, or an outdoor dining table, and an outdoor bar, it will be a great place for entertaining.  Pergolas can also be used to cover patios that have no other sources of shade.

They also make wonderful enclosures for hot tubs, especially when used in conjunction with arbors and trellises, the siblings with which they have held a rivalry since time immemorial.  In fact, their vying for top spot in the garden has been going on for so long, that people sometimes get them confused, and often use the words, pergola, arbor, and trellis, interchangeably.

That must really be frustrating for them, after having spent so many centuries trying to find ways of distinguishing themselves from the others.  The crazy thing is that not one of them has any reason to feel inferior, because they’re all outstanding in the garden!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, Arbors, garden structure, garden structures, outdoor dining table, patio chairs, pergola, Pergolas, picnic table, 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

Ask a hundred people, and you’ll get a hundred different ideas about what elements constitute the ultimate patio.  Some want theirs to be grand entertainment areas, while others prefer theirs to be cozier spots where they can hang out with their families, and, once in awhile, a few friends.

In many cases, people dream about turning theirs into snug little hideaways that will give them some much-needed solitude; and, naturally, even similar visions will have endless variations.  Then, there are those who have no idea what to do with their patios, beyond putting a few outdoor chairs on them.

Yes, it’s a shame, and it happens for a number of reasons, that many perfectly good patios are unused, or, at least, underused.  In certain instances, it’s because people figure that they just don’t have a flair for decorating; so, they simply set up a couple of porch chairs or folding chairs, for the occasions when they want to sit outside.  Sometimes, people feel that their patios are too small to have any real potential; or, their outdoor areas become unbearably hot in the afternoon sun.  Some folks have even been known to avoid using their patios because they don’t afford enough privacy.

No matter what circumstances lead to the neglect of patios, the results are the same – a bunch of wasted space.  It doesn’t have to be that way, however, because, for one thing, you don’t have to be an expert designer to put together some spectacular outdoor décor.  Furthermore, there are several easy ways to fix, or compensate for, most of the obstacles that stand between you, and your ideal patio.

When you’re decorating a patio (or a porch, yard, gazebo, deck, or sunroom, for that matter), start by thinking of it as one of the rooms in your home.  Just as they each have their designated uses, your outdoor room will serve a specific purpose; or, if it’s large enough, perhaps, more than one.  Either way, it’s up to you.

Whether your goal is to divide your patio into sections, or to gain more privacy or shade, you have several options from which to choose.  For example, trellises, multi-paneled garden screens, and planter benches with lattice, all make wonderful partitions that will allow air to continue to circulate.  (Outdoor ceiling fans will keep cool breezes blowing in roofed garden structures.)

If nothing else, people often like to separate their cooking and dining areas.  This minimizes traffic around their grills (which is especially important when kids are running all over the place), and keeps smoke from wafting directly toward picnic tables and patio furniture, where their friends and family members are socializing.

Of course, as is the case with the rooms in your home, you’ll have to decide on a color scheme – and, perhaps, a theme – for your patio.  Luckily, that’s easier than ever, as, these days, the variety of outdoor furniture and accessories is as wide as it is for the indoors.

Okay, so, maybe that doesn’t exactly make it easier.  In fact, it may actually make things more difficult, or even drive you crazy; but, in the 21^st century, that’s the price we all have to pay for having so many choices.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: garden structures, gazebo, grills, outdoor ceiling fans, outdoor chairs, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, planter benches with lattice, porch chairs, sunroom, trellises