Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

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

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

A lucky reader of Horticulture magazine will be adding beauty and color to his or her garden as a result of the magazine’s partnership with the highly sought television designer, decorator, and Master Gardener, Kathy Peterson.  Her premier line of outdoor furniture, Kathy Peterson’s Inspired – Outdoor Lifestyles is quickly inspiring all those passionate about outdoor living.  The Horticulture Garden Giveaway is a first for the publication and will be open for entries between June 16 and July 14 culminating with the drawing held on July 15th. “We’re excited to kick off our Garden Giveaway series with CedarStore.com and the Kathy Peterson Inspired-Outdoor Lifestyles collection,” said Patty Craft, publisher and editorial director of Horticulture Magazine. “CedarStore.com offers a wide range of outstanding garden products that we want to share with our readers.” One winner will receive a three-piece bistro set from the Kathy Peterson Inspired collection to add to their patio or garden.

“We’re eager to meet new and passionate gardeners interested in invigorating their gardens and outdoor spaces, said Tim McTighe, owner of CedarStore.com.  ”We can think of no better way to give back to gardeners than working with the prestigious Horticulture Magazine.”

The bistro set was chosen for this first-time giveaway due to its appeal to both serious or hobbyist gardeners. Built of weather resistant cypress for durability, the set also has a creative side with the colorful options selected by Peterson. “The contest winner will be able to select from one of my fifteen custom color finishes,” said Kathy Peterson, designer. “But, it also can ship unfinished as a blank canvas for the winner to apply his or her own colors and designs.”

If you haven’t entered yet, you better get to it!  You have a week and a day! Hurry!

Tags: horticulture magazine, kathy peterson, outdoor bistro sets, Outdoor Furniture

We’ve traveled to Tuscany and Japan, but if you still haven’t found the perfect setting for your outdoor room, we have plenty of frequent flyer miles! Today, we’re designing a Parisian outdoor room inspired by the quaint and stylish bistros lining the streets of Paris’s chicest districts.

Define your space with Wrought Iron: Everyone knows that the most famous structure of Paris is the Eiffel Tower.  Using wrought iron garden structures to outline your living room will pay tribute to the overlooking structure while helping to both define your garden as Parisian and separate your seating area from the rest of the lawn.  Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to do this.  Whether you choose a wrought iron gazebo to create open-air walls around your seating area, an arbor or garden arch to make a Parisian entrance, or even a simple wrought iron garden tranquility screen to create separation from the rest of the garden… Parisian elegance will simply pour from the classic lines.

Use Small, Round Seating Areas: While we encouraged long expansive picnic tables to emphasize the big Italian families of Tuscany, French bistros are all about private and intimate conversations over wine or coffee.  Use small outdoor bistro and bar sets, or even just round patio dining sets, to create a warm and personal feel.  Again, wrought iron is the most traditional materials, but pairing wrought iron outdoor bistro sets with a wrought iron gazebo may be a little overwhelming.  If you worry about too much wrought iron, try softening your garden structures by using wicker outdoor furniture. If you would use a sitting room more than a dining space, wicker rocking chairs, patio chairs, and even chaise lounges pulled around a coffee table will create soft closeness.  While, high bar stools and bistro sets provide elegant dining spaces for cheese tasting and wine sipping!  If you plan to entertain often, an outdoor beverage cart with places to hold wine or even a bar will add function and sophistication.

Color with Black and White; Accent with Teals and Yellows: To unite the wrought iron structures with your outdoor furniture, use black or white wicker.  There is no more French color combination than black and white; and bold solid colors make it pop even more.  Try teal or yellow outdoor cushions on your furniture, a yellow vase with flowers on your patio table, or a teal accent bowl or dish set.  Another fantastic idea is to get a few treated pine accent tables and paint them in your chosen accent colors.  Adding those to the side of patio chairs will make the whole seating area burst with stylish personality as bold accents will draw the eye around your entire outdoor room.

Plant Manicured Shrubs and Colorful Flowers: The gardens of Versailles are famous for their carefully manicured shrubs and bushes.  A line of green shrubs against the house or along your fence line will recall that same elegance (as long as you keep them maintained!).  Other gardening additions could include roses.  Rose gardens represent grace and beauty, and will compliment your outdoor room wonderfully.  If you’ve chosen a wrought iron garden structure that will support vining plants, plant climbing roses to completely surround your living area with color, splendor, and sweet smells.  Lastly, large gardening urns and planters filled with French marigolds, tarragon, daylillies, and hydrangea will allow you to add natural color and elegance to your outdoor room.

Decorate with Garden Statues and Fountains: French gardens are known for their dramatic fountains and décor.  Using antique-looking stone garden statues, or even post caps, will recall the old-world French elegance in your outdoor seating area.  And, while the fountains at Versailles would be nearly impossible to recreate in your back yard, a water feature or fountain will add depth and interest.  And, If your water feature is large enough, adding a small garden bridge will allow a place for your guests to explore while waiting for the wine to chill!

Traveling abroad is a fantastic experience.  But, investing in your outdoor spaces will provide years and years of endless vacations for your family and friends, while helping to increase your property values.  Travel to France all summer long in your chic Parisian outdoor room!

Tags: arbor, bistro sets, chaise lounges, coffee table, garden arch, garden bridge, garden structures, gazebo, outdoor beverage cart, outdoor bistro sets, outdoor cushions, patio chairs, patio table, picnic tables, post caps, round patio dining tables, tranquility screen, treated pine accent tables, wicker outdoor furniture, wicker rocking chairs, wrought iron garden structures

There are places where people are going to be grilling hamburgers and chicken tonight, and having dinner at their picnic tables.  Certainly, somewhere, there are people who are looking forward to getting home from work and relaxing on their porch swings and gliders, having cocktails at their outdoor bistro sets, lying around their pools on chaise lounges or steamer chairs, or napping under shady trees in their hammocks.  Indeed, I know that all of these things are happening somewhere.

A February Evening... for some!

But it ain’t here!  No-o!

In Western Pennsylvania, and many other parts of the country, from the Midwest, to the East Coast, we’re buried under a few feet of snow.  Furthermore, even as utility crews work around the clock to clear roads and restore power to millions of people left in the dark by this past weekend’s storm, round two is dumping several inches on top of what we already have.  Now, meteorologists are saying that even more is on the way this weekend.

Worse yet, besides electricity and heat being out in many places, the shelves in some grocery and hardware stores are almost bare; and even gas supplies are getting low.  Suddenly, so many different types of calamities are occurring, that people are realizing that it can actually be a struggle to survive in their own homes.

Undoubtedly, the cold and snow can wreak all kinds of havoc, from knocking down trees and power lines, to causing roofs to collapse and pipes to burst.  These things can happen in an instant, so it’s important to know where all of the main valves and circuit breakers are in your home, and what controls what.  So, if, for instance, your home is suddenly being flooded, you’ll know how to shut the water off at its source.  Then, at least, you won’t have one catastrophe on top of another.  Make sure that everyone who lives in the house also knows where these things are, and how to operate them.

It’s also a good idea to put together an emergency home survival kit.  Next time, I’ll have some tips on what should go into one.  This can really be a worthwhile project.  Even if you never see a single flake of snow, cheer up; there are tons of other disasters that can happen, so you may still get to use it.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: chaise lounges, gliders, Hammocks, outdoor bistro sets, picnic tables, porch swings, steamer chairs