Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

On a picturesque summer morning, we grab our cup of coffee and the daily newspaper before stepping outside to enjoy the start of a new day. From here, the many almost perfect options might feel a bit cumbersome. Garden benches, picnic tables, a few steps down, or perhaps a swimming pool chaise lounge – nothing feels quite right for the intimate morning air until you find an outdoor bistro table or patio bar set.

Similar to an outdoor dining table, an outdoor bistro table offers an alternate, cozy solution to the expansive tabletop and bench seating of a picnic table. A bistro table comes in a lower height and with a round- or square- shaped, elegant design that is paired with matching dining chairs. Perfect virtually anywhere due to its small stature, the patio bar sets and bistro tables resemble European restaurant seating. Use it on a balcony overlooking your property, on a roof or backyard deck, or even in the midst of a blooming garden.

If a higher table setting with barstools is more your cup of tea, consider a corner deck placement or in a nook on your terrace somewhere. Based on your personal preference, a stylish patio bar can be outfitted with two or four higher barstools that can be accompanied by outdoor furniture cushions for an extended stay adding both charm and comfort to the mix. If you opt to add more zest to your outdoor bistro tables or patio sets, consider the inclusion of a colorful patio umbrella that can both block direct sunlight and cover you from raindrops.

Whether you’re out to sip a coffee or have a chat over a glass of wine with friends, the addition of a cozy, outdoor bistro table or patio bar set on your porch can liven up your backyard design.

Tags: bistro table, bistro tables, chaise lounge, dining chairs, garden benches, outdoor bistro table, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions outdoor bistro table patio sets, patio bar set, picnic table, picnic tables

The great outdoors provides an optimal spot for entertaining.  Whether you’re hosting casual backyard bashes or fancy patio soirees, having the right equipment is imperative for successful party planning.

Of course, planning outdoor parties can be a bit trickier than indoor parties.  Mostly because you’ve likely spent a lot more time gathering functional house furniture than outdoor furniture.  But, truly, it takes more than a picnic table to pull off a fantastic outdoor party. Most parties are set up buffet style. But if you’re reserving your outdoor dining table for eating and socializing, you’re out of luck for a food station.  Plus, many people need a spot for drinks.  If you’re having a large party with all ages, it might be a good idea to separate the area with alcoholic drinks from the sodas and juices.

An outdoor buffet can serve as a fantastic place to both lay out food and snacks, as well as store dishes, table clothes, and other tools for outdoor entertaining.  Make sure to get one that matches the rest of your patio furniture, that way the whole collection looks united.  As far as beverages go, outdoor beverage carts are a great solution.  Don’t worry about looking like a caterer, there are a lot of varieties that will look perfect at home with your patio collection.  Many of these also have holders for wine bottles or soda bottles.  If you’re not into the card look, try to get an outdoor refreshment stand.  A patio refreshment bench will also have a basin for ice to keep canned or bottled beverages cold.

Most people would admit that outdoor entertaining can be more difficult than traditional indoor dinner parties.  However, the pay offs more than make up for it.  Outdoor parties are something to remember and something to get excited about.   To get started with fantastic outdoor entertaining in the spring, start to plan your outdoor furniture pieces now to ensure you have everything you need!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: outdoor beverage carts, outdoor buffet, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor refreshment stand, patio collection, patio furniture, patio refreshment bench, picnic table

Besides the tablecloth, you’ll also have to choose placemats and napkins for your outdoor dining table; and these, too, are available in huge varieties of colors, patterns, and fabrics.  Moreover, when selecting them, you may have to consider how well they will coordinate with your outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows, and rugs.

Certainly, this is more of a concern in smaller spaces, where all of the outdoor furniture is close together.  If you have a place that’s large enough for the patio chairs and the outdoor dining set, or picnic table, to be situated well apart from each other, it may not be much of a worry.  Then, again, if your dining area is separated by a pergola or a trellis, or if you’re going to be eating in your gazebo, you may not have to think about it at all.

Whatever the case, you have several options, including using a tablecloth that has designs on it, with solid-colored placemats and napkins, or vice versa.  You can also come up with some interesting combinations in textures, by using various fabrics for the tablecloth, placemats, and napkins; or use something completely different, such as bamboo, for the placemats.

Naturally, for the napery, and even the tableware, for that matter, you can always go the paper route; and it’s not news to anyone that some of it is quite attractive.  However, even though paper can work well for casual get-togethers, if you’re hosting a nice dinner party, it’s best to scrap the idea, and go for a more elegant setting.  Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to use the good china (unless it’s a really formal affair).  For outdoor dinner parties, the everyday stuff is fine; in fact, on your beautifully decorated table, it will look smashing – uh, perhaps I should make that, gorgeous.

Another alternative is to use plastic; but not the kind that’s on par with paper plates.  These days, you can get thick, sturdy, high-quality plastic tableware that looks just like glass.  Actually, this can be a wonderful choice, because clear, colored glass, not only adds to the resplendence of the table, but heightens the opulence of the occasion as well.  Choose rich, autumn hues, such as red, amber, gold, or burgundy; and make sure that there are plenty of candles on the table, to give the whole setting an enchanting glow.

Undoubtedly, real glass is the ultimate; and you can get colored glass plates, goblets, glasses, vases, salt-and-pepper shakers, candleholders, and serving bowls, at a very low cost, in retail, outlet, and even antique stores.  Although certain antique glass items are very expensive, you’ll find hundreds of them that sell for only a few dollars.

The best part is that they don’t have to match; as a matter of fact, mixing pieces from various sets will add to the charm of your outdoor dining table setting.  If you don’t want to buy a lot of antiques, pick out a few, interesting objects to combine with your other dishes and glasses.  Of course, if you don’t have real glass tableware, the authentic-looking, plastic kind will look just fine, especially in the glimmer of the candlelight.

Indeed, any jewel-toned accents that you can find will lend a warm, luxurious ambiance to your gathering.  For example, you can get some vintage jewelry, or go through your old jewelry boxes and pick out some bracelets and necklaces with broken clasps, and mismatched, clip-on earrings.  You can use the earrings to hold place cards, and the necklaces and bracelets to make sparkly napkin rings, or decorations for wineglass stems, candles, and candleholders.

Aside from making your table shine, this is also a great way to give new purpose to some of your favorite old pieces of jewelry that have been stashed away for years.  Hmm.  I sure hope I’m not the only one who hangs onto things way longer than I should.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor dining set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, pergola, picnic table, trellis

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

For many gatherings in which food is featured, the table on which it is served is central to the ambiance; so, basically, setting the table is setting the tone for the evening.  At your autumn outdoor dinner party, however, it will be a slightly different situation; but that doesn’t mean that the appearance of your picnic table or outdoor dining table won’t matter.  No-o!  In fact, because your outdoor décor will sweep your guests into a celebratory spirit the moment they arrive, it will be even more important to add some knockout special touches.

Indeed, in this case, you’ll have to see that your dining area is as brilliant as the rest of the landscape, lest mealtime be anticlimactic to the cocktail hour.  Luckily, this will not only be easy to do, but it should be a lot of fun, too, because all you have to do is to play around with the season’s colors, textures, fruits, flowers, and vegetables.  Furthermore, because you can use them to create the simplest, or the most elaborate, decorations, they’ll be appropriate for anything, from a burgers-on-the-grill cookout, to a formal, seven-course-meal affair.

Whatever type of get-together you’re hosting, the basis of your table décor will, naturally, be the tablecloth.  Therefore, right from the start, you’ll have tons of options, from the homemade, to the store-bought; and this goes for all of your other embellishments as well.  Moreover, no matter which you choose, the first rule to remember is that there are no rules.  Certainly, there are all sorts of fabrics and paper that can serve as tablecloths.  So, look around and see what you have, that can be fashioned into a unique covering; and don’t worry if you’ve never seen it used for that purpose before.  Heck, that will make it all the better.

Obviously, if you’re going to buy a fall tablecloth, you’ll have thousands to choose from, as they’re available in endless colors, color combinations, and patterns, with some of the most popular designs featuring leaves, pumpkins, and gourds.  Although many of these are stunning, and nearly irresistible, before you select one, forget how gorgeous it is on its own.  Instead, try to imagine how well it will go with everything else on, and around, your table.

Besides the tableware and napkins, envision it with the outdoor furniture cushions on your outdoor dining table chairs, and any patio chairs, porch gliders, or chaise lounges that are nearby; and don’t forget to put outdoor throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and patio umbrellas into the picture.  If it’s going to make things look too busy, distract from the coordinated colors of your outdoor furniture group, or get lost among them, you may be better off going with a solid color, and dressing it up with accents and accessories.

Actually, if you decide to do this, there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to use something that you already have in your home.  Even a plain, white tablecloth will work; you can top it with a burgundy, russet, orange, red, or yellow runner, or add a bit of shimmer, by using a shiny fabric, in gold or bronze.  In any case, whatever you use will be covered by the palette of colors in your table décor.

Of course, that will be before dinner; afterward, it will also be covered by the colors of whatever you’re serving.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor furniture group, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, picnic table, porch gliders

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

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

Certainly, the more you investigate the assortment of outdoor furniture that is available, the more you realize just how many options you have for decorating your outdoor (or indoor/ outdoor) living spaces.  When you get right down to it, you probably have just about as many as you do when you’re selecting indoor furniture.

Yesterday, in comparing the two types of furniture, I mentioned the huge variety of patio chairs, outdoor sofas, loveseats, settees, porch swings and gliders, garden benches, and outdoor rocking chairs, which can be used to create spectacular outdoor living rooms.  Of course, there are also millions of outdoor kitchens and bedrooms to be furnished as well; and, luckily, porch furniture, once again, stacks up favorably against its indoor counterparts.

Naturally, there are several pieces that can cross over from room to room, just as daybeds, pull-out sofas, and chaise lounges do in our homes.  In fact, the outdoor chaise lounge is a good example, as it can be used for sitting, reclining, or sleeping.  Undoubtedly, lounge chairs are as important to outdoor furniture collections as they are to living room suites; and they are just as comfortable, as they have adjustable backs, wide armrests, and seats that are raised in the middle, to keep knees elevated.

When it’s time to lie down and take a snooze, truly, hammocks rival the comfort of even the softest beds.  Among the most popular pieces of outdoor furniture, they come in all colors, and can be made of canvas, rope, or mesh; and many of them have attached pillows.  They can be used anywhere, because, if you don’t have a place to hang one, you can always get a hammock stand; and the same goes for hammock chairs.  Swingbeds are also great for sitting, swinging, or napping.

As in indoor rooms, end tables are integral to the décor of all outdoor rooms; and they’re available in choices that are nearly, well, endless.  You’ll find an array of accent tables, such as outdoor coffee tables, terrace tables, and conversation tables, in cedar, pine, oak, cherry, teak, and polywood, in all colors and styles.

As for the eating arrangements, there’s no denying that, in most homes, picnic tables have always ranked right up there with kitchen tables.  Furthermore, because they have undergone such impressive changes over the past several years, they feature more styles, sizes, colors, and shapes than ever.  Along with the traditional rectangular picnic tables with attached benches, you’ll find hexagonal, octagonal, trestle, and extra-wide picnic tables with backed benches.  If you want something a bit more contemporary, you can get an outdoor dining table or a bistro set.

Indeed, whether in an open area, or an enclosed porch, patio, or gazebo, you can create any motif imaginable, as today’s patio furniture comes in such a wide range of materials, styles, and colors.  Moreover, the countless colors, color combinations, and patterns available for outdoor furniture cushions, patio umbrellas, and outdoor throw pillows, give you even more artistic opportunities for your outdoor décor.

It’s no wonder that we’re so crazy about outdoor living!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

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Tags: accent tables, bistro set, chaise lounges, garden benches, gazebo, gliders, hammock chairs, hammock stand, Hammocks, outdoor chaise lounge, outdoor coffee tables, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture collections, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor rocking chairs, outdoor sofas, patio chairs, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch swings, swing beds

This is one of those strange weeks, when some prominent beginnings and endings converge, causing a mixture of excitement, wistfulness, anticipation, and melancholy to permeate the air.

First of all, we’re nearing the end of summer, and the indications of fall’s imminent arrival are getting stronger.  In my case, I’ve noticed that my outdoor dining table, patio furniture, and hammock are getting covered with leaves; and when I sit on my porch swing, I’m looking at brown, wilted vines on my arbor and trellises.  I try to tell myself that the leaves are dying early because of the abnormally hot, dry summer, but the truth is hard to deny.

Well, actually, it’s impossible now, because I recently spotted some goldenrod, which is one of the surest signs of autumn.  Then, I saw something else (which, coincidentally, is the same color as goldenrod) that left no doubt about what time of the year it is.  Yes, it was a school bus.

Indeed, that’s one of the things that is fueling this blend of emotions that seems to be affecting everyone right now.  After all, to kids, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they dread.  At the same time, to adults, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they love.

On the other hand, nearly everybody is looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend.  Because it is widely considered the last blast, and the unofficial end, of summer, it naturally conjures some feelings of sadness.  Still, it is enthusiastically welcomed by kids, who have been working so hard in school for a few days, as well as adults, who have been working so hard all year long, with only a few, brief breaks.  So, it’s an occasion for all to celebrate.

Of course, some people aren’t exactly sure what, or why, they’re celebrating; and many don’t really care, as long as they get a day off, and a chance to use their grills, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.  First observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, Labor Day arose from the labor movement, as a tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers, and their contributions to the country’s prosperity.

The second Labor Day was held exactly one year later; but, in 1884, the first Monday of September was chosen for the holiday, and the Central Labor Union, which started it, urged similar organizations in other cities to mark it as well.  The idea took hold, and, in 1885, it was observed by many industrial centers across the nation.

In the first proposal for the holiday, it was suggested that it should include a street parade, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families.  In the ensuing years, different states adopted it, one by one, before Congress passed an act, on June 28, 1894, declaring it a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

So, take full advantage of summer’s last hurrah, by making it a full day of merriment and revelry.  Have a cookout, relax in your favorite porch chair, go swimming, play some lawn games, such as volleyball, croquet, or quoits, and watch some fireworks.

Remember, it’s your day, and you deserve to enjoy it; and, no matter what, don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about making your outdoor furniture and grill work so hard on a holiday!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, arbor, Croquet, grills, hammock, lawn games, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chairs, porch swing, Quoits, trellises

While umbrellas are commonly associated with rain, they are also used to shield us from the sun.  In fact, the latter is the larger, nobler purpose, as it is more important, health-wise.  After all, getting wet in a cloudburst is not going to hurt anyone (except, perhaps, the Wicked Witch of the West, but I believe she’s dead, anyway).  On the other hand, as we all know, if we’re exposed to them for long periods, the sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to our skin and eyes.

Actually, that more dignified use is the one that served the members of nobility so well, centuries ago.  Back then, the original umbrellas were carried over the royals, not only to keep them shaded and cool, but to protect their skin as well.  The same was true of the early patio umbrellas that were used in ancient Rome and Greece.

Even now, staying out of direct sunlight seems to be the bigger concern for many of us.  For example, when looking for a seat on a restaurant’s patio during the day, most people will avoid any outdoor dining table that doesn’t have a patio umbrella.  When we take our beach umbrellas with us to the shore, it’s generally not because we’re afraid of rain, but because we want shelter from the sun.  That’s also why street vendors have market umbrellas over their carts.

Undoubtedly, there are even more, very gallant, acts that these outdoor umbrellas perform, besides simply safeguarding us from rays and rain.  Remember, there are other things that can fall out of the sky, which would be quite unpleasant to have land on our skin, clothes, picnic tables, food, or drinks.  Naturally, I’m talking about the leaves and sap that often drop from the trees.  I certainly can’t think of anything else.

Now, I am absolutely not downplaying the importance of the patio umbrella in keeping things dry.  That definitely is a great thing, as outdoor party plans don’t have to be canceled just because there’s a chance of rain.  I mean, it’s quite comforting to know that you won’t have to endure the disaster of having your hair get all wet!

Of course, like outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas have undergone significant improvements over the years.  For one thing, you can get one that features a tilting mechanism, which lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella’s canopy in accordance with the sun’s position, so that you will always have full coverage.

Another wonderful thing about today’s outdoor umbrellas is that they are available in every color imaginable, as well as scores of patterns, and endless color combinations.  Therefore, you can match them with your outdoor décor, as well as the outdoor furniture cushions on your patio chairs and chaise lounges.

Among the greatest attributes of an outdoor umbrella, however, is its aptitude for providing privacy, whether your picnic table is set up in your backyard, or on your patio.  Even if you have fences, walls, trellises, arbors, or garden screens, a nosy nearby neighbor may be able to look down on your outdoor living space.

On the other hand, if you have a patio umbrella, you’ll block the view from above; and, no matter how valuable it is in any other area, its ability to foil a prying neighbor’s curiosity is priceless!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor umbrellas, patio chairs, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic tables, trellises