Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

We all love a sunny day. It pleads for us to come outside and enjoy its natural beauty. Playing in the grass is one way to do it, but upon the surface of a designated kids picnic table or patio furniture, outdoor dining, arts and crafts, and even spending time doing homework are other wonderful ways to pass the time.

Mealtime Made Easy: On the children’s outdoor furniture you can serve your kids food outside as a way to liven up a meal. Not only does eating on the patio make it easier to brush off crumbs, it also keeps muddy shoes outside of the house. When friends with children visit and stay for a meal,  they can comfortably sit at the kid’s picnic table socializing and snacking with one another.

Fresh Air Homework: After a long day at school, there is no doubt about it: kids need fresh air. By positioning a children’s picnic table or children’s patio furniture behind your home that is made for their use, kids can take advantage of the chirping birds outside while sweeping through their studies, exhilarating their senses. Whether you’re working or playing, a children’s outdoor table makes it all possible at once.

Outdoor Arts and Crafts Time: If you’re wondering why the table should be only for the kids and not combined, taking arts and crafts to its beautiful pine or cedar wood picnic table explains everything. Now, instead of getting paper maché all over your dining room table or floor, your kids will find their children’s patio furniture to be the ideal landing spot for any masterful creation.

Treat your backyard to an outdoor table for the kids that will keep them discovering more about the great outdoors they love. With every meal, piece of artwork, or finished homework assignment, the kids’ table will take on more meaning as a symbol of fusing the manmade shelters with the natural environment.

Tags: children's outdoor furniture, children's outdoor table, children's patio furniture, children's picnic table, kids picnic table, outdoor table, patio furniture, wood picnic table

I come from a family of teachers.  My mother, brother, both grandmothers… they’re all teachers.  So, as the last day of August greets me with nearly crisp, almost autumn air… I can not help but think about Fall.  Colorful leaves on sidewalks, book bags, new shoes, and the expectancy of the coming year.  Even though the onset of September means no great transition for me anymore, I still revel in the overwhelming feeling of opportunity.

But as I reflected on the season while gazing out the window above my kitchen sink that overlooks my patio dining set and fully-vined pergola, I could not help but sigh.  Soon, the leaves will wither to leave the bare wood.  Soon, this moment to look out my favorite window (my house has only three windows; but even without a lot of competition, this is one is definitely my favorite) won’t end when I walk outside to sip my coffee at my outdoor table.

I think everyone interested in outdoor living and gardening has a special affinity for gazing out of windows. And so, as autumn comes upon us, it is time to consider top-notch window seating.  My favorite? Cedar Chests. Slid up against a window, it becomes an incredibly functional piece.  Perfect for staring out of windows to see the seasons change, you can fill up cedar chests with nearly anything.  No, I won’t list all the possibilities, because I know that you know that you have a lot of stuff that you need to store no matter what it is. You can get cedar chests with drawers and cabinets for organized storage, or utilize a one-lid, one-box organized chaos of possibilities. It all depends on your style.

If you can find it, find a cedar chest with seat rails.  Outfitted with a chest cushion, you can change the color scheme and look of your window-storage-seat by simply changing out the upholstery.  It’s a great alternative to the built in window seats, because you can take it with you when you move, and it has considerably more character. Style? Function? Versatility? Mobility? Yes. All.

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cedar chests, chest cushion, outdoor table, patio dining set, pergola

Because wood patio furniture is more susceptible to damage than other types, such as polywood and aluminum, it’s more likely to end the season with some scratches, chips, gouges, and even burn marks.  Fortunately, you will often be able to fix such afflictions, or, at least, hide them.

Before you attempt any repairs, however, clean the porch swing, patio table, Adirondack chair, or whatever the injured party happens to be.  Start by using a soft, dry brush, to remove dirt, dust, and debris; then smooth out scratches and chips with sandpaper.

Although it’s best to use a product that’s specified as a wood wash, you can clean most outdoor wood furniture with very mild soap diluted in lukewarm water.  Dip a sponge into the mixture, wring out the excess, and gently wipe the surface.  Then, rinse it, blot it with a towel, and allow it to dry thoroughly in the sun before you operate on it.

Superficial scratches are pretty easy to handle, as there are several products made to cover them.  Many solutions can also be found in things that you may already have in your home.  Of course, some of them may sound a bit nutty; for example, you can often rub out a scratch with a pecan (or another nut that has a high oil content), a dab of peanut butter, or olive or vegetable oil.

Another pantry item that can rescue dark wood outdoor furniture is coffee.  Mix one teaspoon of the instant variety with one tablespoon of vegetable oil or water, and work it in gently with a soft rag.  This method can be very successful; but don’t use it on shellac, or antique wood.

Other things that can work well, but which should be tested on inconspicuous spots, are iodine (on reddish finishes, such as mahogany), and liquid and paste shoe polishes.  You can also use felt-tipped markers and softened crayons, and, if necessary, mix their colors to match the wood on your outdoor settee, loveseat, accent table, or whatever you’re mending.

You may be able to fix gouges on outdoor wood furniture with a furniture filler stick, made of wax or putty, and some dark furniture wax, which you’ll find at a wood-finishing supply store.  After cleaning the area with mineral spirits, apply a filler stick that matches the lightest shade of the wood, and then smooth it with a small piece of wood.

Next, buff it gently with superfine steel wool, and then use the dark furniture wax to even out the color.  Because this is a soft filler, it works best on outdoor table legs, the backs of patio chairs, and other parts of outdoor furniture that are not as heavily put-upon as tabletops.

To apply a harder fill, you’ll need a shellac stick, matched to the finish, some superfine, wet/dry sandpaper, mineral oil, alcohol, and a grapefruit knife, or a curved burn-in knife from a supply store.  Apply the shellac by (repeatedly) heating the knife, then pressing it against the stick, to make it melt and drip slowly into the hole.  When it’s filled to just above the surface, smooth it with the knife, and let it cool.  Then, even out the spot carefully with sandpaper and some mineral oil, and use the alcohol to remove the excess shellac.

Because this technique requires a little more skill, you should practice on a piece of junk furniture or scrap wood before trying it.  After all, you don’t want anyone giving you a bunch of shellac for ruining a good porch chair.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor settee, outdoor table, outdoor wood furniture, patio chairs, patio table, porch swing, wood outdoor furniture, wood patio furniture

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