Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

If the austere nature of modern interiors has you running for the nearest range in search of “mountain casual” decorations, you’re not alone. We’ve long been a complex society – appreciating the modern design of hotels and restaurants but filling our homes with furnishings that literally bring us right down to earth. For the truest form of natural décor made using whole logs for your space, consider an accent table, rocking chair, or dining set.

Accent Tables Add to the Ambiance: If an entire room dressed up as a log cabin is not exactly the effect you’d like, consider the addition of an whole log accent table. With a white cedar side table next to your comfortable seating area or at your bedside, the great outdoors can be sampled in a small dose, keeping your project’s appearance clean and tidy. In partnership with more modern-inspired lines and colors, whole log accents in the form of tables or chairs does wonders for softening the interior of your eclectic space.

Cornerstone Rocking Chairs: Side tables and side chairs might look nice as a compliment to other furnishings, but for the heartiest version of whole log seating it’s best to add a solid rocking chair. Nestle into its thick seat and ergonomic backrest with a good book and feel the gentle energy of the outdoors of the rocking motion underneath. Constructed out of treated or natural timber, a whole log rocking chair fits neatly into the corner of a room and immediately invites you in for an evening of quiet reflection.

Get the Full Effect in Whole Log Dining Sets: The next best thing to having a log cabin for a home is to complete your space with a dining set. Representing the boldest statement in whole log furniture – with a large table and chairs together – your family and friends can enjoy the richness of solid wood underneath a table of great food and conversation. Use a picnic table and benches for a fun indoor effect or amp it up a notch with high dining chairs and a white cedar or white pine table to pull out all of the stops.

Whether you want to add a subtle or dramatic mountain home effect in your interior décor, nothing creates a warm, inviting interior like the addition of whole log furnishings.

Tags: accent table, dining set, picnic table, rocking chair, white cedar side table, whole log accent table, whole log furniture, whole log seating

For many families, it takes the warm defrost of spring to finally recover from holiday entertaining.  Though the lights and candles have long been put away, the rest of winter rarely inspires a lot of party-hosting.

But, the longer days and warmer afternoons of the spring season will always beckon dedicated entertainers to host a grand get-together.  Take advantage of the budding flowers and take dinner parties outdoors for an alfresco dining experience.

But, moving outside of the dining room’s comfort zone can strike hosting anxiety in the hearts of even the most experienced entertainer.  Follow these simple tips to ensure your alfresco dinner party goes off without a hitch!

The Furniture: The outdoor furniture used for outdoor entertaining must do more than just provide enough seating for guests; it can truly set the mood for the entire event.  The patio furniture has to fit the occasion.  A solid A-frame pine picnic table is great for backyard bashes and cook outs.  But, upscale alfresco dining will benefit from a cedar patio dining set or a teak outdoor dining table.

The Table Dressing: Marcia Blake, outdoor living space designer, encourages decorators to celebrate the outdoors with table dressings. “Add small fresh flower bouquets or miniature plants in low vases across the table to give the illusion of a large arrangement,” she suggests.

“For a dressed up table setting use ivory cloth placemats, topped by beautiful glassware, stemware and china, preferably antique or traditional in spirit.” Blake advises, “If you are planning a more relaxed get together, try mixing and matching different color glasses, ceramic dishes and fun silverware to create a playful atmosphere. Use multi colored placemats, napkins and chunky pillar candles.”

The Seating Arrangements: “Determine your seating arrangement then use hand-scripted place cards to caringly identify each setting,” suggests Blake.  Adding personal touches to place settings makes everyone feel valued and at-home.

“If many of your guests have yet to meet, consider setting out simple table games like the Tricky Triangle peg-in-wood block puzzles, or even riddles and trivia.  They can be a good ice breaker to get conversations started,” said Rebecca Strong, a frequent party host.

When it comes to party planning, Blake encourages taking any stress head on, “Try to work hard before the party starts so that you can enjoy being a guest at your own party.”  She insists that ensuring all of the details are wrapped before guests arrive will make the entire event more enjoyable.

Great parties have great atmospheres, and great atmospheres are created with fantastic outdoor furniture. Making sure the patio furniture fits the party is one of the most important factors.

Tags: cedar patio dining set, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic table, pine picnic table, teak outdoor dining table

As you plan your outdoor spaces for the spring, don’t forget to consider the little ones in your design ideas.  Studies show that your children need more time outside than the majority of them are getting.  Often, simply creating a kid-friendly place will be enough to peel your children away from their video games and into your landscape.

Battle Nature Deficit Disorder:  Recent studies have shown that children not exposed to the outdoors enough are suffering from a specific series of concerns.  Most likely fueled by a more media-centered society and parents fearing that their children will be less safe outside… many effected children are suffering from a marked lack in creativity, anxiety and depression, attention deficit problems, and long-term inabilities to cope with stress.  And, of course, it goes without saying that these children are also much more likely to suffer from childhood obesity; a condition that will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.

Luckily, this is a problem that can be easily fixed.  If you have a mandatory amount of time your child is required to spend reading, doing homework, or even working on chores… consider extending this to spending time outdoors.  Even if it’s not playing, doing homework on porch swing or at a picnic table instead of at their desk will do wonders.  They will be more aware of what is going on around them and better able to evaluate a variety of senses at one time.  Being outside offers changing stimuli, unlike the constant décor of their bedroom, and the more time children spend outdoors, the more time they will yearn for the fresh smell of the open air.

And remember, children build their immune systems as they’re developing.  Kids that are kept away from any sort of dirt and germs will be unable to cope with them as they grow older.  Studies show that adults that spent more time outside as children were less likely to suffer from allergies.

Exercise… both mentally and physically:  It’s clear that children are getting less exercise with every generation.  Not only does this lead to a lot of pent-up energy, it leads to a long list of health concerns.  But, children are little balls of activity, and giving them a place outside to expend that is good for them.  Climbing trees, swinging on monkey bars, running, and jumping are all great for their health.  A few minor bumps and bruises may occur, but this is a natural part of being a kid!  Youngsters have an innate need to be active, it’s the constant push from the media encouraging docile sit-in-front-of-the-screen behavior that turns them off of it.

The earlier you foster their love for wind blowing in their face as they sprint after a little brother, the more they will love it as they grow older. But, the physical exercise is not where the importance stops.  Playtime outside will cause your children to develop their own story lines, create their own games, and pretend an old, scary witch is plotting great destruction from that outdoor rocker, or a far-away princess is sleeping on the chaise lounge.  Let your child’s mind deviate from the plot lines of their video games, the characters on their cartoons, and even the lessons in their schools—let their brains develop correctly by entertaining their active imaginations!

Plan play sets, play houses and kids outdoor furniture into your outdoor space design to keep your children active and outdoors.  Helping both their physical and mental development, more outside play time

Tags: chaise lounge, kids outdoor furniture, outdoor rocker, picnic table, play houses, play sets, porch swing

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

Why is it that on those warm nights we imagine the perfect table for dining to be one on a patio of a restaurant? Perhaps your very own backyard could serve up the same upscale or romantic charm if you just went for it. This is a question many of us ask ourselves when we cook for our family, friends, spouse, or when we bring take-out food home and decide that a serene dining experience is more what we’re in the mood for. To transform your picnic table into an outdoor dining set, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Start by making your dining area more upscale with a quick consideration of how many people might be spending time in your outdoor eating space. Once you determine whether it is you and your spouse, your family of six, or maybe large gatherings for groups of friends, the list of options will narrow to a more selective group of outdoor dining sets.

The next step might be to realize how a picnic table is perceived on your deck or patio area, in comparison with how a dining table set – with detached dining chairs instead of bench seating – might appear. The inviting appearance of larger dining room chairs with backs and armrests invites guests to sit down and enjoy their time at the table instead of hunching over to finish eating before running off to another game of bocce ball.

Another way to ensure your outdoor dining table and chairs appear luxurious instead of rustic comes down to the materials used. Clearly, a cedar, teak, or oak wood table will look and seem more elegant to the touch. Include the use of durable wood tables and chair sets instead of less hearty woods prone to chipping and water damage to extend its beauty and its lifetime as a piece of outdoor furniture.

In the end, the accent pieces you add to an outdoor dining set are the staging key to a creating an upscale dining experience in your very own backyard.

Tags: outdoor dining set, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, picnic table, picnic tables

Today is the Winter Solstice for those residing in the Northern Hemisphere.  Though many believe that the biggest celebration of this week is coming up on the 25th of December, varied cultures have been celebrating this momentous occasion for several centuries.

The Winter Solstice occurs sometime between December 21 and December 22, depending on the shifting of the calendar, and is commonly known as the shortest day of the year.  No, there’s no need to change your clocks; the sun’s maximum position is at its lowest on the solstice, therefore producing the fewest hours of sunlight.

The darkest day of the year is hardly a cause for celebration.  But, for anyone that has ever hit rock bottom knows, once you’re at the darkest point there’s no where to go but up.  The Winter Solstice is a celebration lengthening daylight.  When you thought you could not survive another hour of darkness, the days begin to look brighter.  The light does not cure the cold; it does not clear the slippery ice from your path.  It lights your way.  It gives you hope.  It reminds you that you have everything you will ever need in order to survive the frigid silence of winter.

After the Winter Solstice, the sun slowly starts to increase its arc creating more daylight for each 24 hour period.  World Wide, countless generations have feasted on the Solstice to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the meaning of hope.  And now, within the Christian age, people celebrate the birth of the Son and a similar sentiment just a few days later!

The importance of the Earth’s phases and astrological cycles have been a central point to a multitude of cultures and societies; making this turning point a vital day across the globe.  Many of the ancient wonders of the world, like Stone Hedge and the Pyramids of Giza, are very intimately connected to astrological happenings.

Far Eastern traditions see the Solstice and the changing in light as an essential part of their balanced and harmonious Taoist philosophy of the Yin and the Yang.  While Western Slavic cultures saw the Winter Solstice similarly to the way we see Halloween, as a night when evil spirits come out to enjoy the night, but are eventually defeated by the resurrected sun.     From India to Chile, ancient traditions have marked the Winter Solstice as a feast day to celebrate the return of sunlight.

My family has always had an interesting Winter Solstice tradition.  While we stage our outdoor furniture in the garden shed once the snow comes, we pull it out for this busy week.  The picnic table benches and patio tables provide extra seating and food-prep stations for hosting friends and families in the coming two weeks.  But, before the hustle and bustle begins, we get to have a secret meal at our patio furniture.  Reminding us of summer, long sunny evenings, and patio chairs surrounding the camp fire; it’s a welcome mid-winter perk.

As our modern society showers us with stress, expectations, and anxieties this season… don’t forget to take a moment’s pause to give thanks for the promise of a sunrise every morning, for the expectancy of each coming day.

Tags: garden shed, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, patio furniture, patio tables, picnic table

Although a mental image of eating a hot dog at your neighborhood picnic table may still flood in at the mere mention of outdoor dining, there are more options than a simple, splintered wood design to dress up your backyard or patio. To streamline the time you spend updating your idea of what the outdoor furniture market offers, check out the following examples of traditional, trestle, or walk-in designs of picnic tables that can compliment any patio or landscaping design.

The traditional, A-frame picnic table is the quintessential understatement in outdoor furniture design. It may or may not have been the reference point from picnic memories past – in its attached bench-to-table glory – but its durability is a great choice for anyone looking to use a classic silhouette for a summer afternoon barbeque.

Unlike the contour lines of the A-frame, the trestle picnic table style is split into separate units. This makes it the ideal option for smaller spaces or for families and commercial properties that place value on spatial efficiency. The shape of the table is typically round or rectangular, and the benched, backless seats or dining room seats (with backs) can actually slide completely under the table to make more room.

If both of the above tables are enticing, consider a popular style among commercial properties that fuses the best of the A-frame and trestle worlds into one. It’s known as a walk-in picnic table, and it comes in octagonal or rectangular shapes, with attached benches and spaces open for maneuvering in and out of its connected parts. Unlike the other designs, the walk-in picnic table requires no unfortunate truss-straddling or young ones tipping over detached benches. These tables can come wheelchair-accessible and in a variety of sizes.

Although the A-frame picnic table, trestle picnic table, and walk-in picnic table come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, their purpose remains to serve your outdoor patio as a congregative seating area for outdoor eating, games, or star gazing. Therefore, although they are similar in the grand scheme of things, understanding three of the most popular picnic table designs is the difference between a disjointed patio and a cohesive outdoor dining area.

Tags: a-frame picnic table, Outdoor Furniture, picnic table, trestle picnic table, walk-in picnic table

It’s a most unusual day; in fact, it’s been a most unusual week.  Although November is nearly halfway over, the sun has been shining relentlessly for days, and the temperatures have been hanging around in the 60’s.  It has given me the chance to get some more use out of my patio chairs, before I have to put the outdoor furniture covers on them and store them in the storage shed for the winter.  I’ve also seen many others sitting on their porch swings and porch gliders, and even sunning themselves in chaise lounges, as if it were still July.

Indeed, this is a spectacular day.  The sky is a bright blue, the birds are busy at the birdfeeders, and even a few bees are buzzing by; but, it is becoming a bit breezy.  This is, obviously, making it difficult for the trees to carry on that game they like to play, where they try to see how long they can fool us into thinking that it really is still summer.  Every time there’s a burst of wind, their charade is diminished, as they are forced to relinquish more of their leaves.

While that may thwart their attempts to keep up convincing fronts, it certainly creates some heavenly scenery.  That’s because all of their remaining leaves are a vivid yellow; and, illuminated in the intense sunlight, they appear to actually be glowing.  Thus, with every gust, the resulting cascades of gleaming gold are magnificent to behold.

So, my advice to the trees is to just let go; and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to do that than right now.  After all, there’s no percentage in holding onto something lifeless and lackluster, when they can dazzle the waiting world with a whirlwind of golden brilliance.  Not only will they be a lot happier, but they will be much more appreciated; and by a wider audience, at that.

That often happens in life.  We stay with the familiar, avoiding change, and then, when it comes, we wonder why we ever resisted it; and it generally turns out for the best.  That’s kind of the way that I feel right now.  Like many others, I’ve had a sense of trepidation about the approaching winter.  Oh, sure, I enjoy the cooler weather; but I cannot stand how quickly the year passes.  Furthermore, there are some things, such as higher utility bills, that I could live without; so, yeah, I’ve said that I wouldn’t mind prolonging the season slightly.

On this gorgeous autumn day, however, that’s no longer the case.   I’m truly excited about the shifting weather patterns, no matter what course they may take.  What’s more, I think that everyone is feeling somewhat giddy today.  Awhile ago, a friend called and invited me to a cookout this evening!  Apparently, she, too, has been inspired by the recent sightings of people relaxing on their patio furniture, and has put together an impromptu, outdoor party, in November.

All right – something strange, different, and wonderful!  Tonight, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, I’m going to be sitting at a picnic table with a bunch of friends, eating hamburgers off the grill.  Hey, I can handle that!

Still, there’s no doubt that the winds of change are beginning to blow; and I can handle them, too.  In fact, I’m gonna saddle ‘em up, and ride – and the sky’s the limit!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, chaise lounges, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic table, porch gliders, porch swings, storage shed

This is one of those robust, autumn days, which separates the true players from the amateurs, as the trees compete to see which one can hold onto its leaves the longest.  In fact, with today’s 50+ mph winds, it’s all that they can do to keep from losing their branches.  Heck, even the birds are having difficulty hanging onto their limbs – er, the trees’ limbs, that is; not their own.

Yes, the whipping winds are sending showers of foliage and rain flying in every direction; and, every once in awhile, a bird that has been swept off a branch comes swirling by in a cascade of leaves.  Now, the only reason that I find this amusing is that the birds quickly regain control of their own navigation systems.

Most of them retreat to the security of my arbor, or one of my trellises, and plot new courses for their chosen destinations.  Interestingly enough, even amid the blustery torrent, they are not deterred, but are even more determined, to reach their objectives, which, more often than not, are my birdfeeders.

You know, I really admire the way that they can pull themselves out of tailspins.  I mean, even I had a rough time fighting the currents when I went out to keep my patio furniture from becoming airborne.  Luckily, my oak picnic table remained steadfast; but, as a precaution, I put the picnic table benches, and the aluminum patio chairs, into the garden shed.  A few outdoor accent tables and ottomans had gotten blown around a little; but, because they’re made from everlasting polywood, they were unscathed.

I was also impressed by the tenacity of my outdoor furniture covers.  No matter how fiercely the wind tried to rip them from the porch glider and Adirondack chairs, their heavy-duty ties and Velcro® closures held fast.

After I was satisfied that everything was secure, I noticed something that was actually quite at home in the tempest.  There, atop the cupola on my shed, was my trusty eagle weathervane, looking as dignified, graceful, and majestic as ever, with nary a ruffled feather.  That’s not surprising, though, as there’s a certain nobility about all weathervanes, which, most likely, comes from their long, proud, and colorful history.

After all, they once served an important purpose.  Long before people were able to turn on their radios or televisions, and get forecasts from meteorologists, armed with the latest in sophisticated technology, weathervanes were the foremost tools of weather prediction.

As a matter of fact, it is believed that the very first weathervane was created in 48 b.c., by the Greek astronomer, Andronicus.  Back then, wind gods were big; and there is archaeological evidence that they were often featured on the weathervanes that adorned the homes of wealthy Greek and Roman landowners.

Although we no longer need them to keep us apprised of impending climatological changes, we still love weathervanes.  Attractive, charming, and whimsical elements of our outdoor decor, they now come in dozens of shapes, including horses, pigs, cows, arrows, mythical creatures, angels, and eagles.  Of course, one of the most popular of all time is the rooster; and that’s another bird that can really hold its own against high winds and heavy weather.

Indeed, like the ones in my backyard, it has a lot of pluck.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, aluminum patio chairs, arbor, birdfeeders, cupola, eagle weathervane, garden shed, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio furniture, picnic table, picnic table benches, porch gliders, trellises, weathervanes

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