All Outdoor Patio Furniture

When thinking about Labor Day weekend, people often picture large backyard cookouts, where burgers are sizzling on the grills, folks are gathered around the picnic tables, and every patio chair, porch swing, glider, and garden bench is occupied.

Of course, not everyone is into this kind of mob scene.  As difficult as it is for many to imagine, there are those who have other things that they would rather be doing on their holidays, besides socializing with tons of people.  Furthermore, even if some are planning to attend one of the events that they are invited to, they may not wish to be overwhelmed with hectic schedules of party-hopping for three days straight.

After all, it is a long weekend; and, because the fair weather may be waning soon, some people look at it as an opportunity to get things done around their houses, before it gets too cold to work outside.  They may be looking forward to getting their gardening tools and wheelbarrows out of their sheds, and spending their holidays just getting dirty in their yards.

Actually, September is one of the favorite months for gardeners, as the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for working.  At the same time, it’s usually still warm enough for them to relax on their porch chairs or hammocks when they want to rest; and there will be a great need for that, because they have plenty of outdoor chores to keep them busy now.

While many people believe that the only thing to be done in the fall is to reap what was sown in the spring, if you’re a gardener, you know that this is not true.  There is still a lot of planting to do, along with regular maintenance and preparations that will give your lawn and garden a head start on looking their best next year.

For example, the end of the summer is the ideal period for planting several varieties of perennials, shrubs, and trees, including, in many regions, evergreens and heathers.  By putting them into the ground now, you will give them time to establish their roots over the winter months, so that they can produce healthy foliage in the spring.

If you’re not going to be hanging out with the crowds this weekend, you can enjoy browsing nurseries for trees and shrubs that will thrive in your area.  You may want to select some that have edible berries for winter wildlife, or choose ones with leaves that will exhibit spectacular fall colors.

Once the soil temperature drops to below 60 degrees, you can also begin planting the bulbs of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, about three times as deep as their diameters.  Although some people like their tulips in neat rows, you can create a magnificent group display, by planting up to twenty bulbs in a hole that is one foot in diameter, making sure that they are not touching.  If you want to add bursts of fall color, plant some mums, winter pansies, and flowering kale and cabbage.

You can also help to give your lawn a healthy start next spring, by keeping up with your raking.  As fall is usually quite rainy, built-up leaves and grass clippings can turn into thick, wet clumps that are quite inviting to pests; and nobody wants that.

In fact, that’s the very reason why many people avoid large parties – because of all of the pests that are invited!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: garden bench, grills, hammock, patio chair, picnic tables, porch chair, porch glider, porch swing

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

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

Naturally, wood outdoor furniture has different care requirements than those of polywood, vinyl, aluminum, or plastic.  There are many types of wood from which it may be constructed, and each has specific characteristics that give it a beauty all its own.  While these traits also affect a wood’s durability, there are other factors that will determine how long it will actually last.

One of the variables is the way that people decide to treat (or not treat) it from the start.  Of course, the best way to ensure that your outdoor wood furniture will hold onto its good looks and structural integrity is to know something about the individual kinds of wood.

Western Red Cedar, for example, is one of the most popular woods, as it is gorgeous, and exceptionally durable.  With its rich texture, inherent radiance, and deep, warm tones, which range from light amber to honey brown, it makes spectacular porch swings, outdoor dining sets, and garden benches.  Cedar has innate oils that repel insects, and make it highly resistant to decay, as well as dimensionally stable properties that help to keep it from warping.

If you wish to maintain its original hues, use a sealer on your cedar outdoor furniture when it’s new; otherwise, leave it unfinished, and it will eventually turn to a rustic gray.  If you want it somewhere in between, wait until it reaches the tone you desire, and then seal it.  You can also change the shade of the wood by staining it.

Treated Southern Yellow Pine also makes stunning, sturdy outdoor chairs, chaise lounges, and picnic tables, that will withstand years of heavy use and harsh weather.  Treated pine undergoes a process of kiln-drying, before and after a special pressure treatment, which helps to prevent decay, and minimize warping, checking, and twisting.

As with cedar, you can seal and/or stain treated pine outdoor furniture to retain its yellow hue, or allow it to weather to a yellow-tinted gray.  Applying a stain/sealer once a year will preserve the wood’s luster, and protect it from the elements; and it’s best to use one that offers UV protection, and is resistant to mildew.

Teak is one of the best of all hardwoods for making outdoor furniture.  It grows in rich soil that infuses the wood with a high concentration of mineral deposits, which make it heavy, dense, waxy, thermally stable, water-repellent, and resistant to decay, insects, and warping.  You can sustain its resplendence with a stain/sealer, or let it turn to a silvery-gray.

You’ll find quality stain/sealers at any hardware store, in many color options, including clear, honey, cedar, and redwood.  Darker stains are better for maintaining the natural look, as they provide more protection from UV rays and body oils.  Applying a couple of coats every few years may be sufficient; but a lot depends upon your region’s climate, and how much your wood outdoor furniture groups are exposed to the elements.  If you leave them out all year long, unprotected by outdoor furniture covers, you may have to treat them annually.

The good news is that virtually every kind of wood patio furniture, when properly treated and maintained, will stay attractive and solid for quite a long time.  Knock on wood.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cedar outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, garden benches, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor wood furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, wood outdoor furniture, wood outdoor furniture gruops

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day will be here in just a few weeks.  In some parts of the country, that means the end of the season for patio chairs, picnic tables, and grills.  Of course, those who live in warmer climates, or have enclosed porches, patios, sunrooms, or gazebos, can use their outdoor furniture all year long.  However, millions of porch swings, chaise lounges, outdoor dining tables, and patio umbrellas will be cloaked with outdoor furniture covers, and/or headed for sheds and garages.

No matter where your porch furniture will be spending the cold months, now is the time to clean and, if necessary, repair it.  After all, at this point in the summer, it has probably seen a lot of action, and is likely to have been spilled upon, or somehow marred, along the way.

So, if you’re going to continue to use it, you’ll want to spiff it up for the fall; and if you’re not going to be seeing it until next spring, you’ll be glad you cleaned it before you put it into storage.  Furthermore, depending upon the material that it’s made from, and the type of injury that it has sustained, there’s a chance that the damage could worsen over the winter.

For example, certain kinds of metal, such as cast iron, or wrought iron, may develop rust patches.  Naturally, these will get larger anyway; but if left untreated for several months, they can really get out of hand.  Therefore, you should do regular inspections for rust, and get rid of it immediately.  Whenever you spot a spot, sand it down, cover it with primer, then apply a rust-resistant paint that is made for outdoor use.

Fortunately, today’s aluminum outdoor furniture is a lot more durable than some of the flimsy specimens of old.  In fact, many of the newer aluminum outdoor chairs and picnic tables can be exposed to the elements, year-round, without ever rusting, bending, chipping, or breaking.  You may be able to clean these with only a wet sponge.

However, for outdoor aluminum furniture in general, or other aluminum items, such as patio umbrella stands, or lounge chair legs, use dishwashing liquid and water.  Never use a product with an alkaline base, such as window cleaner, or anything else that contains ammonia.  Clean the piece with a cotton cloth, rinse thoroughly with a hose, and dry.  Then, with a soft cloth, rub on some non-abrasive car wax, and buff when dry.

To clean plastic outdoor furniture, apply the same dishwashing liquid solution with a sponge, and let it soak in for a few minutes.  Use a toothbrush to get dirt out of crevices.  You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, spread a layer of it on with a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.  To keep spilled liquids from penetrating and setting in as stains in the future, follow up the cleaning with a coat of car wax.

Now, if you don’t have, or don’t want to use, dishwashing detergent or baking soda, there is another alternative.  Although it is not widely recognized as such, shaving cream is a gentle, non-toxic solvent and cleaner.  Just spray it on, let it soak in, rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and rinse it off completely.

Hmm.  Shaving cream, wash cloth, toothbrush; well, if nothing else, your patio furniture will certainly be well-groomed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: aluminum outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, Gazebos, grills, outdoor aluminum furniture, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture coveres, patio chairs, patio furniture, patio umbrella stands, patio umbrellas, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch swings, Sheds, Sunrooms

Sometimes, I think August can have an eerie similarity to February.  You start the summer eager and excited for summer entertaining and outdoor dining.  But, by August the heat has exhausted you.  You yearn for cooler Autumn afternoons full of pumpkins and mums.  But, just as you tire of the snow and cold in February, don’t you regret missing that last chance to build a snowman with your kids?  As far as I’m concerned, wishing away a season is a travesty.

But even if the August heat makes you feel sluggish, a few simple tips can allow you to enjoy your picnic tables and outdoor furniture with the same eagerness that you did in May!

My favorite tip for keeping outdoor entertaining easy and fun is to ensure your outdoor buffet or outdoor storage is stocked.  Clean and dry your outdoor dishes and keep them all stacked and ready.  Remember, when it comes to outdoor dining, there’s a balance between paper plates and your grandmother’s fine china.  If you’re used to scrambling for dishes when eating outdoors, choose dishes to designate for the outdoor dining area.  Perhaps a set of dishes you picked up inexpensively at a thrift shop, or even indoor dishes that you don’t see fit for your formal dining room.  However you choose your outdoor dishes, creating a selected collection and keeping them outdoors will keep materials handy when friends stop by. Don’t forget cutlery, placemats, and napkins as well!

Another trick I picked up this summer is to keep a spray bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in your deck box or outdoor buffet.  Unless you have an enclosed outdoor living space, like a gazebo or cabana, your picnic table or outdoor dining set is likely to get dirty sitting outside.  So, have a cleaner handy to quickly and easily wipe down your eating surface.  If you’re feeling a bit more formal, keep an outdoor table cloth on hand to throw over the table as well.

To keep everything clean, make sure you keep eating and serving supplies separate from gardening tools.  Though, there are two things I do keep in the potting bench that are essential to my outdoor entertainment enjoyment… bug spray and sun screen!

Don’t let the heat beat you down, and don’t lose a moment of outdoor living!  Keeping outdoor storage stocked will allow you to enjoy an impromptu garden or porch party without stress.  The most important part of outdoor living is making sure you enjoy yourself, and sometimes a few simple steps can make a huge difference!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cabana, deck box, gazebo, outdoor buffet, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor storage, picnic tables

Another thing that sometimes makes people hesitate to feed the birds – at any time of the year – is that they are afraid that the birds will become dependent, and lose their ability to find food for themselves.  This is a myth, as birds never rely on any single source of food; and, as we all know, they have survived for millions of years on their own.  Actually, even when they have easy access to birdfeeders, they get most of their daily sustenance elsewhere.

In fact, they eat tons of insects, as a matter of necessity.  This makes it a good idea to attract them to your yard, because, along with the food that you give them, they will devour many garden pests.  So, go ahead and include birdfeeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths as part of your outdoor décor.  To draw the widest variety of birds, offer several kinds of food, in hanging, tube, platform, hopper, and post-mounted birdfeeders; and always provide ample amounts of water.

Just remember, it’s important to put them where they will afford the best viewing, and, at the same time, be the most beneficial to the birds.  For example, you should locate birdfeeders within ten feet of your house, because, for one thing, you’ll be able to see them clearly when you’re indoors.  Moreover, this helps the birds get used to being near the windows, which will decrease the chances that they will fly into them.  Then, even if they do, they will probably not have built up enough momentum to do themselves much harm.

Every once in a great while, a bird will ping off my window, ever so slightly; but I’ve never even seen one fazed when this has happened.  Usually, they just tweet a few little curses, and go on their way.  They’re probably more embarrassed than anything.  However, you can further help to prevent such mishaps, by having curtains, blinds, sun-catchers, or decals, visible in the windows.

Birdfeeders should also be positioned near a source of shelter, from the wind, as well as from predators.  Ideally, this will be a few feet from shrubs, vines, or even a brush pile, where they can quickly take cover; but make sure that it’s not a good place for prowlers to hide, for sneak attacks.

Naturally, you’ll want to watch the birds when you’re relaxing on your outdoor furniture.  Now, if you’re sitting quietly on a garden bench, or lying in a hammock, they may ignore you and go about their business, even if you are fairly close to the birdfeeder.  On the other hand, if there are lots of people around, talking and laughing, the birds will be intimidated.  Therefore, you should situate your patio chairs, lounge chairs, and porch gliders, far enough away, so as not to frighten them.

The same goes for picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, and grills.  After all, even if you wish to enjoy the birds’ antics while you’re cooking out, you surely aren’t planning to share the same eating space with them.

Obviously, there are also a few other reasons why you won’t want the birds hanging out too close to your outdoor chairs and tables; but I won’t go into detail.  Let’s just say that you should keep your patio furniture at a safe distance, and when you’re not going to be using it for awhile, protect it with some outdoor furniture covers.  Of course, this is a smart thing to do, even if you don’t have any birdfeeders, because birds are everywhere.

And that’s a wonderful thing, because they bring color, song, and joy to the world!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, garden bench, grills, hammock, lounge chairs, outdoor chairs, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch gliders

A few days ago, I attended one of my favorite annual events, which is my family reunion.  Every year, on the first weekend in August, for as far back as I can remember, we have assembled at Fort Niagara, in Youngstown, NY, just north of Niagara Falls.  We always meet at the same pavilion, and eat at the same picnic tables.  Cousin Jim always cooks on the charcoal grill, and the aunts always bring plenty of outdoor chairs and lounge chairs.

Indeed, no matter how much is changing around us, or in our lives, we know that we have that old, familiar picnic shelter waiting for us every year.  It’s among the few things in life that we can count on; a comforting constant.  It’s that one same that helps to keep us sane.

As it gets on toward dusk, the long (and I do mean long!) good-byes begin, before most of the relatives fade away with the sun.  Naturally, there’s always a group of us, the resistant stragglers, who remain, dodging the park patrol cars until the last possible minute.  Then, another of my favorite annual events is about to begin.

We drive a couple of miles to my cousin’s house, on the shores of Lake Ontario.  After hanging out around the outdoor dining table on the patio for awhile, we head down to the beach.  There, we look out, across the lake, at the passing ships; and, on clear nights, we can see Toronto.

Then, moving on to more important sights, we position ourselves in chaise lounges, steamer chairs, Adirondack chairs, and on blankets, and focus our gazes skyward.  It’s time to watch the Perseids!  Although it’s a few days before they peak (they begin in late July), we always see many spectacular meteors.

The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for centuries; but it wasn’t until 1867 that it was discovered that the “shooting stars” are actually fragments from the Swift-Tuttle comet.  As the Earth passes through the trail of space grit that it left behind, the particles enter our atmosphere, heat up, and create bright streaks, which appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus.

If you’ve never seen this breath-taking display (or even if you have), you really shouldn’t miss it this year, as it promises to be particularly brilliant.  That’s because, when it peaks, around August 12-13, the sky conditions will be nearly ideal, as the faint, crescent moon will be far below the horizon by midnight, causing no interfering glare.

Of course, artificial lights can spoil the show as well; so find a dark spot, with a wide view of the sky, and settle into a lounge chair, hammock, outdoor reclining chair, or a swingbed, with some comfortable outdoor furniture cushions and outdoor throw pillows.  Prime time for viewing is between 3:30-5:30 a.m., when you may be able to see at least one meteor every minute.

Now, if you’re not a nocturnal creature, that’s okay.  You can still see some magnificent meteors earlier in the evening, when, though fewer, they streak across the sky at a narrow angle, and often produce longer trails.

There are many people who have made it a yearly tradition to watch this magnificent meteor shower with their families.  Like our reunions, it’s a comforting constant that we can count on; a same that helps to keep us sane.

On the other hand, there’s no denying that our families can sometimes drive us crazy!  Oh, well, I guess we just can’t have it all.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, hammock, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining tables, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor reclinging chair, pavilion, picnic tables, steamer chairs, swing bed

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

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