Category Archives: Outdoor Entertaining

When the weather warms and your parties move outdoors, try these simple ideas. Entertaining doesn’t demand any elaborate decor, just simple food, good company, and your patio.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining

A Screened Enclosure You Can Afford

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Having a screened-in porch is on the top of my wish list, but it’s at the bottom of my “things I can afford” list.  So, I was particularly excited when I learned that I could have my screened-in porch, and pay for it, too.  A Universal Screen Enclosure is an easy to assemble screened room that can be mounted to an existing deck or concrete patio.  It can even be mounted to the ground, so you can create a wonderfully bug-free, outdoor room in the middle of your yard, next to your garden, or at a campsite.  A Universal Screen Enclosure would be ideal to use, too, over your spa or small pool.  Anywhere you want to keep the bugs out while you enjoy the fresh, outdoor air is a good place for the Universal Screen Enclosure.  The only downside?  It’s not big enough to cover my entire yard.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Half-Canopy Umbrella Makes the Most of Small Spaces

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Small patios and balconies are often seen as one of the downsides of apartment or condo living.  Often, very little space is available for entertaining, and putting out a couple of chairs and a small table is all that most people can manage.  There’s certainly no room for a patio umbrella to keep the sun off while you attempt to dine “al fresco.”  There is room, though, for something called an Off the Wall Umbrella.

An Off the Wall Umbrella is a half-canopy patio umbrella that stands flush against a wall or vertical surface, without fasteners or other attachment hardware required.  This handy umbrella provides shade to small areas where traditional round umbrellas are not practical or even possible.  Unlike fixed awnings over windows or doors, the decorative Off the Wall Umbrella can be moved easily to provide shade and ambience where it’s needed most.

Insect Control, Outdoor Entertaining

Patio Umbrella Lights Make Dining Outside a Dream

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Umbrella Light Bars

 

It’s hard to enjoy dining outdoors or evening festivities when you spend most of the day at work or running errands. Umbrella lights offer the ideal lighting to set the mood. The visually appealing, subtle glow of umbrella lights offers an economical and decorative way to extend time entertaining guests long after the sun goes down. Patio umbrella lights can also provide you and your family with quality outdoor time, allowing you to enjoy the night time noises and an after dinner game or book.

 

Backyard Fun, Beach Accessories, Outdoor Entertaining, Portable Fun

Comfort for Kids

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I love keeping portable folding chairs in the trunk of my car because they so often come in handy.  I use them at the park, the playground, and the soccer field.  They are always welcome at picnics, barbecues, and on camping trips.  I even have a special child-sized chair for my son.  It’s portable, collapsible, easy to carry and store, and it even comes with a canopy top to keep the sun off of his sensitive skin.  Kids appreciate a comfortable place to sit just as much as adults do.  When their seat is just the right size, kids can feel extra special.

Insect Control, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Citronella Lanterns Keep the Bugs Away

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Citronella Patio Lantern

 

If you spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, especially in the south, you know that mosquitos and other insects can really put a damper on your fun! The perfect solution to pesky night-time insects is to have a source of light that also repels the little pests! Citronella, which comes from the lemon scented leaves of an Asian tropical grass,  has become a popular method of bug repellant and is usually sold in the form of candles, which are a temporary solution and quickly burn away. Why not try a citronella solution that lasts longer and is more visually appealing? Williamsburg Citronella Patio Lanterns are aluminum constructed lanterns that burn citronella liquid paraffin fuel for insect control. Each lamp comes with a fiberglass wick that will last a lifetime and a variety of finishes to choose from. The lanterns also come with planters attached. You can add your favorite flowers or plants and easily make the lanterns a beautiful addition to your garden landscape. You can enjoy beautiful, soft lighting with the added benefit of insect control all year long!