Unique Easy Breezy Summer Patio

Create that perfect 'staycation' summer patio the whole family will enjoy! These quick and easy ideas will have you spending more time enjoying your outdoor spaces, less time preparing them and loving every minute of it.

Fast redo for worn out patio furniture. Spray paint it. It's quick and cheap. These days you can buy spray paint for any surface from wood and wicker, to metal and even plastic! Spray several thin coats rather than one thick coat to keep the finish even and free of runs.

Revitalize your furniture cushions without sewing! All you need is fabric and heavy duty tape. You can use any fabric that you have on hand. If it's not outdoor fabric, just bring your cushions in when necessary. Simply wrap your cushions and tape the fabric down on the underside side. Add a splash of color with reversible throw pillows. Use brightly colored cloth napkins or bandannas to sandwich a small pillow form. Tie the fabric in a knot at the four corners.

Designer patio rug for cement patios and wooden decks. This is a great project to get the kids to help with. Use sidewalk chalk to draw any rug size or shape to fits your space. Paint it with outdoor paint. This is a handy way to use up any small bits of leftover paint you may have laying around! Paint a fast color block and consider it done. Or have fun and create any pattern that pleases. Painted fringe adds to the illusion. Small imperfections will make it more believable, so don't worry about making it perfect.

Crazy easy summer foliage. For ultra inexpensive greenery, plant grass seed in your pots or large bowls. Just let it fill in and grow. Simple, charming and no mowing required!

Mood lighting sets the tone! Make your own inexpensive outdoor lanterns with common household items. Line the bottom of glass jars with sand and place a candle inside. For extra color, stain the sand with food coloring before using. Use citronella candles for double duty. Keep it safe and never leave candles unattended. Don't place them on a flammable surface or in a draft.

Charming outdoor spaces are so simple to create. No matter if you have a small balcony or a large backyard, these simple facelifts will brighten it right up. It's time you enjoy your summer patio!

Elegant Fire Pits - the Summer Delight

When summer rolls around, everybody seems to get in the mood for leisurely evenings outside around the fire pit. Whether you are roasting marshmallows, cooking a full-sized meal or just simply kicking back and watching your fire burn, a good pit is essential. There are many different options available to you in the fire pit market and finding the best one for you and your family is simply a matter of understanding your personal priorities.

Portable vs. Fixed

The simple truth of the matter is that some people use their item more than others use them. For those that enjoy a good fire every so often during the summer months but not on a consistent and regular basis, a portable fire pit may be the best option. However, for families who make grilling and sitting around the campfire an established way of life, a fixed fire pit may be worth considering.

Fixed pits are dug into the ground and are made to fit in as a natural part of the yard landscaping. For this reason, they should be dug in a region of the yard that is not used for sport activities, as an accident could potentially occur. The perks of having a fixed outdoor fire pit have to do with the fact that you do not need to clean and store your pit every time you use it. In addition, it can become a solid part of your property and can create great memories for your family to hold onto.

Portable fire pits are great for convenience and mobility. You can use a portable fire pit in your own back yard, but you can also bring it to state parks, friends' houses and almost any other location that strikes your fancy. Another benefit of portable fire pits is the fact that they are fashioned from many different decorative materials that can complement any design scheme.

Wood vs. Natural Gas

Many people swear by their wood burning fire pits, while others laud the modern convenience that natural gas fire pits can offer. There are pluses and minuses to both options and in the end, it really just comes down to a matter of personal taste.

Natural gas fire pits are undoubtedly easier to clean than are wood burning pits. However, wood fire pits allow for a natural wood-smoked flavor infusion into your grilling meats that cannot be reproduced any other way.