Sometimes traditions start spontaneously, by the mere repetition of them. Other traditions are formed instantly, when a great event leaves guests wanting more. This year, make your Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner stand out by starting a “Pastries on the Patio” party that no-one will forget. As any experienced camper knows, grills and fire pits

As the days get shorter but the weather stays mild, some relaxing time outside is in our future. The evening can be a peaceful time to unwind and get some fresh air after a long day spent indoors. Getting extended-hour use out of your patio is one of the main reasons to install an outdoor

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow – Audrey Hepburn There is a certain wonder when it comes to creating something. A little effort often provides a magical result: a seed into a bloom; an empty room into a haven; a spark into a fire. The fall isn’t only about hunkering down for

In the fall season, the heat of summer turns into the heat of the runner as the marathon months begin. Sunny days with crisp air and cooler temperatures are a runner’s dream. You can help support the runners in your life by hosting a “carb load” on your patioAccording to Runner’s World magazine, “carbs” or

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L.M. Montgomery, in Anne of Green Gables In the Autumn, the sun sets earlier and earlier, giving us the opportunity to stargaze with friends long before bedtime. Serving some traditional fall drinks is a great way to host a happy hour out

The cooler nights, the changing leaves, the crackling of a fire… the wonderful sights and sounds of the Fall season are back in full swing. Sitting together “out back”, faces lit only by the warm glow of a fire and enjoying each other’s company is the cozy scene we all love. One fire pit can

According to the website NationalDayCalendar.com, September 28th, 2016 is National Have A Beer Day. This coincides with the end of the annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Bavaria, Germany (yes, the end – years ago the festival was moved up a few weeks to take advantage of the warmer September weather). The first weekend of October is

In the Spring of 2016 we told you about a great group of teens and young adults who were planning to build a patio for a wounded veteran out of donated materials from EP Henry. Guess what? The patio is done! And the vet has already heard special requests from his little ones. Read on for details

Don’t say goodbye to the season just yet. Late summer can be the best time to get outside. American culture seems to treat Labor Day as the official end of summer. It isn’t, really, as the Summer season ends at sunset on Sept. 20. While it’s common to treat the beginning of the school semester

Labor Day is coming up. Those of us lucky enough to have outdoor living spaces will undoubtedly find people gathering on our patios this weekend (whether we invite them or not!). Labor Day is one of those holidays where we simply plan to grill big. What’s “grilling big?” It’s taking a simple meal for a