Tag Archives: outdoor entertaining

Life Outdoors

Looking to spruce up your outdoor living space this Spring in anticipation of entertaining for that high school graduation, engagement party or anniversary celebration? Check out a few unique outdoor items that might just steal the show at your next bash.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a pop of color that will put a smile on Mom’s face every time she takes a seat.

The Grayson dining chairs and table, shown in cream with Paprika fabric, brings an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere to any outdoor space. By Homecrest.

A Rug, Outside? The pros do it. See last week’s post, “Tricks of the Trade,” for more ideas on decorating outside with rugs.

Couristan brings all the elegance of their indoor rugs outside with their latest collection. The Covington motif is fun with timeless design, and the Floral Paisley/Neutrals-Blue color palette is understated.

Outdoor entertaining is a breeze with this teak serving cart. We could see using this table indoors or out!

Barlow Tyrie’s Mercury serving table makes outdoor entertaining a breeze with its ceramic top, two pullout drawers and serving trays, two bottle or condiment holders and positioning wheels. The Marine-grade stainless steel and teak assures it will last for years to come. Available to the trade. Photo courtesy Barlow Tyrie

Dining Out

Although Outdoor Environments may be new to the blogosphere, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a list a mile-long of favorite design blogs, Shelter notwithstanding.

Recently, the blog posted a handful of super stylish outdoor dining rooms, ones that would look equally at home indoors! We are fans of the ordinary shed-turned-elegant dining room in this verdant backyard. What a great idea!

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

That being said, your outdoor dining room doesn’t have to have an overly “decorated” feel. Just add a tablecloth from inside, an array of interesting plants in varying heights, and one unexpected element–like the outdoor chandelier–and voila! You’ve got a space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

Want more inspiration? Check out the post by Shelter, “Dining Out” here.

Extreme Deck Makeovers – Kansas City Homes & Gardens

What are the elements of a dreamy outdoor living space that are most important to you? For a pair of homeowners in Johnson County, it was designing a space that would not only accommodate their guests when entertaining, but also make it spacious and inviting enough to be enjoyed both from the deck outside their breakfast nook and from the ground on the the lush landscape of their sprawling backyard.

A Johnson County deck transformation, as featured in Kansas City Homes & Gardens

A Johnson County deck transformation, as featured in Kansas City Homes & Gardens

The resulting 1,700-square-foot transformation, as envisioned by Outdoor Environments, is a “cozy outdoor alcove with more than enough amenities,” according to an article in Kansas City Homes & Gardens. Those bells and whistles include an outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill, searing plates, refrigerator and beverage trough; a gas fire pit, wishing well, and four-season screened-in living area with radiant-heat tile flooring, flat-screen TV and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A four-season outdoor room, at the top of the homeowners' wish list

A four-season outdoor room, at the top of the homeowners' wish list

Like what you see? Check out more photos from this project in the KCH&G article called “The Place to Be“. We couldn’t agree with the title more!

graves_well

Weatherizing for the Winter-Wise

Maintenance and cleaning can go a long way in extending the life of your outdoor living spaces. From gardens to grills, here’s how to winterize your backyard bastion and shield your spaces from the elements this season.

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• Keep your plants frost-free. Whether it’s as aesthetically pleasing as a glass cloche, or as simple as a sawed-off milk jug or plastic bucket from the garage, take extra care to protect your cool-season crops from frost. For larger areas, try draping sheets or fabrics over the plants, making sure they hit the ground to trap heat around the plants’ base. For more ideas on extending the harvest season, see garden.com
• Perform the required maintenance on your grill and outdoor islands, so your first spring fling (or clean!) won’t involve the heartache of replacing favorite items. Scrub and rinse your grill and island to release built-up grease and grime. Reseal the grout on tiles exposed to the elements.
• Protect your furniture. Use durable, weather-proof vinyl covers for lounges, tables and chairs. Wrap or tie covers around legs to keep in place. Check cushions for mold; store all cushions indoors; wrap in a light cotton sheet to keep critters away.

A quick clean now will pay off later—hopefully on that first beautiful spring day!

The Great Outdoors: Products Worthy of Winter Dreaming

Sometimes inspiration can strike at the oddest times. Case in point: We’ve been known to spend the entire winter dreaming up over-the-top plans for our own outdoor living spaces. Sound familiar? If you’re searching for inspiration for your own home, we suggest taking a look at some new products hand-picked by Kansas City Homes & Gardens magazine.  From outdoor kitchens that rival the main ones inside to beverage centers and professional-grade pizza ovens, we suggest taking a look at some examples here, as highlighted in a recent issue.

Gas-Fired Pizza Oven

Gas-Fired Pizza Oven

Spotlight on Decks: A Patio Primer

In Kansas City, harsh winters and extreme temperatures mean our porches and decks can take quite a beating. This means putting forth extra time and efforts towards making sure the materials used are extra tough—without sacrificing aesthetics.shellyafter

We’ve designed hundreds of decks and outdoor living spaces in the Kansas City area, so let us help you maximize the potential of your backyard, whether it’s a screened-in porch, room extension, multi-level deck or a hot tub and spa enclosure.

As you begin to settle in for a long winter’s rest, here’s a little primer from our friends at Kansas City Homes & Gardens on some of the most popular (and sustainable!) decking options out there—from mahogany and redwood to cedar or pressure-treated wood.

By Samantha Wells

Wintertime Outdoor Living

Looking to extend your outdoor entertaining and BBQ season into the cooler months? Here’s how to create warm, cozy outdoor living rooms this winter:

Outdoor Decorating

  • Think fireside chats. When temperatures dip, is there anything more festive than a crackling outdoor fire? Whether it’s a double-sided fireplace, freestanding firepit or charming chimenea, create a romantic focal point where family and friends can retreat and unwind on a cold winter’s day.
  • Add distinction with decorative elements. Outfit your outdoor living room as you would inside: Place decorative vases on the fireplace mantel. Choose comfortable seating with weather-resistant cushions for lounging. Stock plenty of candles for glass hurricanes, and keep cozy blankets on hand for extra ambiance.
  • Adjust your space for year-round living. Add a spit to the gas grill and use it to roast a Thanksgiving turkey. Heavy-weight curtains employed to block the summer sun can alternatively serve to discourage drafts in winter. Illuminate the space–without making it too glaring–with combination lighting such as lanterns, brick lighting or spread lighting.

What are some of the elements you would install in your ultimate outdoor entertaining spot to add warmth and beauty to your home this winter?

By Samantha Wells