Design Recipes: Ways to extend outdoor entertaining into fall

BY CATHY HOBBSTribune News Service

​Even though the nights are shorter and the air is cooler, it doesn't mean you can't continue to enjoy the outdoors. Many people's favorite season is fall. One of the best ways to continue to enjoy your outdoor environment is to think of a way to incorporate an outdoor experience such as a fire pit, outdoor lounge or other entertaining environment such as an outdoor kitchen.

Fire pits

Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes (as well as price points). One way to test the waters to see if you will enjoy a fire pit is to purchase one that is portable. If you grow tired of it or wish to move it to different areas and locations within your property, it is easy to move this way. On the other hand, a built-in fire pit can be a wonderful addition to any outdoor environment. When it comes to materials for your fire pit, the best choice is stone. If you are looking for ways to have the fire pit blend into its surroundings, try choosing stone that is natural to your environment. If you have a large property, perhaps stones that are scattered across your land would be the best route.

Outdoor lounges

If you've ever visited such party destinations as Ibiza or Mykonos, then you are familiar with the lure of outdoor living spaces. For decades, these outdoor lounges -- fit with sofas, cocktail tables and even beds -- have been a mainstay for celebrity homes and the international party circuit. These days, outdoor lounges can also be a way for the everyday homeowner to enjoy their deck, patio or porch.

Where to start

Before you purchase furniture pieces for your outdoor lounge or living room, begin by creating a floor plan and actual layout. This will help you ensure that all of your furniture fits and you are not ordering too much furniture.

How to buy

When you are heading out to make your purchases, think function first: how you wish to use the environment, how many people you need to seat or entertain, as well as how long you wish to have the furniture last.

Outdoor kitchens

While some may consider an outdoor kitchen to be a luxury, others consider it to be a useful and appealing addition to outdoor cooking and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens can be big or small, built in or portable. If you are looking for an attractive, pre-built kitchen, a kitchen island with built-in components such as grills, refrigerators and sinks may be the perfect choice. On the other end of the spectrum, appliances and components can be purchased individually and retrofitted into custom-built components or a full custom kitchen.

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