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Sitting around a firepit roasting marshmallows is quintessentially “cottage.” There’s nothing better than sitting in a circle around dancing flames, huddled in that protective orange glow from the darkness of the encroaching night-time forest, feeling the warmth caress your face while you roast marshmallows, create sloppy s’mores and laugh until your belly hurts.

With only a few short months to enjoy, it can be a little sad to see summer go.

However, just because the leaves are changing doesn’t mean it is winter yet, and with some clever planning, your outdoor area can easily become a comfortable space to enjoy a stunning fall season.

As fun as summer at the lake is, Sue Vanderwiel and family also make the most of their Apple River, Illinois, vacation home in the winter. That's when "it is much quieter, and we can just hang out, play games and chill, literally and figuratively."

The family gathers around a big stone fire pit (15 feet in diameter) — often with s'mores, hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps for Mom and Dad — even when those Midwestern temperatures drop.

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hardscapes Inc. converted a steep slope that separated a residence from a river to a tiered transition from upper yard to lower yard with retaining walls, a staircase, and a lower patio. The grade change they had to deal with is 11 to 12 vertical feet over a 30 to 40 foot area. 

A fireplace or fire bowl can provide a great outdoor focus – just make sure it doesn’t create too much smoke