Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Fall

  • How to Transition Outdoor Living Spaces from Fall to Winter

    More and more, people enjoy their outdoor living spaces even after the snow begins to fall. Modern conveniences and some classic options have allowed homeowners and renters to transition from fall to winter without missing a step. And they can do this while still focusing on the comfort of their family and friends. Read on for some of our favorite tips for making much-loved outdoor living spaces winter-ready.

    Shine a Light on Your Outdoor Living Spaces

    As fall transitions into winter, there is no getting around the fact that it gets darker much earlier. When getting your outdoor living spaces winter-ready, the first thing you need to do is to add appropriate lighting. If your yard or patio is already reasonably well illuminated, you can focus on making small changes – adding solar table-top lanterns that can be moved where needed, installing path lighting, and assessing how weatherproof your existing lamps are. Southern Living advises those prepping their outdoor spaces to consider the elements before making purchases: “Rain dripping on an ordinary light bulb will cause it to crack. Bulbs designed for exposed outdoor use, such as PAR lamps, feature heavy-duty glass that withstands breakage.” 

    Are you interested in having your space take on a romantic tone? Picture draping ball bulb lights from tree branches, across pergolas, or from your home to the back garage or shed. The editors at Martha Stewart Living are fans of the affordable LTD Commodities Bulb Solar String Lights: “Available in both white and multi-colored, these ball bulb lights are an easy, festive way to light up your yard.” And while they are a delight for the holidays, they aren’t so season-specific that you can’t keep these magical lights up all year long.  

    Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture

    Do you know if your outdoor furniture can withstand the elements? If you were like many people who bought new patio or yard furniture in the last year, you might want to check to see if the furniture can handle rain and/or snow. If you are thinking about buying new furniture to make your outdoor living space into a wintertime oasis, make sure it is made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials like teak, coated iron or steel, or recycled all-weather plastic/resin. 

    Real Simple points out that “you’ll get the most life from your cushions if you bring them inside as much as possible.” If you can’t do that, consider investing in cushion covers so that you don’t have to worry about drying cushions out every time you want to use them during the winter (or a rainy spring). If you are in the market for new cushions, choose ones that are durable and made from “solution-dyed acrylic, which is designed for outdoor use and resists UV rays, moisture, mildew, and staining,” or “spun polyester with a UV-protective coating [which] dries quickly and is less expensive, but isn’t as resistant to fading.” 

    Turn up the Heat

    Have you been eyeing firepits with longing for the last couple of months? Now is the time to install one in your backyard or on the patio. While years ago, you may have been limited to one particular style of wood-burning fire pit, today, you have dozens of options for wood-burning and propane models. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining in your outdoor living space (and you have the room), choose one that offers a table-like surround that can support drinks and snacks. If you are searching for something smaller, with a more rustic feel, consider something like “Martha Stewart’s Bedford Wood-Burning Round Fire Pit [which provides] intimate, cozy, wood-burning warmth for an evening in the backyard.” 

    Standing liquid propane heaters are also terrific for directing heat to your guests. You have undoubtedly seen the larger industrial models at restaurants, but home-use standing heaters are easily moved and can be situated wherever you need to turn up the heat. They are ideal for outdoor dinner parties and other sit-down celebrations. Couple the heaters with a hot cider toddy or cocoa and a fleece blanket, and your guests may never want to leave.

    Are you thinking about making a more permanent addition to your outdoor living space? It may be time to invest in building an outdoor fireplace. Midwest Living raves about the idea and celebrates today’s options. Among their favorites: a “three-sided fireplace [with] views [that] are hot from almost anywhere in the yard,” an outdoor fireplace with “flowing lines of brick and stone [turning] the back of a house into a thing of beauty and warmth,” and a “Spanish-style two-sided fireplace, [which] heats two seating areas.” 

    Take Cover

    It’s not too late to add cover to your outdoor living spaces. Heather Napier, Marketing Director for Backyard Discovery, tells Martha Stewart Living, “‘[investing] in a pergola or covered gazebo is also a great way to offer protection from the elements and create an inviting outdoor space.’” Pergolas and gazebos can often be constructed over a weekend and are an affordable way to enhance your outdoor experience, even during the winter months. 

    If you already have an outdoor living room that boasts a roof or fabric cover, try incorporating curtains as the season changes. Curtains can help guard against the icy wind as the temperature drops. They also help you retain the heat that you are generating from your outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or heaters. Just be sure to weight them so that they do not blow near the flame, should the wind pick up while the fire is lit.

    Prepare Your Garden 

    When transitioning outdoor living spaces from fall to winter, you want to prepare your garden. Preparations now will make your space feel festive and alive, even during the dead of winter, and they can make your transition into spring that much easier. Southern Living recommends bringing in your tender plants, turning off sprinkler systems, and “[mulching] over marginally hardy plants.” Cleaning up the vegetable garden will get it ready for spring, and planting winter-friendly specimens like Winter Jasmine, Camellias, and holly bushes will make your space look like it is thriving. 

    Finally, Southern Living cautions gardeners to remove all their clay pots from their outdoor gardens. Why? The Magazine warns: “Clay pots absorb and release water — they “breathe” — which is why plants grow so well in them. But when wet clay pots freeze, they develop small cracks that eventually become big cracks and the pots shatter.” Store them inside to avoid the worst of winter so they will be ready when spring arrives and a new cycle of planting (and entertaining) begins.

  • Festive Outdoor Fall Party Ideas

    As the temperatures start to dip, the time to begin searching for fall party ideas arrives. From sampling treats around a bonfire to hosting outdoor football parties or chili bars, you’ll love planning outdoor activities with your friends and family this autumn. We are here to help you find your inspiration. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite fall party ideas to keep the outdoor fun going through the holidays.   

    Plan a Football Party

    Fall weekends were made for football. Whether you are a die-hard fan of a college team or a new convert to the excitement of an NFL Sunday, you can join your fellow fans for a custom backyard tailgate party. If your driveway allows for you to open your car’s hatch or lower a truck’s tailgate near the rest of the festivities, that’s a great way to stage some of your buffet. If not, no problem! Southern Living loves the idea of setting up a grab-and-go buffet that is close to your outdoor television or the screen where you are projecting the game. The Magazine recommends that you keep it simple for your fall party “by offering fun, filling small-bites—sliders, dips, various snacks (sweet and salty) that can be grabbed by the handful—or hearty chili in sturdy mugs.” Beer and a pitcher of themed cocktails are always a hit, but be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic options.

    Schedule a Game Night

    Among the most popular fall party ideas is a game night under the stars. Southern Living recommends choosing something easy to start, such as “[ordering] an oversized Jenga set” and then personalizing it by “[breaking] out the spray paint” to create a “game with custom colors.” All-weather games, like a weather-resistant cornhole set, allow you to keep hosting family-friendly competitions in the backyard even after the snow starts to fall.

    Organize a Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

    Do you still have a collection of mini pumpkins from Halloween? Better Homes & Gardens suggests organizing a pumpkin hunting contest. Whether the pumpkins are in their natural state or painted, this easy-to-manage fall party game will keep the kids guessing. As the Magazine explains, “tuck the minis away in trees, under tables, and all throughout your party site,” and let the hunt begin. 

    Host a Stargazing Party

    Are you interested in learning more about the night sky? Are your kids avid stargazers? Allison Carter, entertaining expert for Allison Carter Celebrates, tells Martha Stewart Living that one of the best ideas for an outdoor family party blends an educational element with a sense of adventure. Carter suggests to the Magazine that families “‘download a stargazing app and point it to the sky so kids can identify the different constellations and stars’” as a way of connecting with “‘this big, beautiful world.’”  

    Light a Fall Bonfire

    Remember the harvest bonfires you enjoyed when you were a kid? It’s time to bring back the tradition by planning a fabulous fall party around your firepit. For small outdoor parties, you can easily set up Adirondack chairs around the fire and drape them with cozy blankets for extra warmth. For larger gatherings or themed-harvest parties, Midwest Living applauds the idea of adding “blanket-topped hay bales [that] surround the flames and provide easy seats,” as well as crafting “recycled-sweater koozies [to] protect fingers from cold drinks.” Naturally, you’ll want to be sure to have all the ingredients for some truly decadent hot chocolate, mulled wine, and s’mores, in addition to all of your other fall party nibbles.

    Throw a Fall Food-Themed Event

    If you can lay a grill down over your firepit, you’ll want to gather your favorite fall food ideas and pick your favorites. For example, Midwest Living adores the idea of “warming up outdoor parties with a bubbling pot of fondue,” including a thoroughly indulgent beer-cheese option. The Magazine is also a fan of offering small bites (like hamburger sliders kept warm on a pizza stone), as well as something heartier like a “zesty chicken chili cooked in an iron kettle over the fire.” And, of course, those pizza ovens that were so popular in the spring and summer will win even more fans as the temperatures fall.

    If you love doing all the cooking when you host, go for it. But one of the most popular fall party ideas this year is to throw a cook-off. For example, you can host a chili bar that features different slow cooker or instant pot chili batches courtesy of each of your guests. Then, you can provide a plethora of possible toppings to make the most of each dish.

    Delight with a DIY Caramel Apple Bar

    Casual fall party plans are made sweeter when you surprise your guests with a DIY caramel apple bar. From young kids to those young-at-heart, this fall treat will bring a smile. The editors of Better Homes & Gardens “recommend adding chocolate, white chocolate, and butterscotch as variations to the traditional caramel” for your base, but the delights don’t stop there.  From candied pecans with a splash of bourbon for the adults to granola, pretzels, M&Ms, and nuts, you can’t go wrong by offering a variety of salt and sweet toppings.

    Raise a Toast to a Beer Tasting

    Taking inspiration from Oktoberfest, a celebratory beer-tasting party for your friends who are connoisseurs could be a big hit. While everyone will have their own ideas of what makes the best fall beer, you can set up a tasting in your backyard (or patio) to crown the winner. Plan a menu of German specialties to continue with the Oktoberfest inspiration (even after October has long passed), or pick your favorite food pairings for each brew. If you don’t have a full flight of beers in mind, consider choosing something from a local brewhouse that is new to you. For special events, you can even get commemorative beer steins or glasses made as party favors. It is bound to be the fall party idea that gets applause for years to come!

  • BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Welcome to the BHGRE® Season of Sharing series, designed to help you celebrate the upcoming holidays with style and safety top-of-mind. From Halloween through New Years’, we’ve got everything you need to gather in new ways, creating cherished memories as you go.

    Plus, to help lift-up communities during these difficult times, our BHGRE network has also highlighted the different charitable events they are involved in this year. Be it a blood drive, food pantry, toy collection or fundraiser, the BHGRE network shares ways for you to get involved in your community, specific to your location.

    Be it party planning tips, gift ideas, activities, recipes and inspiration on ways to give back, the BHGRE® Season of Sharing has what you need to create an unforgettable holiday season.

     

     

  • Trend Alert from Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur – The Outdoor Fireplace!

    One of the most popular additions to the backyard is the outdoor fire pit with seating around it. Having an area for entertaining that is separate from the patio table has been featured in magazines, websites and all types of social media. Even the designs that I’ve been doing for homes in downtown areas seem to always include high-end wood or gas burning fixtures.

    Before you go any further in exploring if an outdoor fireplace is right for you, check your municipal bylaws. Some areas ban outdoor burning altogether. Others allow outdoor fireplaces but regulate the smoke to ensure that your neighbors are not disturbed. Some municipalities require that grills be in place so that these fire pits fall under barbeque laws. Just because a store in your area sells you a fireplace doesn’t mean that you can actually use it.

    If, however, you’re like me and love the smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling logs and can spend hours watching flames and coals, then there is nothing like an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. That said, burning wood always comes with lots of risks and rewards. Live fires are unpredictable and as a result, can be dangerous if not handled properly.

    When it comes to fire safety, make sure that you allow for at least 6ft. of space between the edge of the fireplace and the chairs. Sparks can easily fly from natural burning fires. If you don’t have sufficient clearance, choosing a natural gas or propane option would be a safer solution. If you do go with wood burning, then make sure you have either a source of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

    Also, consider where the best spot is for your fire pit and what surface it is going on. The best surface solution is always stone. Whether its manmade pavers, natural flagstone or even gravel, stone is perfect for dispersing heat or flying sparks. I have created fireplaces on wood decks but I always make sure that the area under and around the fire pit is either gravel or concrete. When it comes to locations, wood-burning fire pits need to be away from the house. Smoke always seems to get into open windows or patio doors. Be sure to choose a spot that is away from large trees or anything that is burnable.

    Having an outdoor fireplace can be an amazing way to spend a summer night or even host an après ski party. Just make sure you do a little research first.

    Want an outdoor fireplace (or fire pit) of your own? Click the banner below and subscribe to the blog to enter to win $1000 during the Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes.

  • Fall 101 with Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur

    I can’t believe that I am about to talk about a fall checklist…but according to the calendar and according to the nip in the air at night, its time to start thinking about the end of summer <<Gasp>>. I’m personally a little torn by this. I love the gardening season, but there is something very special about the turning of the season that I also really love. Maybe it’s the autumn leaves or the smell in the air or even the fact that the outdoor temperature is now comfortable even at noon; whatever the case, I’m not too upset that its time to think about putting the gardens to bed.

    There are a few things that home gardeners get wrong at this time of the year. First off is bulb planting. I love tulips and daffodils in the spring, but I never plant the bulbs in the ground until the soil temperature is below 4 degrees Celsius. Being patient when planting your bulbs is so important to ensure that they stay dormant until spring. Also, remember that the squirrels will probably dig your bulbs up if you are not smart about how you plant them. Squirrels like to steal food from other squirrels. They look for areas of disturbed soil thinking that this is where their neighbor has hidden something edible. When you are planting your bulbs, make sure to disguise the area with some leaves so that it looks like the ground is still undisturbed.

    Speaking of your leaves; KEEP THEM. I know that some homes have huge maples or other deciduous trees in the yard and the amount of fallen leaves far exceeds any needs that you may have. However, mulched or composted leaves are the best fertilizer you can get for your gardens. Leaves that have been running through the mower are also fantastic as an insulator. A few years ago I bought a Black and Decker 3 n1 leaf vacuum, blower, and mulcher, and it’s become my go-to tool for creating my own free fertilizer.

    Don’t forget to wrap your plants and trees! Once again, Mother Nature is giving us some early warning signs of another hard winter to come; specifically, all of the cone-bearing evergreens have them at the tops of the trees. This is a sign that we are in for another rough season, which is going to be hard on your plants. Go out and invest in lots of tree wraps and burlap. Having a windbreak is crucial for plants like rhododendrons, cedars and even your rose of Sharon. The key is to wrap your tree snuggly enough that the burlap will stay up in the wind, but not too tight as they break branches. You should also wait until your plants have gone dormant, which is tough for your evergreens. I like to wrap my tender shrubs and bushes at the end of October.

    You may not have to start thinking about these jobs now, but trust me, winter is really just around the corner!

    Need some help with your fall prep? Click the banner below and subscribe to the blog to enter to win $1000 during the Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes.

  • A Few Helpful Gutter Cleaning Tips for Your Home

    Autumn is one of the most seasons. The crisp air and changing leaves make even a walk through the neighborhood feel like an event. Those leaves, however, have to go somewhere and many of them end up in the gutter. We have a few helpful gutter cleaning tips to keep you safe and prevent property damage.

    Let someone know what you’re doing

    Of all the gutter cleaning tips, letting a friend, family or neighbor know what you’re doing is the most important. It is helpful to have someone check up on you. Also, make sure to have your cellphone somewhere near you in the unlikely event of an accident to easily call for help.

    Use a safe and sturdy ladder

    Using a sturdy ladder will keep you safe. Before stepping onto the first rung, check to see that the hinges are completely open and that the ladder is in good shape. A four-legged ladder is easy to transport and use for a single story home, while a two-legged extension ladder is the best choice for homes with multiple floors. A ladder can get heavy, so if you have a heart condition or other health issues, know your limits and ask for help moving it around your home.

     

     

    Use a sand shovel

    Don’t try to use metal gardening tools, as they’ll only scrape and potentially damage gutters. Instead, pick up a small plastic scoop or a kids’ sand shovel.The trick isn’t to try to remove all of the leaves and other debris at once, but remove a little bit at a time. This will lighten the load of each sco and save your back.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Add Designer Flair to Your Front Porch for Fall

    Add Fun Fall Decor to Your Porch

    Just because summer’s over does not mean you can’t still enjoy sitting in the fresh air. With autumn weather quickly blowing in, now’s the time to give your porch a makeover. From festive seasonal decorations to thoughtful touches, we’ve pulled together a handful of our favorite ways to add fall decor to your porch.

    Stay warm

    First, make sure your porch can be used during autumn. If you live in an area where fall brings cooler temperatures, gorgeous crisp evenings can turn into cold nights. Invest in either a propane or electric patio heater. There are many models on the market. Some of them are set on the ground to warm your feet, while others are hung overhead. A few models look a lot like indoor lamps, adding a warm, room-like feel to your porch.

    In addition to heaters, set out a couple of wool blankets for guests to put over their legs. Not only do blankets keep loved ones warm, they also give a cozy vibe that inspires conversations to run long into the night.

    Buy new patio furniture

    Most people buy new patio furniture during spring and summer. It’s in fall, however, that you should head to your local home and garden stores to check out items on clearance. Choose durable fabrics in neutral colors so the furniture will match any season. Design the rest of the porch around your new seating areas.

    Fall foliage… right to your front door

    Tis the season for collecting brightly  colored autumn leaves. Why not take things one step further by making an arrangement of leaves to enjoy year after year? Pick up a handful of faux leaves from a local fabric store and coat them to handle the weather. Add a little sparkle by sprinkling glitter of various colors over the project as it dries. Try out similar projects with found objects such as pinecones. Finished arrangements can be hung on windows or your front door. Make a large fall wreath by using a pre-assembled twig wreath and decorating it either with silk flowers or fresh marigolds from a local florist.

    Pages: 1 2

  • A Few Festive Fall Decorating Ideas for the Home

    Fall is the perfect season to bring colorful elements from the great outdoors into your home. From quick do-it-yourself projects to seasonal home improvements, we’ve got you covered with a few of our favorite fall decorating ideas.

    Colorful autumnal crafts

    Arts and crafts don’t need to be time and labor intensive. It’s easy to transform a plain pillow into an autumn masterpiece. Collect a handful of fallen leaves from outside and trace their shapes over pieces of felt. Cut out the shapes and use fabric glue or another adhesive to attach them to the pillow.

    Another simple craft idea is a fall wreath. Pick up an inexpensive grapevine wreath from your local craft store and then decorate it with foliage, berries, mums and other fall flowers from your garden. When you’re done, hang the wreath over the mantle, on your front door or in another central space in your home.

     

    Prepare your home for fall decorations

    Just as spring cleaning is a must, so is preparing your home for fall and winter. Before decorating, hire people to clean the chimney and check the heating and furnace systems. Doing these things before cold weather comes means you can prevent any problems down the road. Making sure to prepare your home means that it will not only be prepped to keep you warm, but the fireplace and other areas will be ready to decorate. Hang the wreath you made above the mantle and artfully scatter a handful of leaves and small pumpkins.

    Paint your home

    Painting is a great way to update your home for fall. Although summer might seem like the best time to paint the exterior of your home, it’s better to do it in fall when temperatures are moderate. Painting exteriors when it’s too hot causes the paint to dry too fast, leaving marks. Painting when it’s too cold results in cracking.

    Of course, painting indoors can happen any time of the year. Fall is a great season for many reasons. First, it lets you apply a fresh new coat of paint right before you redecorate your home for fall. Second, the walls in your home are probably the perfect temperature for painting. They should be above 60 degrees, but under 85 degrees. Choose a soft, neutral color such as driftwood grey or creamy latte as the perfect backdrop for fall decorations.