Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: outdoor

  • 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!

  • The Best Patio Container Gardens Ideas

    The best patio container gardens serve as eye-catching and vital additions to your outdoor space, no matter its size. They can revitalize shaded apartment patios or bring lush privacy to sunny backyards. The key to success is knowing what plants grow best in your region and which containers will not only be visually pleasing but supportive of your chosen plants. If you are ready to get started, read on as we reveal our favorite patio container garden ideas.

     

    Choosing the Best Containers

    While you might assume that the first step is to shop for the plants you want to feature on your patio, experts argue that your first purchase should be your containers. Flora Grubb, owner of Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco, believes that because the pots, trays, wine barrels, and raised gardens are an investment, it’s best to start there and then build your patio container garden around them. She confessed to Martha Stewart Living that she leans toward big pots; “Large pots make a statement, and most plants are happier in them in the long run.” Starting big means that it is unlikely that you will have to transplant your choices into bigger containers as they thrive, and plants typically need less watering when they are housed in larger pots. 

     

    However, Grubb does have one important warning before taking those large containers home. She recommended to the Magazine that people “[take] a photo of where [they] want to set containers and [bring] it to the nursery.” You’ll want a sense of scale so that you don’t completely overwhelm your patio space.

     

    Next, get an idea of what your climate zone is before you take out your credit card. While you might love that gorgeous indigo ceramic planter or classic terracotta container to be an anchor for your patio garden, they may not last long in regions that experience long winters. Ceramic, clay, and terracotta can crack because the water inside the pots can freeze and expand. If you want to take the chance, be sure that the pot has ample drainage holes and is kept off the ground in winter. Of course, if you have the space, simply bringing them inside and keeping your plants thriving under grow lights is also an option until spring rolls around again. 

    Succulent Container Garden Ideas

    Unless your patio is enclosed and climate-controlled, you will have to make some decisions about which plants to include in your container garden based on your region’s weather. For example, areas in the southwest can experience scorching summers and drought conditions. Succulents do exceedingly well, and the pros at Southern Living have their favorites. The Magazine is a fan of designing patio container gardens with at least one long-leaved blue agave standing on its own. As they explain, a “succulent garden is a perfect example of having individual plantings in single containers, allowing each to reflect its unique leaf shape and form complemented by the architecture of the container.”  

     

    Bring on the Herbs

    Is your goal to create a container garden that is a match for your culinary skills? You can opt for single containers of various depths to grow the perfect herb container garden or choose a large planter and fill it with complementary plantings. While individual planters will allow you to grow herbs with significantly different water and sunlight needs, a single planter can be both dramatic and perfectly pragmatic. The trick to single planters is to choose herbs that don’t steal soil minerals from each other but rather work in harmony.

     

    The editors at Southern Living applaud planting “fragrant rosemary, basil, and lemon grass, [which] accent soft blue plumbago in [a] tabletop setup.” The lemon grass takes center stage in this arrangement as it grows the tallest, with flowering plumbago added around it. Rosemary and basil take the outermost position, “alternating the two if you wish or placing them on opposite sides of the container.” This addition to your patio is ideal when placed on an outdoor dining table. Not only can you clip herbs for cooking, but your guests will get to enjoy a unique and fragrant centerpiece. 

     

    Real Simple also favors the idea of incorporating herbs into the best container gardens; “water-loving basil and curly parsley make good partners, whereas rosemary, sage, and oregano all prefer a slightly drier environment.” Just be sure that their containers have excellent drainage, and if they are exposed to intense sun and heat, as they would be in certain Southwestern or Southern states, be sure that they don’t dry out in their containers. 

    Grow Thriving Vegetable Gardens

    Vegetables are also a terrific option for container gardens – you just have to adjust your planting schedule to a time that is best for your climate zone. For example, if you live in Southern California, and you want to grow vegetables from seeds in your container garden, vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and sugar snap peas can be planted in September, but orange and red sweet peppers are best planted from December through March because the intense sun and heat in SoCal will burn the pepper plants before they have a chance to flower when grown on an outdoor patio. Martha Stewart Living recommends choosing vegetables that not only don’t sap each other’s nutrients but fit well in the same pots. As the Magazine explains: “Plants that hang over the side will leave room for plants that require more pot area, like leafy greens.”


    Stage Your Fruiting Plants

    You might be surprised to hear that there is a wide variety of fruiting plants, shrubs, and dwarf trees that can be grown in large pots on your balcony. These plants can serve as visual anchors when surrounded by smaller plants and often showcase fantastically colorful blooms before fruiting. Remember that half wine barrel planter that caught your eye? While it will require considerable planting mix, the half wine barrel could be an appealing planter for Meyer lemon trees, dwarf avocado trees, or blackberry bushes.

    Tomatoes are a delight, but they do require room for their deep roots and additional support (such as a trellis), as well as access to bees to produce the maximum quantities of fruit. If you have your heart set on growing tomatoes, a raised garden planter is your best bet. 

     

    Add Vibrant Annuals

    The best patio container gardens can offer you a colorful retreat. It is one of the reasons why Southern Living loves including vibrant annuals in its designs. Does your patio feature a trellis or pergola? Southern Living suggests dressing the base with containers of petunias. The Magazine’s advice: “If you choose white petunia, its fragrance will be intoxicating, while if surfinias enhance your garden, you’ll be amazed when they bloom all along their stems.” 

    Define Your Patio With Ornamental Grasses

    If your patio isn’t already defined by a pergola or other framing architecture, you may want to consider creating definition with the addition of strategically placed containers. Real Simple enjoys the idea of separating your patio from your yard with a thriving container garden, whether you opt for rectangular planters or many individual pots. One of their favorite container garden ideas involves the planting of ornamental grass because no matter where it is employed, “matching pots planted with ornamental grass lend drama.”

     

    Hang Baskets With Cascading Plants

    Adding hanging baskets from patio columns or pergola beams can lend a sense of privacy and definition to your outdoor space. Hanging planters are among Martha Stewart Living’s favorite container garden ideas because of the variety of growing options they present. The Magazine recommends lining a basket with “with canna or hosta leaves” and then planting “sun-loving Calibrachoa, and [enjoying] the sight of them brimming out of a better-looking basket.” 

     

    Meanwhile, Southern Living embraces the idea that the best patio container gardens might be going modern with hanging fiberclay planters filled with succulents and purple fan flower. Why the fan flower? The Magazine explains that the “fan flower is unique because all its blossoms have their segments on one side.” The boldly colored flowers thrive in the more tropical climates in the South, where they can flourish throughout the year.

  • What Type of Patio Furniture is Best for You?

    A carefully planned outdoor patio will get used more, and it can turn into a lovely gathering space when the weather cooperates. In order to create this kind of sanctuary, you need a welcoming, sunny space with enough room, good food, libations and the best patio furniture for your needs and budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve this, but you should not skimp on quality, durability or comfort, either.

    Choosing the Best Patio Furniture

    Before shopping for patio furniture, know first that form needs to follow function. In other words, how do you plan to use the patio? Some homeowners will want a top-of-the line barbecue and a table for eight as the focal points for entertaining. Others will lean more towards soft chairs they can sink into, and a more romantic ambience.

    Couches, side tables and fire pits are perfect for outdoor dining and cocktail parties. If there is enough room, you can set up a conversation area plus a separate reading nook that can serve as a small, private refuge. Can’t decide? There is no reason why you can’t create a versatile outdoor patio that does it all (or almost all), even with limited space.

    Patio Furniture Priorities

    Continuing along the function theme, outdoor living is all about relaxation, so your patio furniture should be easy to care for. Heavy and bulky pieces are hard to move, frustrating to clean and they can rust. Opt for all-weather wicker, cedar, teak or metal instead. To make your patio seating more comfortable, choose some cozy outdoor cushions or pillows with removable covers.

    You can even add a rustic outdoor blanket when the temperatures dip down; just remember to take everything in before it rains. Speaking of which, you can pick up an inexpensive outdoor storage bin to toss the cushions in when you need to. Keep them inside during the cold winter months if that applies to your region, however.

    Once you have moved on to the shopping phase, it is wise to try out the seating before buying. Remember, it all has to look and feel appealing. Some patio sets have plush cushions included, so make sure that the fabrics are weather- and fade-resistant. Of course, they won’t last forever, but higher quality means longer-lasting comfort and durability.

    Best Patio Furniture Materials

    Many people prefer wood patio furniture for its rustic, homey look. Choose durable, water-resistant grains like eucalyptus or teak, otherwise you may have to seal the furniture every year. Wood furniture may also be prone to cracking, splitting and rotting over time.

    Some of the best patio furniture is made from aluminum, which is lightweight, easy to clean and does not rust. Look for pieces with UV-resistant finishes, powder coating, seamless welds and rust-proof hardware.

    Wrought-iron patio furniture is definitely heavier, but it is lighter and more modern than old-fashioned versions. Still, it is harder to move because of its weight.

    Best Patio Furniture for Small Spaces

    Is your patio on the small side? Worry not; Southern Living emphasizes that size is not an indicator of greatness. Do not put large or bulky patio furniture on smaller patios and balconies, as this will overcrowd them. Find furniture that suits your space. No matter how much room you’re working with, start by picking a statement piece to serve as a focal point, and accessorize from there.

    A wicker lounge chair can be a lovely way to start, and you can add a side table, potted plants and a footrest. This can be just enough in tiny spaces, offering a nice little escape when you need it. Small loveseats also look nice, as does seating with built-in storage on the bottom, like a bench. A bar-height dining set with two or four chairs is a great way to open up the space. You can also try folding chairs, which do not take up a lot of room.

    Working within Your Budget

    Patio furniture can be expensive, so you may want to set a budget before making purchases. While it is fine to purchase a few inexpensive resin tables or chairs for when you need extra seating, these should not be your main pieces. Buying cheap pieces can be wallet-friendly at first, but before you know it, you will have to buy things all over again.

    Bargain-priced wood, metal and wicker can also be ready for the trash after just a few years. Do your research before buying, and look for patio furniture that is well-reviewed and affordable. You can spend less on accessories, like lighting, outdoor rugs, plants, cushions and blankets. Also seek out furniture that can serve multiple purposes. This is another good way to save money on outdoor patio furniture.

  • 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.

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  • Ask a Pro Q&A – When It Rains, It Pours: Exploring title coverage for runoff

    When a challenge arises, insurance should be there to help. Learn the ins and outs of title insurance to deal with water runoff from outdoor pro Carson Arthur.

    Question: A house was built on the property behind me. The land had been raised so that the ground around the house is now higher than mine. Whenever it rains, the water from the property behind me washes into my yard and causes a river each time. Does title insurance cover this?

    Unfortunately, it does not. Title insurance only covers liens on a property from debtors to the former owners. The easiest solution is to create a raised planter along the shared property line. By raising the soil, the water should stop running into your yard!

    -Carson Arthur