Spring arrives, and we open our windows and let the outside in. Summer arrives, and we can't wait to enjoy the smells of fresh cut grass, bask in the sun, and listen to the night noise. My parents and grandparents lived in the city, and taking it outside meant sitting on their front steps. But in my home out in the suburbs, I knew where I wanted to be-out on my patio. I live on a corner, and I have a rear-entry garage, so I could sit outside all day, and wave at the neighbors passing on the side streets or walking on the back alley. I started to think about looking at a patio furniture set-I could kick back in perfect comfort.
Even as a child, our family ate meals on our version of a patio furniture set-my dad would grill hot dogs or a steak on his little hibachi. We had a big back yard, and he built a picnic table in one weekend.
But you don't have to have a sprawling patio to enjoy the great outdoors. Even if you live in a condo or an apartment, you may have a small terrace or balcony where you can step outside. You can find a small cafe table and a pair of chairs and create your own little bistro.
Those of us who have a little more room start thinking big when we shop for a patio furniture set. With the right size table and a few accessories, you may think you've moved your dining room outdoors. Consider the size of your family and how you entertain. If you live in a casual country setting, a patio furniture set as simple as a long, camp-style table may work fine for you.
If you would rather turn your outside space into something that's like your inside space, you can find several sophisticated choices. You can find a classic look in wrought iron, create a tropical and inviting decor with weatherproof wicker, and relax in a wooden patio furniture set in teak or eucalyptus. You can choose armchairs and side chairs, upholstered or not. If you're in direct sun for part of the day, you may want to add an umbrella and a stabilizing stand.
If you watch the home decorating shows, you're likely to have seen homes with outdoor kitchens, bars, and living rooms. If you're lucky enough to have a house with these features, you need to furnish these outdoor rooms, and you have many a patio furniture set to choose from. Shop around, and you will see a patio furniture set with furniture like that inside your house-deep-seated sectionals, sofas and club chairs, chaise lounges, ottomans, cocktail tables and accent tables, lamps and fans. Check the cushions on any outdoor furniture set before you buy. They should resist fading and mildew, and they should repel water. Like the dining sets, your outdoor seating comes in a range of materials--synthetic wicker furniture, aluminum, and weather-resistant wood are popular. You may find a patio furniture set that gives you a wide selection of seat cushions in beautiful outdoor fabrics.
Some of us have a patio that is private and comfortable enough to sleep on. If that appeals to you, you can spring for an outdoor daybed. Yes, you could nap on a hammock, but think of the indulgent afternoon you could have stretching out on a bed outdoors.
However you imagine relaxing in your open spaces, you can find a patio furniture set that makes it easy to love your life outside.
