If you want to expand your outdoor living space and make it comfortable when the weather turns cold, adding a fire pit to the back yard is a great way to do just that. There is nothing like sitting around a fire pit telling ghost stories and roasting marshmallows to bring the family together. Once it is in place, the fire pit will quickly become the focal point of your outdoor living space. When properly installed and well maintained, the fire pit will be both enjoyable and safe to use. Proper maintenance is the key to continued safety, so take the time to learn the proper techniques. Below are some easy ways to keep your fire pit in great shape.

Perhaps the most important maintenance tip is to make sure the fire is out before you leave the pit. Do not leave the area until the fire has burned out completely and the ashes are cool. Hot embers can still spark a fire, so always put safety first. Once the fire is out and the ashes have cooled sufficiently, you can clean the fire pit and get it ready for the next use. Cleaning the fire pit thoroughly after each use is the best way to keep it looking and running like new. It is recommend to wait a day after use, before cleaning your fire pit. It is very important you wait until the fire pit is completely cooled before cleaning.

Use an angled broom to seep the interior of the fire pit. Sweep in the same direction instead of moving the broom back and forth – this will keep the ash from being moved around and make cleanup easier. Use a dust pan to remove the accumulated ash and dispose of it properly. Again, make sure the ash is completely cooled off before disposing of it.

Once the interior of the fire pit has been swept and the ash safely removed, you may also take a damp rag and wipe out any access ash that is remaining in the bowl. You want to eliminate any soot build up or any food debris; these can clog burners and cause stains to your bowl. Check the perimeter of the fire pit carefully and make sure there is no debris that could spark and catch fire. Remove branches, leaves and other potentially flammable materials until you have a clear space at least 10 feet in diameter. Make sure to re-check the perimeter before using the fire pit again.

If your fire pit is made of decorative concrete pavers, you will need to seal them to prevent premature wear and tear. Apply a thin coat of stone or concrete sealant to the fire pit, making sure to use a product designed to withstand high heat. You may need to reseal the pavers from time to time – just check for wear each time you use the fire pit and reapply the sealant as needed.

For further protection from the outside elements, a patio grade cover is durable, breathable and water resistant. Maintaining the fire pit the right way can extend its lifetime and make it safer to use.

For people who love to entertain, the patio and its surrounding outdoor setting can make for the ideal backdrop when the weather permits. With some careful planning, homeowners can design a patio and outfit it with furnishings and accessories that complement the setting’s elegance and functionality. When creating and furnishing your luxury patio, be sure to keep the following ideas in mind.

High-Functioning Outdoor Kitchen

If you entertain outdoors on a regular basis, you might think about installing an outdoor kitchen on a portion of your patio. To integrate your kitchen into the patio space, you might consider custom built-ins that can accommodate your cooking appliances (i.e. grill) and counter space for food preparation. The style of your patio can inform the type of design you choose for the space whether you opt for a modern style, traditional, or something more particular like a hacienda or Tuscan villa style. Naturally, you’ll want to choose accessories such like dishes, cushion fabric, and potted plants that enhance your chosen style.

Dining Area

Consider the type of entertaining you do before you outfit your dining space with furnishings. If you generally invite extended family to your home, you might want to opt for a grand outdoor table, one that’s large enough to seat the adults you typically invite to your home. If you, on the other hand, tend to host large events, you might opt for a series of café or bistro sets that encourage guests to mingle and even move from table to table. You can choose elegant table settings for this area of your patio along with table centerpieces like candles, vases, and even oil lamps.

Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar is ideal for homes that do a lot of entertaining. It’s often easiest to site the bar near the home so that running water and electricity is less difficult. From small yet swanky to large and elaborate, outdoors bars run the gamut in terms of style and size. You can select one that complements your outdoor kitchen, but also provides a focal point for your outdoor entertainments. When it comes to bar accessories, you can opt for elegant stemware and glassware that match your decorative style.

Patio Furniture

From teak to wrought iron, patio furniture is available in a myriad of styles. You might opt for wicker, wood, or metal in a style that suits your decorative plan. You can create an outdoor family room with outdoor chaise lounges, chairs, and couches that are set out in a fashion that’s conducive to conversation. While the family room style might be fine for smaller gatherings, you may need more seating for larger entertainments. Stools, benches, and functional seating can be made more comfortable with outdoor cushions that can be easily stored when they’re not needed.

Other Considerations

When designing and decorating your patio, don’t forget to think about how to shade your guests during daylight events. You might want to include a pergola or gazebo in your plans. For night-time entertaining, you’ll need to infuse light onto your patio so your guests will be safe walking about. You can accessorize the space with gorgeous outdoor lighting fixtures that are both durable and functional. Finally, consider adding an elegant focal point to your setting like a fountain or outdoor fireplace.

Once you create your ideal outdoor setting, you’ll love entertaining outdoors where your guests can enjoy the outdoor climate in a beautiful setting. Keep these considerations in mind as you plan your patio and shop for outdoor furnishings.

Many people ask: Why is luxury outdoor furniture a better value than big box stores such as Home Depot, Target and even Ikea. These stores are great for college students or a person in their early 20’s when life is unpredictable and moving from place to place is common. However once life settles down and you make the big step in purchasing a home, starting a family and getting settled into your career it is time to think about long term investments.

Having to buy patio furniture every year because of sun rot and faded ugly cushions is never fun and will add up over the years. Most times people who choose to do this end up spending far more money than if they had just started with a high quality patio set. Here are some of the things you can look forward to after buying your own set of luxury outdoor furniture.

Beautifully Crafted

With high end, luxury outdoor furniture you can expect a wide range of different frame styles made from only the best materials. At All American Fine Outdoor Furnishings we sell hand woven, N-Dura, all weather wicker sets made to last in all kinds of weather. All aluminum, rust protected frames that are light weight but durable and ideal for easy storage. Wrought iron frames are heavy and perfect for windy climates as well as rain prone areas.

Cushions that last

All of All American’s patio furniture sets are made with only the best outdoor cushion fabrics by Sunbrella. Sunbrella is the leading outdoor fabric company and prides themselves on making durable, long lasting fabrics that wont fade in harsh sun. Sunbrella fabrics are also made to last through rain and even snow. Fabrics aren’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to cushions. Made with the best cushion foam, you wont have to worry about cushions going flat. Our foam stays plush and comfortable for many years.

Having a backyard patio is a great way to relax and entertain guests and family in the summer time. However there are many things to consider when purchasing patio furniture such as; how much up-keep is involved, how much furniture you will need, and what you want to use it for.  All of these factors are important to consider before you pick a set. You don’t want to spend all of your time trying to maintain your furniture or have to go out and buy more because you didn’t account for your large extended family or group of friends. There are so many different kinds of outdoor patio furniture sets, don’t just settle on the first one you see!

1. Activities

It is important to decide what you want to use your patio area for. Will it mainly function as a sitting area? Will you want to serve dinner outside, or throw get-togethers with your friends where a dining table is necessary? Is this somewhere you would like to get your summer reading done? Do you plan on spending time outside at night? If yes, a fire pit might something to consider. These are all factors to determine prior to your purchase. Try making a list of what you would like to do on your patio. That should help you decide what kind of furniture to buy.

1. Maintenance

After spending all day making sure the weeds are gone from your garden and watering your plants the last thing you want to do is have to worry about your patio furniture. Purchasing low maintenance patio furniture is the way to go and that doesn’t mean it is inexpensive furniture either. Metal, teak, cedar and all-weather wicker furniture are extremely low maintenance and can handle most weather including harsh sun. If it gets dirty, remove the cushions and hose it off.

1. Skip the cheap stuff

It may be tempting to go ahead and buy the inexpensive big box brands, plastic chairs and side table, or the fake, plastic wicker chairs that look great in the protection of the stores roof. However the truth is these furniture sets will only last you a year, maybe two. After that, expect sun rot and cracks. The saying, you get what you pay for is certainly true when it comes to outdoor furniture!

Alright, you got me. Tommy Bahama is not a person, but it is the newest brand addition to our wide collection of luxury patio furniture. Tommy Bahama hasn’t always had a furniture line though, their history started with upscale, casual clothing for men before they morphed into the Tommy Bahama we know and love today.

A Brief History

Tommy Bahama was inspired by a fictional character who lived an island lifestyle with a relaxed, slow paced approach. With this in mind, Tommy Bahama settled in Seattle, Washington where they started to design men’s clothing, directed by one of the cofounders, Gasperina, whom is a fashion industry veteran.

In 1995 Tommy Bahama opened their first stand alone, retail shop in Naples Florida, which ended up being their big break. People started a buzz about their retail and department stores began to increase their orders. In late, 1990’s Tommy Bahama introduced a woman’s line followed by sportswear and swimwear for both men and woman. The rest is pretty much history! Tommy Bahama now retails a wide variety of products anywhere from apparel to, beach gear, to outdoor patio furniture.

Tommy Bahama, Patio Furniture

Tommy Bahama’s outdoor furniture lines have a reputation for being charming and upscale, yet laid back and casual. All of their furniture comes in a diverse range of styles to ensure everyone can create the perfect outdoor space. These outdoor furniture sets are made with the finest materials and the best craftsmanship with over 175 all-weather, water proof (and irresistibly comfortable) fabrics to choose from. 

Kingstown Sedona Collection

The Kingstown Sedona Collection is inspired by Sedona Arizona which is known for their stunning colorful landscape of endless red rock formations. The Kingstown Collection is by far the most elegant, detailed and sophisticated collection that Tommy Bahama has to offer. From hand-carved molds, this collection features all-weather cast aluminum frames with a rich ebony finish.