Intimate Patio Dinner Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to spend it with your significant other or family than to serve traditional home-cooked meal (don’t forget the turkey!) and have an intimate dinner with them… And as far as that rhetoric question can be answered, yes there’s a better way to spend Thanksgiving with your family, and that is to take off those patio furniture covers and set up an intimate patio dinner!

               Screengrab from Charlie M Schultz’ A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

And because having a typical night of turkey and cranberry inside the house or in your favorite restaurant is becoming more of a routine rather than a celebration, here are some lovely-clever ideas to spruce and spice up your Thanksgiving dinner by the patio!

Dim Lights

When it comes to setting up a cozy, ecclectic and welcoming mood, nothing does it better than having a warm lighting. Tungsten lighting is always the perfect choice to harness this pleasant vibe. To do this, you can either set up the entire area with candles and lanterns or simply settle with those LED string lights available in the market. And to intensify the elating vibe your lighting, throw in some light trinkets and chimes to accommodate the breeze with beautiful noises.

Fire Up The Pit

Since the time of Thanksgiving usually falls on during those relatively cold days, might as well take off the fire pit covers for this particular night and spend the after-dinner by enjoying the comforting warmth given by glowing fire. Pair this with a nice bottle of wine, champagne or single malt while sharing stories with your loved ones. Heck, might as well go for the impromptu Thanksgiving S’mores party.

Under Your Umbrella

This time, instead devouring the whole roasted turkey and mashed potatos by yourselves, go for a more unique approach by going for a picnic-style Thanksgiving dinner. Lay a picnic blanket on the grass, carve some of freshly-roasted turkey, pour some cranberry sauce plus some veggies and roll it in a nice, warm pita or Panini bread and partner it with Mac & Cheese (that is if you’re a fan of Chandler Bing from Friends). Of course, don’t forget the wine for your toast. And adding detail to your captivating night by setting up an umbrella lounge by the backyard isn’t such a bad idea for an intimate dinner with your partner.

TENT-giving Dinner

               Setup a tent by the patio to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones

No, don’t misinterpret the sub headliner. It’s a bad pun, please forgive us. Anyway, we just figured, since we’re talking about intimate dinners, why not go further by making it more “exclusive” by pitching your patio tent or screen house and set the table there. Make it even more romantic by matching it with the usual Miles Davis and John Coltrane music on the background. Better yet, hire a player if time and money permits. After all, you want it to be special, right?

On an end note, it doesn’t matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved-ones. Be it a simple, extravagant or extremely unique celebration, what is important is the essence of being thankful for the year’s worth of blessings, because that’s what it’s all about.

How to Get On Top of Your Budget

Saving on costs happens before you spend a dime. If any of your purchases cause you to spend more for auxiliary services like repairs then something is not right. Frequent trips to service shops may seem harmless. But in reality, these unplanned visits not only create a dent on your budget but they can eat up your savings in the long run – without you noticing it.

Before your finances succumb to a cardiac arrest, start taking preventive maintenance plans seriously. These steps need not be elaborate and difficult. The simple use of patio furniture covers for your outdoor sitting area can go along way.

Religiously following a care prevention plan of your choice can provide the right amount of protection. This rule can benefit people as well as everyone and everything they care about. Start protecting your health, home, car, laptop and more by applying this universal rule.

Follow these 3 steps to help you create a versatile prevention plan that will help you save money.

1.     Straighten up facts

Being all giddy will not help you create a plan. Before penning down anything on your action plan, make sure to get the facts right. If you are devising a way to prolong the life of your gadget, it is best to know the specifications of your product. Usually, they come together with your purchase. From there, familiarize yourself with the components used. Is it water-resistant? Does it have a dust-proof covering? These are some important points that you have to consider later on as these can affect the functionality of the gadget, in this case.

2.     Set goals

After getting a clear picture of the things that you’d have to consider, it is now time to think of what you would like to achieve with this plan. What are your concrete objectives in having a preventive maintenance plan? Would you like to keep your gadget or purchase in good shape to keep its resale value up? Or are you just taking good care of it to avoid damages that would need costly repairs or replacements? Think of your goals well and write them down as specific as you can.

3.     Write down the procedure

Knowing what you want is as important as how you intent to get there. Plans are just wishes blown by the wind until concrete steps are undertaken to start a journey towards achieving them. Just like the previous step, identifying specific procedures would be really helpful. Are you going to invest in a shock proof case for your purchase? Would you buy specialized covers for your pool or other furniture pieces? How often will cleaning be done if required? Make sure to integrate the information you’ve gathered from the first two steps to be able to create a sound plan.

Can rust eat your investments? Get the answer here.

Keep Your House Safe for Kids

Every child is a testament to the wonderful gift of life – even if at times you feel like covering them with patio furniture covers even just for a couple of minutes to take the crazy world to a halt. Kidding!

It is really amazing to look at their tiny hands and feet in their first few weeks. Parents, especially mothers, would often be puzzled at how that wonderful creature grew within her for the past nine months. As children grow, they never fail to amaze and bring wonderful surprises to the family.

Photo Credit: Love To Know Kids

But behind these surreal moments are manic ones in between. Children, especially toddlers, can be quite a handful to handle at home. Endless running and shouting all over the place can definitely turn any household upside down. And it’s pretty rare for children to cause havoc without getting a couple of bruises or scars along the way.

Allowing children to explore the great outdoors is said to be one of the most effective ways of letting them learn not only about the environment, but about life in general. Don’t let safety issues get in the way of your child’s education. We’ve compiled the most practical practices that you can easily integrate in the upkeep of your backyard to encourage your children to play.

1. Define spaces

Separating the lounge from the play area can help in keeping your children safe outdoors. Defining spaces allows kids to develop a sense of familiarity with and belongingness to their specified area. Placing the play area far from the pool or the barbeque area can help ensure safety. Fences are also recommended to keep children within the vicinity of your home.

2. Be a barber

You don’t have to cut your child’s hair. All you have to do is trim the grass in your backyard. Tall grasses are very inviting to snakes and other animals that could cause harm to your kids. If you are too busy to take care of this chore, you may hire the kid next door. Turning this activity into a family affair is another creative way to promote family time.

3. Pick furniture pieces wisely

Anything with a sharp edge is a no-no. Rounded tables and sofas are better choices for outdoor furniture over their more angular and boney counterparts. Another thing that you have to consider is the material used for the furniture. Make sure avoid anything that has chemicals and can be broken. Also choose pieces that are easy to clean since kids can really make a lot of mess.

4. Cover ‘em up

Using patio furniture covers really help in keeping your furniture safe from dust and bacteria build up that can trigger allergies. Pool covers on the other hand ensure that no one falls inside the pool unintentionally. These covers are usually made with sturdy materials that can withstand changes in weather.

Let your kids play under the sun while they are young. These moments help them learn about their surroundings that lead to a better understanding of life. Treating kids as fragile individuals at all times can cripple their growth.  Let them be what they really are – innocent and carefree. 

Things to Consider in Patio Furniture

Starting a restaurant business can be a challenge. After setting up the location, t is time to go for some furniture shopping.  Usually, the interior of the place is given a lot of importance when choosing which furniture to purchase. But then, this should not be the case if the restaurant that will be opened has an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.  One must also take a considerable amount of time and effort in choosing the best patio furniture that can be used for the business.  Getting the best items and furniture will surely not come cheap. But then, thinking of it as an investment will mean more money saved in the long run.

There are many companies that offer patio furniture, which can be used to the business’ best advantage.  It is best to shop around first before deciding on the color, as well as the kind and type of furniture to be purchased.  Going around shopping with an interior designer is the best way to go.  He or she will be able to help choose what best goes with the theme of the place. It would also be good to add patio furniture covers to the list of things to buy.

Choosing the Furniture

Of course, before shopping for patio furniture, it is best to learn how to choose one first.  There are several aspects that must be checked before signing that order slip and giving the charge card.  First, the durability of the item must be looked into.  There are reviews online for materials that are commonly used for the manufacturing of the furniture that can be used as a reference before making the purchase.  It must be made sure that the pieces are truly built for outdoors, since they will be exposed to the elements day in and day out.

The next thing to consider will be the cost.  Being in the business, cost is always given importance, as it will add up to overhead expenses, which can affect the venture’s overall income.  Check on the prices of the items first before making that big purchase when looking for patio furniture.  However, being cheap does not mean saving money all the time because the durability of the item may be questionable.  There must be a balance between the price and the durability of the item.  Paying a little extra in the beginning may help save money in the future, as the item will last longer than the cheaper ones.

Materials Available

The next thing to consider when choosing commercial patio furniture is the kind of material it is made. Since the furniture is to be placed outside of the restaurant for long periods of time and therefore exposed to the elements, make sure that it will be able to withstand the elements.  Check if the material is an all-weather kind so that there would be no need to worry when it rains or when the temperature outside is soaring.  This is where the patio furniture covers come in, as they will help add another layer of protection to the furniture.

Natural rattan and synthetic rattan are one of the more preferred materials for commercial patio furniture.  Aluminum and vinyl straps are also one of the more well-known and well-used patio furniture especially for restaurants because of their durability and easy maintenance.  Whatever patio furniture and cover is chosen for the restaurant, for sure the guests will appreciate the place, as dining al fresco is a truly relaxing dining experience.

Get the Right Patio Furniture Covers

With the summer in full bloom, it is certainly the best time to be out and about. Lounging outdoors is also a great way to feel the laid-back summer vibe. However, having a comfortable area to experience the great outdoors is a different story.

Spacious backyards often come as a luxury. Though many see this added space as an option, it is one thing that will always be good to have when you purchase a home. Having a personal space which you can customize to become a wonderland or your mini-vacation spot can become your instant relief from daily stress.

If the thought of creating your very own outdoor sanctuary got you all hyped up, better calm down. Take your time to think make plans and think things through to be able to create and execute the best plan.

Before hitting the stores to scout for furniture pieces, read our list of useful tips and tricks that will surely help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.

Image source: The Jewel Box Home Blog

Feel the weather
Every part of the globe definitely has a unique weather pattern. Get acquainted with how the weather changes in your area and get a good feel of it. Knowing this will greatly help you examine other considerations for the space that you are planning such as the material of any furniture to be used as well as the overall look and feel of the area.

Keep it real – measure your space
You may fall in love with a fabulous sofa, but if it will eat up 90 percent of your outdoor space then you might have to reconsider purchasing it. Putting everything in black and white is the best way to go. Measure the size of your space to really know what you’re working with. This will also be of great help in our next tip.

Visualize and plan
Taking an objective look at your space through measuring is most useful in putting together a layout or design plan. Visualization allows you to create 3D images of not only the type of furniture you hope to find but its actual placement as well. When you’ve captured the vivid images that you want, it’s time to plot them on paper. Drawing boxes, circles, stars or any other shape of your preference would do. You don’t need to be a professional interior designer to play this part.

Make comfort non-negotiable
Remember that the main reason why you want to have an outdoor space is to create a sanctuary that’s within your reach. With that said, make sure that you are comfortable with everything you place in the area, from the tables and seats to the paint, rugs and accessories used – they should make you feel relaxed and well, comfortable.

And after all your hard work to bring this outdoor getaway space to life, ensure that you get to keep it that way for the longest time. Formosa covers offer a wide range of quality patio furniture covers that can keep your outdoor investments safe – rain or shine.

Furniture Covers and Your Home Budget

Can patio furniture covers save your home budget?

Image source: Fox Business

Of course it can! But it can’t double your money when it’s hidden under this sheet.

Budgeting is an easy task that provides lots of benefits for those who are serious and committed to it. Despite all of its benefits, many of us still find this practice tasking. It’s very easy to lose track of your spending once you get your hands on that lovely paycheck. Whoever keeps all of their purchase receipts, right?

Today, we’ll be sharing with you three practical tips to get your personal and home budget in good shape. Follow these simple steps to start taking charge of your spending habits.

Do a financial diagnosis
The first to getting things in order is finding out where it’s all messed up. Start tracing where your money goes before penning down a budget can help you make a realistic one. Following your budget plan will be easier as well because it is clear and written in black and white.

Check your expenses by creating a list of your bills and other payments to know where your hard-earned money is going. Determine how much you’re spending on food, housing, utilities, bills and other necessities. Also include the amount you keep for any insurance policy, investments and other form of savings. Adjustments can be made once you know where your money goes.

Set up a budget
Now that you know which among your expenses gobbles up your money, it’s time to set things right. Classify your spending between needs and wants so you’ll know which ones are important. Work your way around this framework to be able to give appropriate funding to those expenses that really need it.

Take care of what you have 
One common budget drainer at home is the surprise expenses for repairs and replacements of appliances and furniture to name a few. Prevention will always be better than any cure. Protect and handle home equipment before it’s too late. Using furniture covers, regular maintenance checks and consistent cleaning can help you prolong the life of your high-value purchases.

Do you follow a budget plan?

Let us know how you minimize your expenses by leaving a comment below.

Get Your Outdoor Furniture Summer Ready

Turn a formerly drab outdoor space into a fabulous one. Entertaining your family and other visitors will be a breeze from then on.

Image souce: BHG

But everything should not end at that glorious moment. Though your patio furniture covers keep your outdoor pieces safe from dust and the harmful effects of the weather, you can never be too careful. That is why we compiled another set of helpful tips to guide you in cleaning outdoor furniture. Keeping them in good shape doesn’t only ensure the health of your love ones but also protects your investment by prolonging furniture lifespan.

Before going into the details, always remember that periodical cleaning will always be better than out of the cleaning when you just feel like it. A once or twice a month through a cleaning session of your outdoor furniture can do wonders in maintaining them. Though store-bought disinfectants can really help, do not forget about natural ones that are as effective but does not cost you a dime. Let your furniture catch the sun once in a while. Doing so has proven to be an effective way stopping moss and mildew growth. Natural air-drying them is also a good practice.

Make sure to perform material-appropriate cleaning methods so as not to damage your furniture. To give you a head start, we’ve compiled a number of maintenance tips for the 3 most common types of outdoor furniture. Read on to know more about them.

Plastic
This material is one of the easiest to maintain whether they are used inside or outside of the home. Aside from being easy to clean, plastic furniture pieces are also light weight and easy to transfer. This means that you will be able comfortably cleaning your furniture without much hassles.

To clean furniture pieces of this type, having a soap and water solution may be enough. But depending on your preference, you may add a store-bought cleanser for a more thorough clean. Scrub your furniture well and rinse afterwards.

TIP: If using store-bought cleansers, test your solution before cleaning the entire furniture to make sure that the material does not have undesirable reactions.

Wood
This type of furniture has a pretty classic and classy feel to them. However, wooden furniture pieces can be very sensitive to the changes of weather. A cold and damp environment may leave pieces with undesired growths. When this happens, a thorough cleaning with the use of oxygenated bleach solutions is a must. Scrubbing and rinsing well can bring your furniture back its original glory.

Metal
Outdoor furniture made from this material is also easy to clean. A soapy water solution and some elbow grease often do the trick. Soaps that are specifically formulated to clean cars also work best for cleaning grime away from this material. Rust and stains are common problems as well. Using a sand paper to clean the specific problem area is commonly done.

TIP: Rust-prohibiting paints are recommended to be used after sanding to help protect your furniture from getting all rusty again.

Purchasing the right furniture for your outdoor sanctuary is half the job. Keeping them clean and safe for use is another. Formosa Covers, offer quality products to help you protect various investments – from golf carts to outdoor furniture, we got them covered.

You Wicker Furniture, Protected

Having an outdoor patio can be a great addition to one’s home.  Aside from adding value to the home, it can be a place to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work.  It can also be a place where one can entertain guests over some barbecue and drinks.  Most prefer to furnish this space with outdoor furniture made to outlast the harsh elements like wind, rain and dust.  One of the most preferred types of outdoor furniture is wicker, which can be protected with patio furniture covers.  

For those who are not familiar, wicker furniture is made from thin, slender branches woven around a frame to create variously shaped items like chairs, tables, and such. The wicker itself can be made from any number of natural materials like willow, bamboo, rattan, or reed. With the advances in technology, it can also be made from synthetic materials.  The reason people prefer this material is because of its soft feel, which is not common for outdoor furniture options.   Unlike fashioning wrought iron furniture, high skill level is not that much of a requirement when it comes to doing wickerwork. However, it does involve intricate craftsmanship because it can be a challenge to finish a single piece and making sure that it is sturdy enough to support the user. But then, although basic wicker furniture isn't that hard to create because it is a simple process, only experienced wickerwork artisans can only make the best pieces out of the strips of material and frame.

Spring Cleaning for the New Year: 3 Essential Tips to Keep Your Garden Clean In 2013

Gardening is never an easy task. More often than not, it requires physical labor which includes lifting heavy loads, removing patio furniture covers and tinkering with soil among many other tasks.

To guide you through the scheduling of your gardening tasks, here are 3 simple things that you should consider to effectively schedule cleaning activities for your outdoor space:

• Perform gardening chores in one day

Back To School: How To Make Your Home A Haven For Students

Photo Credit: Distance Learning Advice

Is your child back in school?

We’re sure you’ll be busier in the coming months. As you take care of your child’s academic needs, don’t forget to keep your outdoor investments safe with patio furniture covers.

Bringing the calmness of your outdoor sanctuary inside the home is highly encouraged. Especially at this time when your kids could be weighed down with too much work loads in school and extracurricular activities.