October 2, 2023

Autumn Backyard Bash: Fun Ideas for a Fantastic Family Fall

As autumn paints the world in hues of gold and red, there’s no better time to host a family-friendly backyard party. The crisp air, falling leaves, and cozy atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Allow us to inspire you with ideas that will make your gathering a seasonal sensation! Rustic Harvest Table Any good fall party features a long rustic table for family and friends to gather. Don’t overthink it! A board and a couple of sawhorses will do the trick. Cover it with burlap and decorate with leaves, mason jars and battery-operated twinkle lights and you’re well on your way. PS: The more mismatched the chairs, the better. Just add some pillows and blankets here and there to set a cozy and inviting mood. Bistro Lights Is there any time that doesn’t lend itself to cafe string lights? We think not. However, fall with its early twilight and soft hues will get an extra dose of magic with a couple lines of bistro lights hung above your table. Another option: Paper lanterns or hand-made tin can lanterns can provide a family craft activity and add a personal touch. Pumpkin Patch Vibes Set the mood by creating your own pumpkin patch (doubles as photo booth) at the entrance to your backyard. This doesn’t have to be expensive! A bale of hay, some pumpkins, stalks of corn and mums, and you have the most inviting entrance to your party. Blankets and Pillows More is more here. Set out cozy blankets and pillows galore for guests to stay warm as temperatures drop. Prepare Activities and Games What’s a fall party without a pumpkin decoration station? If you don’t want the mess of pumpkin carving, decorate with paints, markers and craft supplies. And maybe this is the one time of the year to use some glitter? It’ll be outside after all. 😉 Not into pumpkin crafts? Use leaves. Leaf rubbings are a classic, and leaf collages on canvas make for fantastic seasonal art pieces. Pinecone birdfeeders. Ok, they are a little messy to make. But remember it’s outside, and you’ll make the birds happy 🙂 Sack races are hilarious. Seriously, when was the last time you participated in a sack race? Exactly. It takes us straight back to the good old days. Pumpkin bowling or pumpkin bocce will provide hours of autumn-themed entertainment… Promise! Bobbing for apples is messy, yes – but it is SO. MUCH. FUN. Refreshing, too. Who dares to dunk first? Also remember an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so there are real health benefits to playing this game. Minute-to-Win-It Autumn Style! Work in teams or compete individually, but don’t forget to set out prices!! Candy corn relay races are a fun activity if you’re looking for some friendly family competition. Leaf blower: How many dry leaves can your team down a table – with a straw? (This activity is right up DAPrDAN’s ally!!) Candy Pumpkin Toss. How many can your team accurately toss into a cup? Buckets of Acorns: How many acorns can you squirrel from one basket into another using only tweezers? (Make it harder by forcing competitors to wear oven mitts) Chop Chop Candy Corn: Same concept as your acorns – but transport your kernels from one plate to the other using chop sticks Seasonal Specialties Nothing says “fall” like a cast-iron dutch oven full of chili on a tripod over a campfire. Have someone watch the meal so it doesn’t burn while you play. Alternatively, bring in your trusty crock pot for a soup bar potluck, and recruit your baking friend to bring a loaf of homemade sourdough. Yum! You might, however, need your crock pot for Caramel Apples… and there is no shame in that. After all, an apple a day… End the day with smores and (spooky?) stories by the bonfire. Whatever you do, you’ll be sure to create warm and fond memories for years to come. Enjoy!

How to Store Outdoor Furniture for Winter: Easy Tips for a Cozy, Protected Patio

Blog / Greg Sicotte

As the colder months approach, it’s time to think about protecting your outdoor furniture. Properly storing your outdoor furniture over winter can extend its lifespan, save you money, and ensure that you have a cozy, inviting patio space when spring arrives. In this article, we’ll share essential tips on how to store your outdoor furniture for winter, ensuring it stays in great condition and is ready to shine when the sun reemerges. 1. Clean Thoroughly Before storing your outdoor furniture for the winter, it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly. Here’s how to do it: Remove Cushions and Fabrics: If your metal furniture has cushions or fabric elements, remove them and store them separately. Wash with Mild Soap: Use mild soap and warm water to clean the metal frames. A sponge or soft brush works well for this task. Clean wood and wicker furniture with a gentle detergent appropriate for your furniture type following manufacturer’s instructions Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the soap thoroughly and allow the furniture to dry completely. Did you know that DAPrDAN can clean your patio furniture? Just give us a call or combine it with a siding cleaning and it’ll be good as new! 2. Check for Repairs Now that your furniture is clean, inspect it for any needed repairs. This is a critical step to ensure your furniture lasts for years to come. Look for loose screws, missing bolts, or any structural damage. Address these issues before storing your furniture to prevent further deterioration during the winter. 3. Store in a Dry Location When storing your outdoor furniture, choose a dry location. Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot, so it’s essential to keep your furniture in a place where it won’t be exposed to rain or snow. When storing your furniture in a garage, shed, or any other space, it’s a good idea to elevate it off the ground. This prevents moisture from seeping into the furniture’s legs or base, reducing the risk of rust or rot. You can use wooden blocks or furniture risers for this purpose. 4. Invest in Furniture Covers Furniture covers are an excellent investment for protecting your outdoor furniture during the winter months. They shield your furniture from rain, snow, and UV rays. Here’s how to use them effectively: Choose Quality Covers: Invest in high-quality, waterproof furniture covers that fit snugly over your pieces. Secure the Covers: Ensure that the covers are secured tightly to prevent them from blowing away in strong winds. Use Cushion Storage: If you have cushions, consider using cushion storage bags or containers to keep them dry and dust-free. 5. Store Cushions and Fabrics Separately To prolong the life of your outdoor cushions and fabric components, store them separately from the furniture. Here’s how: Clean and Dry: Ensure that cushions and fabric elements are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before storing them. Use Storage Bags: Invest in storage bags or containers specifically designed for cushions. These will protect them from moisture and pests. Label and Organize: If you have multiple sets of cushions, label each bag or container for easy identification when you’re ready to use them again. 6. Maintain Furniture During Winter While your outdoor furniture is in storage, it’s still important to perform occasional maintenance to ensure it remains in excellent condition. Here’s what you can do: Check for Moisture: Periodically inspect your storage area for signs of moisture or leaks. Address any issues promptly to prevent damage to your furniture. Ventilate the Storage Space: If possible, provide some ventilation in your storage area to prevent the buildup of moisture and condensation. Inspect for Pests: Check for any signs of pests like rodents or insects that might have found their way into your storage space. 7. Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions During the winter months, keep an eye on weather conditions, especially if you’re storing your furniture on a covered patio or in an outdoor shed. If a particularly heavy snowfall or storm is forecasted, it’s a good idea to check on your furniture and make necessary adjustments to protect it from the elements. 8. Plan Ahead for Spring While winter is in full swing, use this time to plan for the spring. Consider any maintenance or repairs your furniture might need before you start using it again. This way, you’ll be prepared to enjoy your outdoor space as soon as the warmer weather arrives. Properly storing your outdoor furniture for the winter is a simple yet effective way to ensure its longevity. So, take a little time now to protect your investment, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and comfortable patio when spring returns.

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