The outdoor living of summer doesn’t have to end when the weather turns cooler.

Autumn is the new summer when it comes to outdoor living. From tailgating at football games and outdoor hikes on the weekend to Halloween and Oktoberfest, there are plenty of opportunities for gathering with friends and celebrating the bounty of the season outdoors. The outdoor living in autumn is easy, so fire up the grill and get the fire going in the firepit!

Outdoor Living Tips and Ideas for Autumn

1. Firepit

A fire is a must have when entertaining in autumn. Not only can a fire provide warmth and lighting, but nothing’s much better than homemade s’mores over a fire whether camping or in your backyard. If you looking to build a fire in your backyard, consider whether you want to purchase a firepit or build your own.

2. Pumpkin Everything

Autumn is the season of the pumpkin. While you may eschew the cult of the pumpkin spiced latte drink, that doesn’t mean that everything pumpkin is bad. Roasted pumpkin soup and pumpkin muffins are the perfect eats for those cooler nights out on the deck.

3. Outdoor Games

If you are having friends over, outdoor games are a fun way to pass the time. While you might not want to sit down to a board game outdoors (or maybe you do), games like flag football, tag, or cornhole are not only fun but can help keep the blood flowing and keep you warm and energized.

4. Warm Drinks

The cooler days and nights of autumn call for warming drinks. From mulled apple cider to hot toddys, the key to staying warm on cool nights around the firepit are “warm you from the inside” drinks. From hot chocolate to Irish Coffee, it’s all good!

5. Outdoor Seating

If you are planning on spending time outdoors chillaxing, the same seating that served you in the summertime may not do in the autumn. Consider swapping out those plastic Adirondack chairs for something that’s not going to be so cold to sit on–and consider adding some warm and washable throws to keep your legs warm.

6. Outdoor Lighting

While spending time outdoors in the autumn sun sounds nice, you may want to invite some guests over for an outdoor dinner party on the deck. That’s all well and good, but don’t forget that it does get dark earlier in the fall and you will need to provide light for your evening dinner. Everything from candles to camping lanterns will work, but just make sure that your guests can see their plates!

7. Autumn Garden

Don’t watch everything you grew over the summer just wither and die — be sure you’ve got some late summer and early autumn crops to tend to. Be that squash, corn, greens like kale or collards — there’s plenty you can grow before the first frost hits (and beyond). Plus, tending to your outdoor garden gives you an excuse to get outside. And what better for your outdoor dinner than fresh picks from your autumn garden?

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The post 7 Ways to Extend Your Outdoor Living Season Well Into Autumn appeared first on EcoSalon.

Enjoy the beauty of the season by adding a backyard fire pit and squeeze every last drop of gorgeousness you can out of the season.

When many people think of sitting around a fire, they often think of summertime barbecues and other summertime pastimes. When I think of sitting around a fire what comes to mind is the autumn bonfire–it’s a favorite amongst my family and friends. Sitting around a campfire, bonfire or backyard fire pit in the crisp autumn air is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season. It’s also an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors before the cold of winter settles in.

Add an attractive and functional backyard fire pit to your outdoor space and enjoy the autumn beauty with your family and friends. Use the fire pit for everything from a post-football game hangout spot to a fun way to add ambiance at your Halloween party.

7 Fun and Functional Backyard Fire Pits

1. Prism Steel Chiminea – A chiminea is a freestanding stove or fireplace that features a  chimney, which can be a nice feature to direct smoke up and away from the crowd. This pretty, yet functional, chiminea is made from heavy-gauge and long-lasting steel and will patina over time.

2. Cast Iron Fire Bowl – Cast iron is both durable and functional, making it an ideal material for a fire pit. The sleek design of this fire bowl will add some functional elegance to your backyard fire.

3. European Fire Pit – For a bit of old world style, add this stone fire pit. It also features a removable lid so it converts to a table. Beauty and function all in one.

4. Classic Copper Chiminea – This copper chiminea is hand-hammered and also features a useful mesh spark screen, rain cap and a matching fire iron. The copper will patina over time adding to the coppery charm.

5. Wildlife Fire Pit – This fire bowl features wildlife cutouts that will add to the experience at night. This large bowl also comes with a spark screen and a poker.

6. Third Rock Fire Pit Globe – What a showstopper! This fire globe is handmade from steel and is made to last.

7. Woodgrain Fire Table – This natural gas fire table allows for a cleaner burning fire than from wood fires.

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The post Add a Backyard Fire Pit and Make the Most of Autumn appeared first on EcoSalon.