Do some eco-friendly tailgating in style this season.

Whether you are tailgating at college football games in the fall or at weekend soccer games for the kiddos, make sure your next tailgate is a success. Tailgating doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have the comforts of home (within reason) or that you can’t stick to your principles about being green.

Are you often envious of others’ setups? No worries, you just need to up your game a little with a few fun additions. Good tailgating is about planning ahead. Just like you wouldn’t expect your team to take the field without practice, you shouldn’t expect to have a killer tailgate without a little prep work. And a few gadgets make everything go more smoothly. We have a few suggestions to make your next tailgate a touchdown (or insert other sport metaphor here)!

Must-Have Tailgating Goodies

1. Solar Cooker/Grill

Be a grill master and the envy of your tailgate neighbors with a super cool solar cooker. Harness the power of the sun to power your next outdoor get together.

2. Steel Growler

Instead of grabbing a six-pack, fill up your reusable steel growler. Not only is it a more environmentally-friendly option, but allows you to enjoy your favorite microbrew. We won’t tell if you cover this badboy with your team’s stickers, either.

3.Tailgating Games

A tailgate isn’t complete without games like yard Jenga, yardzee, bottle ring toss, cornhole, and more.

4. Crank Blender

Planning an adult beverage friendly tailgate? This cord- and battery-free blender is just what you need. With just a little elbow grease, you can make margaritas, pina coladas, or your slushie beverage of choice.

5. Picnic Basket

A picnic basket full of reusable plates, cups, and utensils is the classy way to handle tailgating and making sure to keep it green.

6. Air Lounger

Chillax with blow up air loungers for the ultimate in relaxation and portability and no pump is required! Get a couple for you and your tailgating guests.

7. Solar Charger

Keep your devices charged up with a handy solar charger. From cell phones to keep up with the game to bluetooth speakers for tunes, a solar charger can keep your day all charged up.

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Summertime is the the time for outdoor entertaining and the outdoor bar. And whether you have a patio, porch, deck,or balcony, these bar signs will set the proper tone.

Love to entertain in the great outdoors? Who doesn’t, am I right? There’s nothing much better after a long week of work than having friends over for an impromptu get together on the back deck. And if you are a regular entertainer, you probably have a bar setup outdoors so you and your guests don’t have to keep going indoors to grab a cold Italian soda, lime seltzer, homemade kombucha, pomegranate martini, craft brew, or what-have-you.

Setting the tone for your outdoor entertaining space is key. For many of us, this is our home in the summertime, because who wants to be cooped inside when the living is easy outside! So, if the outdoor bar is the ice cream sundae, then bar signs are the cherry on top. Decorating with the perfect bar signs creates that chill vibe that you want to create for yourself and your guests.

And of course, you could DIY your own or search the Interwebs for just what you are looking for to decorate your outdoor entertaining space, or you can let us do the work for you.

We’ve pulled together some fun, poignant, and chill bar signs that just might set the perfect tone for your outdoor space this summer. Hurry up and chill!

Bar Signs Perfect for Your Outdoor Bar

1. Welcome to Our Porch

It is all about the friendships, after all.

2. Whatever Your Bring

Your provide the space, your friends provide the vino, right?

3. No Workin’

Exactly. The weekend is time for friends and the great outdoors.

4. Toasted

A fire pit is an awesome addition to any outdoor party. S’mores, anyone?

5. Bar Rules

Every bar needs a list of must follow rules.

6. Paradise

Outdoor living anywhere is almost paradise for certain.

7. Light Up Cork

Keep it simple and lit up!

8. Phobia

Did someone say wine?

9. What Happens at the Bar

True that!

10. Best Friends

Every Friday and Saturday, naturally.

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Searching for front porch ideas that go beyond the ordinary? Look no further.

Whether you plan on chilling in a hammock or grilling up some fun for your and some friends, it’s time to get your porch ready for the season. If you are like most people, the porch is where you huddle while trying to get into the warm house as quickly as possible for most of the year, but summer is the time for your porch to shine. Don’t let your porch down, instead, give it the love it deserves and make the most of the warm weather months.

When considering how to decorate your porch, there are definitely some key marks you want to try and hit. They are: relax, sit, swing, eat, drink, entertain, plants, and lights. Of course, you want to think about how you plan on using your porch and make sure to decorate accordingly. If you don’t plan on entertaining much  then you may not worry about including that element in your porch plan.

Wondering just exactly how to decorate your porch? It’s certainly a personal thing, but we would like to offer some inspirational suggestions to get you started on setting up your porch to be the most desirable place in the world (or at least your house) this summer. Read on to get inspired by our picks for decorating your porch.

Front Porch Ideas

Cottage Image via Shutterstock

1. Relax – One key component when considering how to decorate your porch is color. One way to add color is with paint. If your porch is bland, or is in need of some tender loving care, give it a once over with some paint. You can also bring worn porch furniture back to life as well. We like Annie Sloan chalk paint for adding some color to both.
   

Image: Peak Season Store

2. Sit – Rocking chairs feel like a must have on the porch to us. If that’s your thing, consider adding a few rockers interspersed with outdoor poufs for the ultimate in porch living.

Image: Porchco

3. Swing – Much like rocking chairs, porch swings seem like a no-brainer when upgrading your porch. This porch bed swing looks like even more of a good idea!

Image: Terrain

4. Eat – Whether grabbing a snack or having a romantic dinner on the porch, a table is a nice addition. You don’t want something that’s going to take up tons of room, though. That’s where a marble accent table comes in handy.

Image: West Elm

5. Drink – Whether for a party or a lazy Sunday afternoon, something to stylishly serve the sangria in is a must. Just because you are outdoor living, doesn’t mean you need to rough it.

Image: Anthropologie

6. Plants – Adding plants and greenery to your porch is a great way to meld the outdoor with the indoor feel of porch living. Consider some funky planters like these sea creatures planters, or something else that suits your taste and serendipity level.

Image: Terrain

7. Lights – Whether you will be throwing a party or just watching the fireflies come out, adding porch lights is making form and function into one. They can add some great atmosphere and allow you to continue enjoying our porch even after the sun goes down.

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Beach Bungalow Image via Shutterstock

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The warm season is upon us, so let the outdoor living commence!

Whether your home has a deck, porch, patio, backyard, or a balcony, it really doesn’t matter–they all work equally well for outdoor living.

Outdoor living is the art of spending your life outdoors as much as possible. When warm weather strikes who wants to be stuck inside? Outdoor living requires some foresight and planning, though. Just like living inside your home, you also need to make some decisions about how you want to use your outdoor spaces. Maybe you want a chill space for catching up on your relaxing? Or maybe you want a space for entertaining? Or both? Time’s a-wasting, though, so figure it out and get to work on creating the perfect outdoor living space!

Here are some must-do suggestions to mastering the art and science of outdoor living.

Image: Shop Terrain

10 Ways to Rock Outdoor Living Like a Boss

1. Outdoor Drink Station – Whether you build it yourself or buy an outdoor bar cart, an outdoor drink station is a must for magical outdoor living. And not just for entertaining, but just for any old lazy Sunday afternoon. Stock it with lemonade or with your favorite sangria, because who wants to have to keep running in the house for a refill?!
2. Swing – If you are lucky enough to have a porch, a porch swing is a necessity for some serious outdoor chillaxing. And if you don’t have a porch, try a good old-fashioned tree swing instead!
3. Hammock – Whether for one or two, a hammock is the easiest low-key way to relax outside, If you don’t have a tree handy, try a hammock and frame instead.
4. Warm Things Up – A chimera is the perfect way to warm up cooler evenings, keep the bugs at bay, and to add a little ambiance to your outdoor evenings.
5. Lighten Things Up – String up some lights, make your own mason jar lanterns, or add some outdoor lanterns to light up your nights outdoors.
6. Rocking Chairs – Rocking chairs may seem old-fashioned, but there’s not much else that’s better in this world than rocking the day away with a cold beverage in hand.
7. Cushions, Table, and Stools, Oh My! – To make any outdoor space more comfortable and versatile, add comfy cushions, stools, and folding tables for when guests arrive.
8. Outdoor Curtains – If you have an outdoor space with a roof, consider adding outdoor curtains to help shield you from the sun’s rays, nosy neighbors, and cooler breezes.
9. Outdoor Seating – To truly make the outdoors just like home, you must have comfortable seating. Whether you choose sofas, chairs, or lounges, choose outdoor furniture that suits your comfort needs.
10. Outdoor Dining – And finally, outdoor living must involve outdoor dining. Pick a dining set that will work for parties as well as work for any night of the week!

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Spring is the season of celebrating. Throw your very own spring fling to start the season off right.

Now that it’s staying light later, the temperatures have warmed up, and the flowers, birds and bees are all at hard at work again, it’s time to take advantage of the best loveliness Mother Nature has to offer. That means we are all ready for outdoor entertaining again!

Whether you decide to do a casual outdoor barbecue or more of an outdoor dinner party, throw a spring fling and celebrate the season. Here are some easy DIY ideas to make your spring fling a perfectly spectacular success.

7 Easy DIY Ideas for a Spring Fling

1. Fire it Up – Whether you choose a backyard chiminea or decide to build a firepit, adding fire to any outdoor party is the way to go. The light, the warmth, and the communal atmosphere of a fire can make any party a success. Add marshmallows to make it even better.
2. Drink Station/Bar – It’s always nice to have a drink station outside, so you add your guests don’t have to keep running inside for a cold one. You could always have a tub of cold beer and bottled sodas or create a DIY outdoor bar from which to serve your signature cocktail and mocktails.
3. Flowers – A spring fling calls for amazing flower centerpieces. Turn the flowers, buds, twigs and more of the season into beautiful decorations with these easy flower arranging tips.
4. Tire Swing – If you have a large enough tree in your yard, consider adding a tire swing. Children and grown-up children both love a good old-fashioned tire swing. Learn how to DIY one here.
5. Cocktail/Mocktails – A great spring fling requires a special drink. Whether you decide to go with booze or go the booze-free route, make a decadent drink for guests to make the day more special. Anything with berries is spring appropriate!
6. Food – Peas are the perfect vegetable for spring parties. They are one of the earliest veggies to pop up each spring. Serve snap peas with hummus and other dips and make pea pesto to serve toasted baguette slices.
7. Decor – Don’t be afraid to be colorful and DIY up some fun spring fling decorations like a fabulous fabric bunting, bird silhouette place cards, or turn colorful bandanas into reusable napkins. Let your spring creativity run wild!

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Outdoor fall party ideas and inspiration help to celebrate the season in style.

Everyone thinks about summer when it comes to outdoor entertaining, but fall is our favorite season for outdoor entertaining and we have some fall party ideas for your inspiration.

Just think about it: in autumn, it’s not stinking hot, there are fewer bugs, the cooler evenings are perfect for outdoor fires, and you don’t have to worry about working around too many vacation schedules. There are also plenty of great autumnal opportunities for entertaining. From tailgates and soccer games to Halloween and Oktoberfest, we’ve some great fall party ideas to make your shindig a super easy success.

Fall Party Ideas and Inspiration

1. Lighting

Since it turns darker earlier, figuring out a lighting solution ahead of time is a necessity for those shindigs that will run later than the afternoon. String lights and mason jar luminaries can work to shed some light, as well as some atmosphere, on your get together.

2. Firepit

There’s nothing more perfect during the autumn season than sitting around a firepit. It’s one of our favorite fall party ideas because it serves multiple purposes–it provides warmth, light, and atmosphere. You can buy an already made firepit, or make a DIY firepit.

3. Signature Drink

Whether you plan on serving adult beverages, every party can benefit from a signature drink. Autumn Sangria is a thing right now; Hot Toddy’s are great on a cooler day, or how about a lovely spiked (or non-spiked) Hot Apple Cider? We also are loving Rob Roy’s now (a variation on the Manhattan) and the scotch is just perfect for the fall season.

4. Picnic Basket

If you are entertaining a small group of friends away from home (like at a tailgate) consider investing in a picnic basket with all the trappings. Not only can you pack favorites like figs, cheese, nuts, olives, crusty bread, dijon mustard, and wine, but you can have real cutlery too! Everyone hates that plastic stuff.

5. Outdoor Games

If you are entertaining outdoors with children, you must include kid-friendly activities for the day. Lawn croquet is fun and appropriate for all ages. A backyard scavenger hunt, cornhole game, and no-carve pumpkin decorating are activities that can entertain kids (and grownups) of all ages.

6. Baked S’mores

Among our fall party ideas, our latest obsession is for baked s’mores. This tasty treat has all the sweetness of over the fire s’mores with the mess. Simply pour one bag of milk chocolate morsels in a cast iron pan. Top with marshmallows and bake on 350 for 10 minutes. Guests can scoop up the goodness with graham crackers.

7. Highlight the Bounty

As far as food, keep it simple, rustic, and emphasize the bounty of the season. A cheese board with figs, nuts, and local honey always satisfies; individual baked apples are easy to make and easy to serve, and pumpkin hummus is a tasty twist on the classic party food.

8. Pumpkins!

Pumpkins are completely necessary at any fall party. They have many uses too. Hollow one out for use as an ice bucket. You can also make pumpkin soup and serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin. Roasted pumpkin seeds would make a great salty treat (add them to the cheese board). And finally, a pumpkin carving contest would make for the ultimate autumn fun.

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Image: Pumpkin Ice Bucket via Shutterstock

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“Move over “man caves,” we need room for our “she sheds.”

Man caves as a concept have been around for ages–not quite back to the time of cave dwelling, but they have been a feature of suburban living for quite some time. But the concept of having one’s own space, a place for solitude and a place to create, unwind, relax, and do pretty much whatever the hell you want, really shouldn’t just be the purview of men. And while I think we all would prefer gender-neutral terms, the reality is that overworked and overstressed women deserve their own peaceful place to relax and de-stress. That’s where the “she shed” comes in. At its core, she sheds are really just the latest home design trend to capitalize on the idea that women want (*need*) a space to call their own too.

The man cave is a thing of the basement or the garage, but she sheds are a creature of the backyard. It’s a space away from the rest of the house–just far enough away to not hear the calls of “MOM?!”, but close enough in case you are actually needed.  She sheds don’t literally have to be sheds either. Sure, transforming a shed (greenhouse, unused playhouse, or what have you) into a blissful backyard hideaway is a great way to create your own space, but a building a gazebo, treehouse, screenhouse, pergola, or some other structure would work just fine as well.

The idea is to create a retreat and the sky is pretty much the limit with how you do it. Convert an existing structure or build a new one. It’s all about what will work for you.

3 Tips for Getting Started Creating Your Own She Shed

1. Determine the function of your space.

What will the purpose of your space be? Home office? Yoga retreat? Reading nook? Artist studio? All of the above? Your intended use of the space will help guide you in converting and designing your dedicated space.

2. Convert or Build?

If you already have an unused backyard structure, it may be a no-brainer to simply convert it into a comfy backyard getaway. If you don’t have an existing structure, then you know you will have to construct one.

3. Repurpose Decor and Design

Whether you convert or build a structure, repurpose where you can for your design and decor. Pallets can be used to make a fence around your she shed to give more privacy and a little love can turn a thrift shop table into a chic desk.

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Image: Pretty garden shed via Shutterstock

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Get the most out of your home by creating outdoor living spaces in your backyard.

For most people, enjoying outdoor living is all but a necessity for a happy, well-balanced and productive life. Enjoying nature, whether out on adventure or in our own backyard, brings peace, tranquility, balance and harmony to our busy and hectic modern lives. It really doesn’t get much better than enjoying an ice cold lemonade while sitting in an Adirondack chair in the middle of your backyard paradise. Or how about entertaining your closest friends while gathering around your DIY fire pit in your garden oasis?

If the idea of using your backyard as an extension of your home (as opposed to the just the place where you host an occasional summer barbecue) appeals to you, then you’ve got the idea of what modern outdoor living is all about. Creating a space that is part of your home and not just the space that’s outside your home is the goal. Creating an outdoor living space means that in the warmer months of the year, you are just as likely to be catching up on emails in your home office or out in your garden.

Whether hanging out, bring your work outside, cooking or just getting closer to nature, outdoor living is a timeless trend. But how to create your own outdoor living oasis?

Here are six ideas that can act as inspiration to get your thinking about how to convert your boring backyard into a spectacular and practical living space.

1. Go Rail-free – If you are looking to build or update your deck, consider ditching the rail. Having a deck with no rail gets rid of that barrier between your yard and your home. Of course, follow all local building codes when planning an home construction projects. If you have only one or two steps, your local building codes may allow you to have no railing though.
2. Build a Pergola – If you aren’t lucky enough to have a backyard full of trees, the hot summer sun can be an impediment to enjoying your outdoor living space. Consider constructing a pergola to add some shade to your backyard. Shade can make working outside on a laptop  or entertaining a sweet reality.
3. DIY Your Own Firepit – There is not much else better for creating an outdoor living space that just calls to you to enjoy it than having a firepit. Make your own, with this easy tutorial.
4. Add Light – In order to have a useful outdoor space after dark, you need to add some lighting for safety. you don’t have to make things too complicated though. Solar lights can be useful to light pathways and you can use mason jar candles for tabletops.
5. Add a Hammock – Adding a hammock is the ultimate in creating a relaxing outdoor living space. Here’s a great tutorial for making your own hammock swing.
6. Create a Wildlife Habitat – Finally, for creating a space for communing with nature consider creating a certified Natural Wildlife Habitat via the National Wildlife Federation’s program. It’s a great way to increase the flora and fauna in your backyard.

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The post 6 Super Outdoor Living Spaces Ideas for Creating the Most Awesome Connection with Nature appeared first on EcoSalon.

Outdoor living is definitely something to enjoy, but it’s actually good for your health too. Backyard designs can make it easier and more enticing to spend time outside.

When spring and summer come around, it’s time to turn your attention to the great outdoors. After the long, cold winter most of us are dying to get outside to soak up the rays, lounge in a hammock, congregate around the firepit and more. But it’s more than just fun.

According to the Harvard Health Letter, there are very real benefits to both our physical and mental health from spending time outside. From better concentration to decreased risk of everything from “osteoporosis to cancer to depression to heart attacks and stroke,” the benefits of outdoor living and experiencing nature are all around a boon to our health.

It can be difficult though for many of us to make the time to get outside–what with work during the week and errands and other responsibilities on the weekend–that’s why it helps to create an inviting and magical backyard that beckons you whenever you have the free time. Making a desirable enchanting outdoor living space will certainly entice you to get out and enjoy it more–you can take your laptop outside and work just as easily as sitting inside and working. Not to mention having a great outdoor living space will make yours the most popular destination amongst your friends.

Here are 7 great backyard designs for creating a magical outdoor living oasis:

1. Let There be Lights – Adding mason jar lanterns can instantly  turn your backyard into an inviting space for evening entertaining. Or use an old chandelier filled with solar lights.
2. Summer Cabana – If you have full sun all day long, consider adding an easy backyard cabana like the one in this tutorial. We all need a little Vitamin D, but too much sun can be a bad thing.
3. Wrap-a-round Tree Bench – And for those who are handy with woodworking, how about adding a bench around a tree(s)? It can offer seating for the lazy days of summer and can make your backyard a great place for get-togethers.
4. DIY Fire Pit – A fire pit is a must-have for backyard summertime entertaining. Just add marshmallows!
5. Must-Have Hammock – No magical backyard could be complete without a hammock for lazy afternoons. Even if you don’t have a tree, build your own from one of these tutorials.
6. Outdoor Bar – An outdoor bar is definitely a plus to creating a fun and relaxing space. Try this DIY salvaged wood and pipe bar station or this one made from pallets.
7. Secret Garden – Plant a ring of sunflowers now for a mid-summer flower hideaway.

Resources: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2010/July/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco?utm_source=mental&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=health0710

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The post Backyard Designs for Magical Outdoor Living appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Great Outdoors: everyone wants a piece of it.

The outdoor furniture boom is producing design that is anything but garden variety. Just as Padma Lakshmi and the Naked Chef made cooking sexy again, shows like the DIY Network’s Indoors Out and HGTV’s The Outdoor Room are making outdoor dining, bathing, working and living downright pornographic.

Some stats to consider: outdoor furniture imports reached $2.5 billion in 2011, up 8.7% from 2010. Outside furniture sales are expected to boost 21.4% by 2016.

Earlier this month, the New York Times cited a survey by HGTV and Casual Living magazine in which 87 percent of the roughly 5,000 Americans interviewed said an outdoor room in their homes was “important or very important.” An additional 15 percent said they were in the throes of making one.

Also per the Times:

In the $80 billion home furnishings industry, the market for outdoor furniture is “not huge,” said Raymond Allegrezza, editor in chief of Furniture Today and editorial director of its sister publication Casual Living. “The total value is $3.8 billion, but if you’re a retailer in a challenged economy, a $3.8 billion slice of pie is nothing to sneeze at,” he said. “People are actively going after it.”

Husk Outdoor designed by Patricia Urquiola for B & B Italia.

OK Lounger from Kartell.

Blu Dot’s Hot Mesh stacking chairs.  

Functional art/bench by Jim Drain for Cumulus Studios. 

Also from Cumulus, Rirkrit Tiravanija’s outdoor chrome bench. 

It’s hot outside and not cooling down anytime soon, at least if you’re a recreational furniture purveyor like B & B Italia, or alfresco functional artwork producer Cumulus Studios.

We suspect that a post-housing crisis reality check has a lot to do with it. Instead of valuing our houses for their market value, there’s been a definite shift towards venerating them as homes. Trending, too, is mainstream homesteading – and a renewed back-to-nature movement, one that starts at your back door.

Whatever the reason, we’ll take it. We’ll also take Patricia Urquiola’s luxe-woven Ravel series. Armchair backyard travel inspired by field experimentation in the Philippines.

Image: Pfieffer Lab/Plank Collection

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