Monthly Archives: January 2019

How Does Fire Glass Work? Choosing An Outdoor Fire Table

You’ve seen that sparkling layer of glass in outdoor fire tables, right? That is a special type of glass called fire glass. You’re probably wondering, how does fire glass work and what makes it so special? From fire glass safety tips and information to money-saving suggestions, we’re sharing all the details of this stunning fire feature decorating trend.

Does Fire Glass Get Hot?

The short answer? Yes! Fire table glass can get extremely hot. One of the upsides to using fire glass is that it produces a lot more heat than a standard gas log. To a child (and some adults) the fire glass may look pretty or even fun to touch while it’s burning in the fire pit, and this is why it’s very important you inform everyone using the fire pit that the fire glass can get extremely hot.

How to Light Fire Glass in a Fire Pit

Fire glass isn’t flammable, so when you light your fire pit, you’re not actually going to light the glass like you would a pile of tinder and wood. To light your fire glass, all you need to do is install it in your outdoor fire table and light your fire feature as you normally would. Once lit, the fire should rise evenly among your collection of stunning fire glass, making it appear as if it’s on fire.

Can You Use Fire Glass Instead of Lava Rock?

Fire glass is a fantastic alternative to lava rock and can be used to freshen up the look of your outdoor fire table and patio set. Although fire table glass costs more than lava rock, it looks great, produces more heat, and distributes heat more evenly.

If you have a beautiful outdoor fire table that is often surrounded by company, we suggest you fill it with fire glass instead of lava rock, especially if you’re leaning more toward a contemporary style rather than a rustic vibe.

Can You Use Glass Marbles in a Fire Pit?

When it comes to a big, burning bowl of fire surrounded by your loved ones, we urge you not to take the gamble of guessing what is or isn’t safe to burn. Fire table glass is tempered glass that has been made safe to handle and use in your outdoor fire table. Glass marbles are not tempered and can be dangerous to use. Don’t risk harming your friends and family by putting other kinds of glass and wild card materials in your fire pit.

Considerations When Choosing a Fire Table

If you love the fire glass look and you’re on the market for a new outdoor fire table, take these tips into consideration and use them to find the best fire feature for your needs.

As far as fire glass is concerned, a natural gas fire feature is preferred for even heat distribution and a clean burning fire.
Select an outdoor fire table and the right color of fire glass to accent your outdoor furniture set.
Think about how many guests you’re likely to have over at one time and buy the right size of fire feature that will all for enough room to keep your usual crowd warm and cozy.
Protect your new fire pit whenever you’re not using it with a quality cover made from durable materials.

When it comes to finding the best filler or rock for your outdoor fire pit, fire glass is a great option.

Luxury High-End Outdoor Furniture Brands [Your Go To Guide]

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to create a relaxing oasis in your own backyard with the best high end outdoor furniture brands. In addition to loading you with information about the various types, styles, and materials available, we’ll also teach you how to best protect and preserve your outdoor furniture so you can continue to enjoy it for many seasons to come.

Browse a specific category by clicking on any of the quick links below:

– What Patio Furniture is Best for Outdoors?
– What Outdoor Furniture is the Most Durable for Different Climates?
– The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials
– Can You Leave Patio Furniture Outside in the Rain?
– Most Comfortable Outdoor Furniture
– Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Outdoor Furniture
– What is the Best Time to Buy Patio Furniture?
– Where to Find the Best Outdoor Patio Furniture

What Patio Furniture is Best for Outdoors?

Since high end outdoor furniture manufacturers aren’t selling their merchandise cheap, everyone wants to know what is the absolute best furniture for outside the home. It’s a very important question to ask before you buy, otherwise, you could end up with a damaged furniture set after just one season.

The fact of the matter is that the best outdoor furniture for you will greatly depend on the following factors:

Storage

Whether or not you have a place to store your outdoor set when it’s not in use should play an integral role in choosing your furniture. If you don’t have room to store your furniture during harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to choose weather-resistant materials and add an extra layer of protection in the form of high-quality covers and treatments.

Purpose

Another factor to consider when picking outdoor furniture is the purpose it will be serving, including how often you’ll be using it and for how many people at any given time. If you frequently throw pool parties in your backyard, you’ll want to invest in a quality furniture set for several guests to lounge by the pool. If you’re looking to create an intimate, private space of relaxation, it would be prudent to opt for a small set or individual pieces.

Climate

The climate in which you live will play a great part in the lifespan of your outdoor furniture. To help you find the best materials for your local climate conditions, we’ve broken it down for you in the next section.

What Outdoor Furniture is the Most Durable for Different Climates?

High Humidity

If you live in a place that is extremely humid, you’ll want to choose furniture that is not so easily susceptible to mold or rust. Teak is a fantastic option for outdoor furniture in humid climates and it looks fantastic with just about any decorating style.

Snow & Rain

If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow and rain, you’ll definitely want to avoid furniture made from metals that are primarily composed of iron or steel. If you live in a wet climate, but you prefer the look of metal materials, we advise you to go with aluminum over steel.

Hot & Sunny

If you thought your furniture would be perfectly safe in an arid climate with plenty of sunshine, think again. Direct sunlight will fade colors quickly, so vinyl cushions are a great way to go. You can also protect your furniture from sun damage by making sure the area is well shaded with natural foliage or an overhead cover.

The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials

If you want a durable patio set that will look great and last long, we recommend you purchase furniture made from the following materials while still keeping your climate in mind.

– Wicker

– Metal

– Rattan

– Vinyl

– Resin Wicker

– Mosaic

– Steel

– Aluminum

Can You Leave Patio Furniture Outside in the Rain?

We strongly encourage our customers to refrain from leaving any luxury outdoor furniture brands outside in the rain, no matter how water-resistant they claim to be. Rain is a formidable enemy to almost any material, even rattan and wicker, so the best thing you can do to preserve your outdoor patio set is to reinforce it with waterproofing treatments, store it indoors during rainy seasons, and use durable water-resistant furniture covers that are designed specifically for your climate.

Most Comfortable Outdoor Furniture

To create the ultimate place of relaxation and luxury, we suggest you adorn your patio with the most comfortable types of outdoor furniture. Not only will these pieces provide you and your guests with a heavenly place to lounge, but they will also add a great deal of elegance to any backyard.

Modern Sectional Set Designs

Modern sectional set designs will turn any outdoor space into one of refined style and comfort, especially paired with a matching fire pit that you can build on your own. Whether you’re lounging poolside or enjoying Sunday brunch with your friends, you can’t go wrong with a sleek and stylish sectional.

Outdoor Sofas and Living Sets

Why seat your guests in hard plastic chairs when you can invite them to sit back in a deep-seated sofa complemented by mosaic end tables and a fire feature filled with sparkling fire glass? Outdoor sofas and living sets are a phenomenal way to drastically increase the look and feel of your patio.

Chaise Lounge Chairs

There is a very good reason as to why high end outdoor furniture companies always carry a large selection of chaise lounge chairs. These suave and curvy chairs are the epitome of comfort. Place a few of these babies around the pool for a picturesque Hollywood glam vibe and the perfect place to work on your golden tan or catch up on some reading.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Outdoor Furniture

Now that we’ve given you the rundown on the best materials and types of patio sets that high end outdoor furniture manufacturers provide, we’ve provided you with a list of mistakes to avoid when shopping for your new outdoor furniture set.

Not Measuring the Space and Furniture

The last thing you want to do is splurge on a furniture set that doesn’t fit in the place you want it to. Before you make any final purchases, take accurate measurements of your patio space and coordinate with the measurements of the furniture you’re interested in. Don’t forget to leave enough room for people to move around with ease.

Not Paying Attention to Materials

Just because you’ve found a furniture set that looks good or claims to be of good quality, doesn’t mean it’s a smart buy. Take what you’ve learned here today and apply that knowledge to buy furniture made of a durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant material.

Not Planning for Furniture Protection

Before you blow your entire outdoor budget on that gorgeous Portofino sectional and fire feature, consider the cost of the protection you’ll need to keep your outdoor furniture in pristine condition for many seasons to come. Your furniture protection should include fitted covers manufactured by a high end outdoor furniture company, waterproofing treatments, and if possible, storage space for harsh seasons.

Buying for Beauty Instead of Functionality

What’s the number one rule to any aspect of design? That’s right: function over fashion. Be wary of impulse buys and take time to consider what type of outdoor furniture set is most practical for your needs.

Buying Trends

Everybody knows that luxury outdoor furniture brands don’t come cheap, so don’t make the mistake of choosing a style that will be painfully outdated by this time next year. We suggest you choose a timeless design and classic colors that will blend well with the changing trends and your ever-evolving taste.

Giving Up Quality for Price

You get what you pay for. That plastic 4-piece lawn chair set may seem like a decent product for a good deal, but how many times will you have to replace the cracking, sun-faded chairs before you finally splurge on a quality set that will save you money in the long run?

Not Planning How You’ll Use Your Patio

If you don’t have a basic plan in place, or a solid understanding of what purpose you want to fulfill with your outdoor furniture set, how can you get the perfect furniture? Before buying, figure out if your primary objective is to create a secluded place of private relaxation or an accommodating place to host pool parties, dinner parties, and the like.

Skipping Over Maintenance

Neglected patio furniture is bound to last half as long as a set that is well maintained. Make sure that you’re prepared to apply waterproofing treatments, move cushions indoors when not in use, secure durable covers, and if needs be, relocate your outdoor furniture set to indoor storage depending on the weather.

Forgetting Storage Considerations

And speaking of storage, it’s definitely something you’ll want to consider before dropping the big bucks on a luxury furniture set in a harsh climate. This is especially important if you live in areas that are extremely humid or receive a lot of rain and snowfall. Make sure that you have a place to store your outdoor furniture during harsh weather conditions in order to preserve each piece.

What is the Best Time to Buy Patio Furniture

If you’re looking for a great discount or deal on luxury outdoor furniture brands, then shop strategically. Various seasons will often cause high end outdoor furniture manufacturers to raise or lower their pricing, so when you choose to shop is key to how much you’ll end up spending.

Quality outdoor furniture can often be found on sale after the summer season has come to a close—typically from August to October. It’s during this time when stores start clearing out their summer stock to make way for fall and winter items.

Where to Find the Best Outdoor Patio Furniture

Shop RST Brands for the best high end outdoor furniture brands, from Portofino to Vistano. Whether you’re looking for a few chaise lounge chairs to place beside your pool, or an outdoor dining set for summer dinner parties, you’re sure to find the looks you love and durable, high-quality materials that are designed to last.

How to Host a Dinner Party Outdoors in the Winter

Hosting a party involves careful planning and preparation, especially if you are having guests over in the winter. But you don’t have to let the cold weather stop you from enjoying fine dining and great company under the stars. You can easily plan the perfect dinner party timeline, including gathering by the fire with your guests. Follow these tips to learn how to plan a dinner party at home.

Be a Good Host

A good host plans an event with their guests in mind. Before diving into the details, take some time to consider the needs of those attending. Does anyone have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Will anyone be bringing children or babies? What ways can you accommodate specific guest needs and include everyone? Also think about your dinner party timeline of events and activities you want to include before and after the meal that you think your guests will enjoy.

When hosting a dinner party, menu is at the top of the list. Display and offer appetizers and finger foods as guests arrive, so they can munch and mingle while waiting for the entire party to assemble. Think simple but elegant, and make sure the arrangement includes plates, napkins, and any necessary utensils, as well as beverages. Provide plenty of indoor seating options and room to move around if the weather is too cold or unpleasant to be outside in.

Once everyone has arrived, been personally greeted, and had an opportunity to visit with other guests for a few minutes, move into the dining area for dinner. Have the dining room table set ahead of time and add a decorative touch with a seasonal centerpiece.

When choosing a main course, always play to your strengths. If you plan to cook the meal yourself, save the experimentation for side dishes or desserts. Prepare something you know will turn out amazing and that is generally popular. If you are not planning to prepare the meal yourself, hiring a caterer is always a great option. Just be sure to do your research, get recommendations, and discuss expectations beforehand.

How to Host a Dinner Party Outside

Let your guests know ahead of time that a portion of the event will take place outdoors so they can dress accordingly. Serve hot drinks and a warm dessert to your guests as they get cozy around the fire and have a few games planned, in case they are needed. If the guests are into slots or casino games, you can check out a few websites such as https://oxi.casino/pt-br/ or casino apps to decide and inform all the guests about it beforehand. You can also get a few board games for entertainment.

How to Heat a Party Tent in Winter

A party tent is a great way to help keep guests warm. You can add heaters to keep the party warm. Make sure that you have stocked up enough heating oil for the event. In case you fall short of heating oil, you can always opt for an emergency oil delivery from romeosfuel.com or similar websites of oil delivery firms near you. No one wants to run out of oil, especially when entertaining guests so be sure to stock up on oil well ahead of the big day by comparing fuel suppliers online to find the best deal for you. Assume that you are holding a party outdoors and you have arranged for everything, starting from tents to food to portable kerosene or propane heaters. However, you might not have remembered to stock up on the fuel for the heaters. Now when all your guests are enjoying themselves in the tents, your heaters suddenly stop working. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing and spoil the spirit of the party? Yes, that certainly would. In addition to that, your guests might start feeling cold, which would reflect poorly on your hosting skills. That is why it is prudent that you stock up on kerosene (or propane) beforehand. If need be, contact firms like Barnes Petroleum Products Inc. which can offer options of home delivery. Anyway, if you do not have heaters, you can also distribute blankets for guests to use. The sturdy fabric of the tent should keep in the heat from the heaters nicely.

The Perfect Fire Pit

If you don’t have access to a party tent or want a more authentic outdoor experience, a fire pit is the perfect gathering place. With a fire pit, your guest can enjoy the ambiance and warmth a fire pit brings. This is also a fun time to pull out some marshmallows for s’mores or another tasty treat.

When using a fire pit, remember to be mindful of the safety tips and use your fire pit according to its instructions.

Seating

Make sure there is plenty of room for all your guests to enjoy the warmth of the fire with comfortable outdoor furniture that allows for everyone to enjoy each other’s company and good conversation.

Ambient Lighting

The light of the fire is easily and elegantly complemented by string or bulb lights. You can also opt for light posts or torches if that better suits your style. A little extra light will make it easier to continue conversations and keep the fun going longer.

How to End the Party with Grace

As much as you love your guests, there will come a point when it’s time to say goodbye. If you’re concerned the party might go on too long, plan ahead and designate an ending time on the invite. When that time arrives, thank everyone as a group for coming and tell them how much you appreciate them and enjoyed seeing them. This will signal that the event has come to an end. Finish your host duties by personally thanking each guest again on their way out the door.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting an outdoor party you and your guests will remember for years to come.