Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Prepping for Outdoor Entertaining: Exterior and Yard Tips for Midwest Homeowners


While the fourth of July may be the apex of summer entertaining, every Midwesterner knows that no matter when it starts, the season is short. Those planning on outdoor entertaining must seize the moment. Whether a big bash is in the works or a small intimate gathering, having the outdoor spaces prepped and ready is key.


When you�re finished enjoying the warm glow of the fire, caution must once again be exhibited when breaking everything down. Never ever move fire pits or logs that are still burning, glowing from embers, or have not fully cooled down. Not only do you risk burning yourself, but in the case of standing fire pits, the unit could fall over and catch something else on fire.� Provide shade. If you don�t have tree cover, make sure to have a few big umbrellas. The sun�s rays are delightful but so is the cool comfort of shade on a hot day.� Check the deck. With wood decks, it is important to inspect carefully for nails and screws that winter�s wrath may have pushed up. Tear off any large splinters of wood. Scout for wasps nests or other infestations. Restain or reseal the wood because preventative maintenance will double the life of a deck.Hence, in the end I did get some details on the term, glassware and fire pit glass, though not in the measure I would have liked to have information. However, at least I got an idea about what the terms implies and hopefully so did you.As with any open flame scenario, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not own one or are out in the woods, a bucket of water will do. Ideally, anything with a spray type nozzle works best so you can aim and concentrate water where needed. Whatever you use, keep it nearby. Along that same vein, keep any flammable substances like kerosene and aerosol cans far away from heat. And lastly, do not stack firewood too high as it is likely to topple over as it burns. A teepee or log cabin configuration is proven to be especially sturdy when arranging logs.� Clean, clean, clean. A low-power pressure washer attached to the garden hose is a miracle worker. A quick wash on outdoor furniture, fences and patios with the help of a scrub brush will remove winter�s dingy film. Siding is easily damaged, though, so consider hiring professionals to wash your exterior walls.� Clear the gutters. Remove any stuck debris. Test the downspouts to be sure they are directing water at least 12 inches away from the foundation of the house. To make the exterior of the gutters look like new, especially white ones, take a tip from the experts: wipe them down with a household cleanser such as 409 or Fantastic.Pokers and other tools are especially handy when dealing with fire pits. Log pokers are good for moving and rearranging logs that may have fallen or are precariously positioned. Other tools, including shovels and brushes, are more useful when cleaning up afterwards and do not necessarily help much as far as safety measures.When finding the right spot to put your pit, there are several factors to consider. If you�re at home, do not place fire pits on wooden decks or patios. Keep them on stone masonry or concrete floors whenever possible. In any environment, make sure fire pits are away from low-lying branches, eaves and overhangs. If you encounter a particularly windy day you might just want to pack it in and enjoy your fire pit another day.� Change out the flowers. To boost your own mood and that of your guests, replant the flowerbeds with new perennials and even some annuals. If you are short on time and energy, simply dress up spaces with pots of flowers in new colors. If you�ve long had a pastel garden scheme, go for bold. Or consider a totally green-and-white garden.

Founded forty years ago by Tom Hester, Hester Painting & Decorating provides homes and high-profile commercial establishments with high-end decorating services. Widely regarded as a leader in the fields of painting, faux painter chicago, and exterior and interior maintenance, Hester Painting & Decorating utilizes an enormous repertoire of finishes and wall covering techniques to create unique environments for its clients.




Author: Hester Decorating


No comments:

Post a Comment