Outdoor Entertaining Tip of the Month: Enjoying Memorial Day Weekend
Posted: May 13, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living, Tip of the Month Leave a commentMemorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season and we’ve got plenty of tips for making your outdoor space the place to be with friends and family.
- What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than to fire up the grill and cook up some all-American favorites like hot dogs, burgers and corn-on-the-cob? An outdoor kitchen is the perfect accessory for entertaining and eating outdoors.
- The Memorial Day holiday is a popular time for homeowner to open their pools for the summer season. So don’t forget to invite guests to bring their bathing suits for the first pool party of the year.
- Keep plenty of cool beverages within easy reach. Adding a mini fridge to your outdoor kitchen is a small investment you won’t soon regret.
- Refreshing snacks like fresh fruit and veggies are easy-to-eat munchies that are perfect for a warm day.
- Whether your patio is equipped with an outdoor speaker system or you have a portable speaker for your iPod, create a summer jam playlist that will keep the good tunes riding all weekend long.
While the weekend is all about entertaining and enjoying the company of friends and family, be sure to schedule some relaxation time to unwind. Enjoy a quiet Monday evening on the patio under the stars and listen to nature’s music before the real world begins again Tuesday morning.
April Showers Bring May Flowers: Flowers Around the Patio
Posted: April 29, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living Leave a commentAs we prepare to head into the month of May, we can’t help but admire the colorful blooms popping up around the garden. Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate flowers on and around the patio:
We love the way flowers line this Mega Arbel walkway.
BelAir wall block creates a beautiful enclosed garden space perfect for a pop of color.
Potted plants along the stairs add extra charm to this outdoor space.
The natural texture of Mega Arbel pavers pair perfectly with this natural oasis.
Splashes of color appear throughout this patio in both planted and potted flowers.
Celtik retaining walls create an ideal venue for adding color to a backyard.
Make a statement by adding a potted plant on top of Belgard columns.
Get Inspired by the Belgard Idea Book
Posted: April 22, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living, Pavers 2 Comments
Every homeowner has their own personal style when it comes to their outdoor living space. If you prefer an organic appearance, your style can be described as natural. If you’re drawn to the traditional, timeless look, your style is characterized as classic. If you like a contemporary appeal with clean lines and distinct looks, you likely have a transitional style. Whether it’s natural, classic or transitional, Belgard has designs and colors to fit any aesthetic and every lifestyle.
From amenities and features, to paver colors and styles, and even recipes for entertaining outdoors, the Belgard Idea Book provides advice on designing and enjoying the perfect outdoor retreat. You’ll learn tips such as what patterns help to make an area look more spacious, and what paver colors coordinate best with your home’s style.
Visit belgard.biz/request for a FREE Idea Book to help you get started.
Our Favorite Picks for Outdoor Kitchens
Posted: March 25, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living 2 CommentsWith the grilling season on the horizon, we gathered some of our favorite products for outdoor kitchens to share with you.
Nothing quite makes an outdoor kitchen like a beautiful brick oven (1) perfect for making pizzas with that wood-fired taste. Of course, we can’t list our favorite picks for outdoor kitchens without a grill! The Big Green Egg (2) takes the cake when it comes to grilling up some mouthwatering favorites like steaks, hot dogs and veggies. Wash that food down with a delicious beverage from these acrylic wine and beer glasses (3). Don’t worry, they can take a tumble outside and won’t break! In the mood for seafood? Infuse your Atlantic salmon with the delectable flavor of these cedar grilling planks (4) or add a kick with roasted garlic sea salt (5). Plus, this adorable picnic table condiment set keeps popular add-ons within easy reach. (6) Lastly, what outdoor kitchen is complete without a spot for entertaining and mixing drinks? We love this pre-built, modular island bar from our Elements Collection (7).
1. Belgard Elements Collection Chicago Brick Oven
2. Large Big Green Egg
3. Crate & Barrel Laela Acrylic Wine Glass and Acrylic Beer Glass
4. Target Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks
5. DEAN & DELUCA Roasted Garlic Sea Salt
6. Target Mr. Bar-B-Q Picnic Table Condiment Set
7. Belgard Elements Collection Island Bar
Outdoor Entertaining Tip of the Month: Enter to Win a $9,000 Outdoor Living Makeover!
Posted: March 11, 2013 Filed under: Belgard News, Outdoor Living, Tip of the Month 20 Comments
– PLEASE NOTE: This contest has closed as of May 27, 2013 –
This month we’re bringing you an extra special outdoor entertaining tip of the month where you can enter to win a $9,000 outdoor living makeover that will make you the host with the most when friends and family visit.
In conjunction with Meredith Corporation, publisher of Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home and Midwest Living, we’re launching an outdoor living style quiz and backyard makeover sweepstakes running March 8, 2013 through May 27, 2013.
The questions at Belgard.biz/StyleQuiz will help you explore your tastes and preferences in outdoor living and entertaining, generating a profile that identifies your outdoor living style. Offering inspiration and education, the quiz matches you with the Belgard pavers that capture looks that are classic, transitional and natural. Upon receiving your outdoor living style type, you will be entered to win a $9,000 backyard makeover.
The randomly selected grand prize winner will receive a personalized landscape plan specifically tailored to the winner‘s outdoor lifestyle, up to $4,000 worth of Belgard pavers and wall product and up to $5,000 towards the cost of installation.
For full contest rules and regulations and to enter, visit Belgard.biz/StyleQuiz.
Spring Forward
Posted: March 4, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living Leave a commentAs we prepare for the start of Daylight Saving Time and set our clocks one hour forward next weekend, the evenings will become darker earlier and spring’s temperatures will be calling you outdoors.
Get more out of that outdoor time with a fire feature that adds an attractive light source and warmth during the unpredictable temperatures of March. Here are some options for incorporating a fire feature in your outdoor space:
Fire pit
A fire pit is one of the most versatile fire features available because it can accommodate both an intimate evening for two and also a large gathering of friends and family. Varying sizes ensure there’s an option to fit every backyard.
Fireplace
A fireplace is a great choice for homeowners looking to create a statement centerpiece to their outdoor living space. With options to create a custom-designed fireplace or choose from a variety of pre-built modular choices from the Belgard Elements Collection, you’re sure to find just the right fit for your home’s style.
Fire table
A fire table is a lesser known option in fire features, but it certainly creates a contemporary and cool atmosphere to light up the night. Fire tables create visual interest and are often a topic of conversation when gathering outdoors with friends. When not in use, a cover over the fire element creates additional table-top space.
Outdoor kitchen
Bring on the heat with an outdoor kitchen that not only provides light and warmth, but does triple duty in cooking a delicious meal you can enjoy in your outdoor living space. Outdoor kitchens range from modest to gourmet and the choice is yours!
What fire feature would you most like to add to your patio?
Did you know?
Most areas of the United States currently observe daylight saving time, the exceptions being Arizona, Hawaii, and the overseas territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Daydreaming of Summer: Our Favorite Pool Decks
Posted: February 25, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living, Pavers Leave a commentWhile the temperatures outside in many places aren’t quite calling for pool season, we can’t help but daydream of warm summer days and relaxing by the pool. Now is the perfect time to start planning your Belgard pool deck so it’s ready in time for cannon ball season. Here are a few of our favorite pool decks to help you get in the summer state of mind.
Cambridge
Dublin
Mega Arbel
Mega Arbel
Mega Bergerac
Mega Lafitt
Old World
Urbana
Choosing the Right Shape
Posted: January 28, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living, Pavers Leave a commentShape combines with pattern for a one-two punch and Belgard pavers allow homeowners to demonstrate their artistic flair. But if you’re not as design savvy as you’d like to be, below are a few helpful tips.
- For structures with straight lines and little ornamentation, pavers with interesting shapes installed in a simple geometric pattern work nicely.
- For ornate Victorian-style houses, repeated curves of arched windows and doors can be echoed through the design of curved edges.
- For rectangular, colonial styles, repeat the shape by using brick-shaped pavers.
- The patterns you choose will help create the unique look you’re after. Narrow spaces like paths and alleys can be designed to appear wider simply by laying the pavers on a diagonal or in rows running across the area.
- Wide spaces can seem narrower simply by running rectangular pavers the length of the area. Large expanses require greater visual interest and provide an opportunity to let your imagination run free.
Our versatility gives you the ability to design and create circles, curves, fan-shaped patterns, and much more. Visit www.Belgard.biz to order a complimentary Idea Book and see more inspirational images and helpful tips.
Keeping Warm During the Winter Months
Posted: January 7, 2013 Filed under: Outdoor Living 1 CommentTemperatures across the country have taken a dip and many homeowners are retreating indoors to keep warm. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that hasn’t been completely frozen over, we have some tips for keeping warm outdoors during the winter months no matter your style.
If you lean more towards the classic and timeless, a fireplace could be the choice for you. An instant focal point, a fireplace sets the stage for a patio and creates a traditional setting to cozy up by a roaring fire.
Are you the outdoorsy type who appreciates all of nature’s beauty? Fire pits fit in seamlessly with their surrounding environment and can be created with natural textured Belgard wall block.
Or does your style resemble timeless classics but with a contemporary twist? Then perhaps a fire table is calling your name. A newer option in fire features, fire tables not only create warmth, but are also an interesting, eye-catching addition that complements a space.
Visit Belgard.biz to request a complimentary Idea Book and learn more about the possibilities with Belgard.
New Year’s Resolutions for a Better Outdoor Space
Posted: December 31, 2012 Filed under: Events, Outdoor Living Leave a commentHappy New Year’s Eve! In 2013, let’s pledge resolutions for a better outdoor space.
I resolve that 2013 will be the year…
…that I make my neighbors wish their front porch looked as good as mine.
…I finally tackle the garden and make it a space where birds will want to vacation.
…I design a patio that is all about comfort and convenience.
…that I host this year’s Super Bowl party, grill (and maybe even a brick oven) a’ blazing!
…I fulfill my kids’ dream of having a pool in the backyard.
Do your New Year’s resolutions include any outdoor projects of your own? Share them with us in the comments section.
Outdoor Living by Belgard 