About House & Home: Get Ready for Outdoor Living

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House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor Just because it's still cool where I live doesn't mean that people are staying indoors. Nope. Not at all. In fact, our neighbor, Dave, was barbecuing last night despite the torrential rains and periodic spurts of hail, asking when we planned on getting our back deck ready for our annual neighborhood deck party. He has a point. Around here summer can arrive without any warning...and so can our neighbors. Which means having everything in place, including a functional outdoor space. Outdoor Furniture for the Perfect Summer Getaway Having the perfect outdoor space requires furniture that is both welcoming and practical. Check out this great selection that will reflect your needs whether you're looking for something that is stylish, comfortable or versatile. See More About:  patio furniture  outdoor living  Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor kitchens are becoming the next big thing. I've been wondering if our outdoor space could accommodate more than a grill and some deck chairs. According to this article, creating an outdoor kitchen would not only increase our popularity with the neighbors but also add value to our property - a win-win for everyone. See More About:  buying a home  home pricing  finding real estate agents Wood Deck Cleaning & Refinishing Yes. I know. Before we can think of creating that perfect outdoor space we have to clean and refinish the back deck. Thankfully, this guide takes us through the process, step by step. See More About:  cleaning wood decks  types of deck cleaners  deck cleaner application Make Outdoor Citronella Bucket Candles Mosquitoes aren't a problem yet, at least not where we live. But someday soon, when I'm least expecting it and probably when we're hosting the first outdoor party of the season, they'll arrive as our unwanted guests. These citronella candles are the perfect solution, adding beauty and brawn to our outdoor living space. See More About:  candle making supplies  candle making safety  natural mosquito control House & Home Ads Living Room Designs Outdoor Furniture Living Interiors Outdoor Patio Outdoor Speaker Featured Articles Homemade Bird Cage Cleaner Free Scrapbook Patterns 12 Flowering Plants for Indoors Depression Glass Pattern Guide DIY Appliance Repair Projects How to Hide a TV   More from About.com Backyard Chickens 101 Dabble in the self-sufficient, eco-friendly life with these essential chicken-raising tips. More> 24 Amazing Container Gardens These gorgeous and creative gardens prove it doesn't take a lot of space to create something special. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement