I remember sitting under a tree in my folks’ backyard on a sunny autumn day savoring the late afternoon sun and just feeling happy. Even during the winter months we would be found climbing pine trees and sliding down the heavily snow-laden branches to the mounds of snow below. Once, I even got my tongue stuck to the mailbox.
It’s the memories of outdoor experiences that make me eager to get outside with my kids every chance I get. Now that those mounds of snow have finally melted, it’s time to begin your nesting outside. Think of yourself as a bird in nature, busily preparing for the enjoyment of the upcoming warm and sunny climate with family and friends. Even if you don’t have a patio, deck or sun porch, here are some creative ideas to help you and your family get living outside.
1. Create a ground space large enough for a table and chairs. A few bricks or patio stones layered on a sand base works. If budget is minimal, perhaps it’s just the sand base now and the bricks can be added next year.
2. Place a table and chairs in the center — a table for two or a picnic table for eight. It’s up to you.
3. Make certain that you have a place for an umbrella. An umbrella is very important as it brings you shelter from the rain or sun if you want it. It also creates a more intimate atmosphere and helps to carve out your personal space in the great outdoors. If the picnic table doesn’t have a hole for an umbrella, you easily can cut one. If the bistro table doesn’t have a hole, then use a tilting umbrella with stand.
4. Hang lanterns or outdoor lights from your umbrella.
5. If bugs are a problem, (what, here in Maine?) burn citrus candles or drape netting over the umbrella. Make certain the candles are not near the netting!
6. Purchase some colorful plastic dinnerware, glasses and eating utensils and place them in a basket with handles that can easily be toted from house to the outdoor living space. Roll colorful or textured place mats and cloth napkins and place in the basket, along with anything else you might use on a regular basis (such as a cork screw and glass charms).
7. Create another basket that holds your kids outdoors toys — water guns, sand shovels and horseshoes.
8. Surround your outdoor living space with fun items that make you smile, such as unique garden ornaments, birdhouses and candle holders.
Another, quick idea for a covered space is a pop-up awning (purchased at a department store) or cover a trellis with canvas or thatch. Use your imagination. The sky is the limit ... literally!
Now that you’ve got the hang of it, think about a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories about your outdoor childhood memories with your kids. They will love it and so will you. It’s those seemingly endless Maine winters that make us truly savor every minute we get to enjoy this beautiful state — out of doors.
Kat Powers operates The Designer’s Co-op, a full service design firm in Scarborough, with Susan Dobrovolny. Visit www.thedesignersco-op.info or call 222-2023 for more outdoor living advice.