When the weather starts to warm up, hardy Midwesterners move outside. During this time of social distancing, it’s maybe more important than ever to breathe in the fresh air outside, and get a change of pace from days spent inside your home, while still maintaining a safe distance from your neighbors. In times like these, your deck, patio or other outdoor space is a big priority.

Here are some ideas for making the most out of the outdoor space you have available, and having fun with your quarantine crew, from the safety and comfort of your own backyard.

1. Outdoor Dining: If you are dining at home more than usual, you may be ready for a change of pace. Take your family dinners outside to your deck or porch, and dish up your favorite gourmet delights with a side of fresh air. As the weather warms, you can also escape outside to your deck for a morning cup of coffee, an afternoon lemonade or other refreshment of choice, and even an evening dessert. If your patio set has seen better days, now may be the perfect time to invest in your outdoor set-up. You can shop online, and select retailers even offer free garage drop off for outdoor living furnishing without leaving your house.
2. Outdoor Cooking: Take outdoor dining a step further, and channel your culinary skills outdoors as well. There are many different types of grills, but the Big Green Egg is one that allows more versatility than most, and will have your neighbors drooling from their side of the fence. Read more about the Big Green Egg cookers, and get recipe ideas here.
3. Lounging: Once you’ve enjoyed that grilled meal, it’s time for some outdoor lounging. You’ll find many of the same deep seating options as you have for indoors, including outdoor chairs, loveseats, outdoors sofas and even sectionals. Choose from a variety of designs, colors and performance fabrics, like Sunbrella. While this spring may be spent catching up on your reading list from the comfort of an outdoor sofa, make sure you have enough seating for hosting guests in the future.
4. Fire Table Sets: Image, roasting s’mores by the convenient comfort of an outdoor fire table. Spring is the perfect time to get your fire table set up or purchased if you don’t already have one. You can enjoy the warm ambiance in the cool spring evenings, throughout those summer nights spent outside, and well into the fall. We have even heard that folks are using their outdoor fire table for winter outdoor gatherings.
5. Outdoor Heaters: Don’t let a chilly breeze keep you inside. Choose an infrared patio heater, just like restaurants use, and you can extend your outdoor living season to the early spring and late fall. If your outdoor space could use a little bar table for future entertaining, consider a patio heater that features a stainless steel top and welcomes extra seating for entertaining.
6. Accent Furniture: You have the big pieces set, now you need a place to set your drink. Outdoor accent tables can give your space a finished look, and they are just as functional outdoors as they are inside. Keep drinks, snacks, books and more close to you with a convenient outdoor end table and other accent pieces.
7. Shade: It may still be a bit cool now, but before long the sun’s bright rays will be beating down on you in their full summer strength, and it’s always important to have a shade solution in place. Choose from market and cantilever style umbrellas, in a range of colors and sizes to suit your patio set-up.