Aluminum Screen Enclosure, Patio Enclosures, Pool Screen Enclosure, Screen Enclosures
A chill in the air, a cozy fire and colorful leaves falling everywhere — these are among the outdoor pleasures of autumn. With this lovely backdrop, fall is the perfect time for backyard entertaining. Using “warm” and “cozy” as your fall entertaining by words, a little planning and a few fall decorating ideas are all you need to host wonderful fall dinner parties alfresco. To help you get started, here are ten suggestions:
- Let nature provide your theme. The changing colors of trees offer a beautiful setting for your fall dinner party. By scattering natural elements such as berries, leaves, pinecones and acorns across patio tabletops and into strategically placed mason jars along with the window sills of your sunroom, you carry the fall theme throughout your party. Small pots of chrysanthemums on dining tables and around your pool deck are another simple decorative embellishment.
- Cloth table linens enliven fall backyard entertaining. While paper napkins and tablecloths are just fine for summer barbecues, cloth linens in the rich, jewel tones of autumn add a bit of warmth to fall dinner parties. Select one color for an elegant monochromatic look or use several fall colors together — orange, olive, maroon, gold — to create a warm, festive atmosphere.
- A fire pit chases the chill away. There’s just something about the warmth and beauty of a fire that draws people. That’s why your guests are likely to gather around your fire pit if you have one. If not, portable fire pits are available at every price point, making them easy to incorporate into your backyard for entertaining and for evenings with your own family.
- Add cushions to your outdoor seating. Whether wood, wrought iron or fiberglass, your seating immediately becomes warmer and more comfortable with the addition of cushions. Just be sure to use colors that complement your overall theme.
- Throws and blankets add an additional layer of coziness. Even with a fire pit, throws and blankets are a gracious way of offering guests an extra bit of comfort. Have them available in your theme colors. They will surely be a welcome addition to outdoor entertaining in the fall.
- Lighting sets the atmosphere. Rather than the glare of bright lights, soft lighting creates an inviting ambiance. Combining two kinds of lights — low wattage bulbs and a multitude of candles — heightens the appeal. Place both throughout your screen enclosed patio at varying heights for a beautiful effect.
- Greet guests with hot drinks. From hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks to mulled wine with exotic spices, hot drinks are a nice welcome for guests as they arrive. Offer two different kinds and be sure to have plenty on hand to replenish glasses throughout the evening.
- Use an assortment of plates and glasses. Matching sets of plates and glasses are traditional, but using an eclectic mix of china and glassware adds playfulness along with color and vibrancy. What’s more, the weight of these items serves to anchor your table linens on a breezy day.
- Prepare hot foods in advance. Since grilling has become virtually a year-round activity, you might choose it for your fall entertaining. However, preparing hot soups, stews, chili or other seasonal favorites is very appetizing at this time of year. Besides, making them in advance affords you more time to enjoy your guests. Chafing dishes will keep everything hot.
- Be prepared to bring your gathering indoors. As delightful as fall temperatures are, the weather can be unpredictable. Holding your event on an early fall date, for example, makes cold weather less likely, but it may still rain. You will avoid a ruined evening by installing an aluminum awning and having your patio covered so it’s ready for entertaining in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Coming up with plans for hearty fall fare and creative fall decorating ideas is just part of the fun of outdoor entertaining. After all, the key to entertaining is to make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. Then just relax and enjoy your guests.
We hope you enjoyed these Fall entertaining tips! We love helping you make the most of your outdoor living space and Florida lifestyle. Since 1968, Dulando Screen and Awning has built thousands of patio, screen and pool enclosures and sunrooms in Central Florida.
We’re a local company, a family-owned screen enclosure contractor. Let us help you learn more about a quality screen enclosure, sunroom or patio enclosure for your home. We offer free in-home consultation, please contact us today! Phone: 407-862-6060.
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Aluminum Screen Enclosure, Hurricane Preparedness, Pool Screen Enclosure
Homeowners in Florida know this time of year can be one of the busiest for tropical storm and hurricane activity. Since these volatile storms pose a major threat to your property and family, it’s important to prepare your home before hurricane season. The patio and screened enclosures are often overlooked during storm preparations; however, they can be easily secured and protected from the damaging effects of a hurricane.
As part of your outdoor living area, patios and screen pool enclosures are most susceptible to gusting winds and drenching rains. Large outdoor items such as patio furniture, umbrellas, trash cans, plant pots and wall décor need to be properly stored or secured. All too often, we’ve seen lightweight outdoor furniture, like PVC chairs and tables, become flying projectiles during a hurricane through home windows or screen pool enclosures. So when news of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane is coming your way, start with securing or storing large outdoor items such as as the following:
- Heavy items and furniture, such as a patio table, may be turned on their sides or upside down to help prevent it from being caught by the wind and tossed about the patio.
- Potted plants – even small pots can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane strength winds; therefore, they should be removed
- Patio umbrellas – close them and remove them from stands and/or patio tables. A gust of wind can send an open umbrella flying through your screen enclosure
- Decorative items – store them safely inside your home or garage to ensure protection from water damage
- Overhanging trees – cut back limbs, remove decaying branches, trim off weak limbs and loose leaves. Pay extra attention to any trees or shrubs that are close to your home and especially your patio area and screen enclosure or pool.
- Enclosed swimming pool – Pool builders recommend leaving water in your pool during a hurricane or strong storm, but adding more chlorine to reduce storm water contamination. Your pool may overflow, but will be less likely to be damaged by the storm and/or debris that may fall into it. Most importantly, cover outdoor electrical devices with appropriate waterproof material to reduce the risk of damage.
By being prepared and taking the necessary preventative measures during hurricane season, you are ensuring the safety and security of your home, family and pets.
Follow the steps we’ve outlined above and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve taken care to keep you, your family and home safe this hurricane season.
If you’ve been hit by a storm and are in need of a pool enclosure replacement, please give us a call at 407-862-6060
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Aluminum Screen Enclosure, Pool Screen Enclosure, Screen Enclosures
At a glance, screen enclosures all look the same. After all, these enclosures are all made to allow air and light to pass through easily while simultaneously blocking insects and other elements. However, it may be surprising to know that not all screen enclosures are made equally. In fact, the quality of the materials can have a big impact on the lifespan of the enclosure. This is why Dulando Screen & Awning is proud to work with Structall aluminum. Structall is a leader among aluminum manufacturers, offering the best high quality screens to contractors around the country.
To better understand why choosing Structall aluminum is so important, consider the following four advantages of premium aluminum screens.
- Durability. Screen enclosures face the elements, so it is essential that the screen enclosure contractor uses the right materials. Structall aluminum has a natural oxide coating. This coating serves as the perfect barrier, holding off the effects of almost every type of weather. This includes water, wind and salt. Aluminum also handles temperature changes well.
- Strength. At first, almost every screen enclosure looks good. After a few months of use, however, the signs of wear and tear can become evident. This is not the case with Structall aluminum. Structall patio covers are so strong that it is commonly used for spaceflight. In fact, it is estimated that two thirds of the aluminum products that have been manufactured are still in use. This strength is almost unprecedented, making Structall aluminum the perfect choice for any residential or commercial screen enclosure.
- Safety. Aluminum screens are also among the safest choices. To start with, aluminum is nontoxic, which makes it a great choice for children. Since it is not prone to corrosion, there is a lower risk of flaking and it is less likely to break or collapse. Better still, aluminum is significantly lighter than other choices like wood or steel.
- Environmentally friendly. On top of everything else, aluminum is a very green choice. Aluminum manufacturers can recycle aluminum almost indefinitely. More than that, aluminum is a naturally occurring element that exists in excess. Aluminum is the third most common element, making it environmentally friendly and affordable.
These advantages have a real impact on the final product. When choosing a screen enclosure contractor, it is important to know what products they use in order to gauge whether they are worth hiring. A contractor who uses Structall you know will get the job done right.
If you’re looking for a screen enclosure that looks good today, tomorrow and for years to come, consider Dulando’s aluminum screen enclosures.
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