Fall is here, but you don’t have to give up on spending quality time with friends and family outdoors. It’s predicted that most of the U.S. will likely see warmer than average temperatures this fall and winter, making it that much easier to keep the summer vibes going. Since gathering with friends indoors has been off-limits due to social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, people are looking for ways to extend the outdoor season. Summer saw sales of bikes and inflatable swimming pools soar, now, outdoor patio heaters and fire pits are the latest hot commodities in the COVID-19 era. It’s not time to go into hibernation just yet. Here are a few great ways to extend summer just a little bit longer.
Never stop wearing shorts
Summer may be over, but don’t give up on wearing shorts. Add a flannel shirt and lightweight jacket, and a rugged pair of sneakers worn with thick socks and keep the summer vibe going. Zara’s button closure khaki shorts, hooded technical jacket and thick-soled sneakers. $36, $89.90 and $99, zara.com
Embrace cool-weather gardening
Continue gardening late into the season with fast-growing veggies that thrive in cool weather. Try golden beets, spinach or rapini (also known as broccoli rabe), which can even tolerate light frosts. After harvesting the slightly bitter greens, saute them in olive oil and chili pepper flakes to top off a homemade pizza.
Create a cozy outdoor room
Ikea’s Applaro line of garden furniture is made from durable acacia and eucalyptus wood. The line has options from lounge chairs to outdoor sofas designed to fit all sizes of outdoor spaces. Pieces in the collection start at $65. ikea.com
Fire up an outdoor pizza oven
Make bubbling hot, homemade pizza with the portable Roccbox Fire and Stone Outdoor Pizza Oven. Roccbox reaches temperatures of over 950 degrees Fahrenheit to give you perfectly puffed up, charred artisan crust in just 60 seconds. $499, amazon.com
Keep the evening chill at bay with an outdoor heater
Stave off the cold as long as possible with a patio heater. Try Legacy Heating’s stainless steel heater on wheels for easy mobility, or hang Lava Heat Italia’s chic outdoor heating shade to bring indoor style outside. $240.81 and $599, homedepot.com
Head to the park for a picnic
Have an autumn dinner party in the park within Pottery Barn’s Providence picnic basket. The woven willow branch basket includes service for four, with ceramic plates, wine glasses, utensils and a waiter-style corkscrew. $129, potterybarn.com
Make s’mores (no campfire required)
Fire up Colis’ wood burning concrete fire pit for a night of backyard camping. $309.99, wayfair.com
Hang portable solar lanterns to light up the night
The delicate filigree patterns on Pottery Barn’s Boho Globe solar lanterns create a dreamy play of light and shadow with no electricity required. $59, potterybarn.com
