Whether it's a scorching hot day in the summer or a frigidly cold night in the winter, you can still entertain outdoors year-round! If you prepare for the different climate conditions, you can host a great outdoor party any time of year. Read through this quick checklist on how to entertain outdoors all year round so you can host in any season!
Summer is the most popular time for outdoor entertaining. It's warm, sunny, and people are ready to get out of their houses after being stuck inside all winter long. If you're planning a small gathering with family and friends, consider having an iconic summer barbecue in your backyard or patio.
BBQ grill
BBQ food and drinks
Umbrellas or awnings to shade people from the sun
Sprinklers for kids to play in during the day
Picture the last time you went apple picking, the last time you crunched leaves beneath your feet, and the last time you enjoyed a cup of cider with your friends. Fall is an excellent time for outdoor entertaining because so many fun activities are associated with the season. There's something for everyone from pumpkin patches to corn mazes, from hayrides to bonfires.
Bonfire supplies (straw bales, hayracks, blankets)
Fruits and vegetables (apples, corn on the cob)
Fall decorations (pumpkins, leaves)
Although winter may not seem like an ideal time for an outdoor party, there are numerous fun things you can do when the chill sets in. Gather around the fireplace and roast marshmallows, cuddle up under a blanket, watch a movie, or go sledding down your nearest hill. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't have fun!
An outdoor fire pit
Sleds
Snow gear (coats, hats, mittens, etc.)
Hot chocolate and snacks
Spring is a time for new beginnings, so what better time to host a party in your backyard? With the warmth of the winds against your cheeks, it's the perfect time to host a picnic or potluck party. Ask your guests to bring their favorite dish to share and enjoy a meal together in the fresh air.
Blankets and pillows
Picnic baskets with meals (fruit, sandwiches, etc.)
Pinwheels, bubbles, and chalk for the kids
One of the best ways to entertain outdoors all year round, night and day, is to invest in a fire pit that keeps your outdoor space warm and welcoming.
Colorado Custom Fire Pits specializes in premium quality, handmade steel log sets for propane and natural gas fire pits. These hassle-free and low-maintenance custom outdoor fire pits are perfect for any climate. We craft our steel logs to capture the comfort and class of real logs, with each set authentic looking and, above all, unique.
A warm, glowing fire pit can be the perfect addition to any outdoor space. It creates a beautiful focal point, and also provides warmth and a place to gather with friends and family. However, if you want to keep your fire pit looking its best and functioning properly, there are some things you need to know when it comes to fire pit cleaning and maintenance.
Before you even think about cleaning or maintaining your fire pit, make sure it’s completely cooled off. Any residual heat could lead to severe burns. If possible, wait several hours after the last time you used your fire pit before attempting any maintenance work. Always exercise caution when working around fire pits and ensure that children and pets remain at a safe distance.
Cozying up in front of a pit with your family and roasting marshmallows is one of the most comforting experiences to share with your loved ones. A dirty fire pit can ruin the fun. Follow these tips on fire pit cleaning and maintenance so your pit always looks its best.
Inspect the area around your pit for insects or animals that may have built a home inside the ashes. Be sure to remove any nests or other debris before starting a fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.
When not in use, cover your pit with a wire mesh lid to keep out rain and debris. The lid will also help keep the ashes from spreading and make cleanup much easier.
Remove any soot or ash buildup with a stiff brush. A wire brush works well but may cause scratches on the metal.
If you have a gas-fired pit, check the hoses and connections for leaks and tighten them as needed. Also, remember to keep the area around the pit clear of flammable materials.
Store extra firewood in a covered area away from your pit so that it doesn't get wet or present a fire hazard.
Traditional ceramic logs or wood pieces work well in a fire pit, but they can be messy and hard to clean up. Custom outdoor fire pits with realistic steel logs can help you achieve a cozy outdoor feel without the mess. These steel pits require little to no maintenance and provide a great setting for any gathering. Custom outdoor fire pits allow you to choose a one-of-a-kind design and enjoy the best parts of owning a fire pit!
Colorado Custom Fire Pits offers lifelike fire pits made from solid steel. We craft our fire pits using high-quality materials and finishes to ensure they transform your outdoor space into an entertainment oasis. You and your guests will love gathering around the warm, flickering flames for years to come. Browse our project gallery or reach out for a quote today!
When you’re inviting your family and friends over for a relaxing night around the fire, you want your firepit to look its very best. If you feel like your current setup needs an upgrade and it currently doesn’t look that great, it can ruin the experience of events around it. At times like these, getting a few design ideas and discovering different ways to enhance your fire pit can be very helpful.
If you want to breathe new life into your fire pit, you can redesign it with a unique shape. While the traditional circle or square designs have their own distinct charm, teardrop or hexagonal displays draw the eye. These different aesthetics allow you to let your imagination run wild, and they make for interesting conversation starters while the firepit remains functional. As such, you’ll have plenty to talk about with your friends throughout the evening.
If you’re looking to ramp up the look of your plain fire pit, consider adding a stylish accent ring around the outside. This extra space creates a wide silhouette in your yard, and it’s perfect for incorporating a series of shiny stones or colorful pebbles. This creates a complementary color scheme and also adds another layer of class to the design. Accent rings also create distance between guests and the direct source of heat, making your fire pit safer as well as more beautiful.
Another effective and different way to enhance your fire pit is to place a set of decorative logs and brush in its display. These pieces provide your pit with an entirely new look by incorporating a touch of rustic charm usually found in wood-burning places. These fixtures are entirely made of metal, making them durable, long-lasting, and effortlessly pleasing to the viewer.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we’re dedicated to providing homeowners and entertainers like you with the perfect space to gather with your loved ones and friends. Our metal fire pit log sets come in a diverse range of styles and can incorporate other natural elements such as pinecones, needles, and sticks. Contact us today for more information about our custom-designed firepits and log sets.
The calendar says summer is over, but don’t let that keep you stuck inside. Your backyard is designed for year-round fun and relaxation. Let’s look at four relaxing backyard activities to enjoy with your family. Get some fresh air and make lifelong memories without leaving your home.
Painting on a canvas is always relaxing. There’s something extra lovely about painting outside. Fresh air and the beauty of nature are the perfect backdrop when creating art.
Try this fun idea when deciding what to paint. Sit in the same spot and focus on a tree in your yard, every season. Paint how it looks in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. You’ll all enjoy the time, and the kids will get a bit of an education. Remind everyone you’re out to have fun. Dress according to the weather and remember that art is an expression, and there’s no competition.
In the summer we relish an outdoor fire in the evenings as the long, hot days wind down. Then as fall and winter roll in, backyard fires keep us warm well into the night. Fire pits are the best option when looking for a fire source at home. Here are some ideas for using a backyard fire pit:
Roast marshmallows: Roasting marshmallows is the perfect after dinner fun activity as a family. Keep skewers made for the fire on hand, along with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars for those nights you’re feeling spontaneous. S’mores are always in season.
Roast hot dogs: Kids love roasting dinner on a stick. Camping isn’t required for a hot dog roast. Keep dinner simple and create a new family tradition.
Just stay warm: You need no excuse to light up the fire pit. The ambience and warmth a fire brings is reason enough to gather family and friends for a night of fun and conversation. Fill the hot cocoa mugs, grab some blankets, and enjoy.
If you are lucky enough to live in a climate with snow, get outside and enjoy it. Right in your own backyard, you can spend a day as a family having fun in the snow. Here are a few ideas:
Build a snowman.
Build a snow fort.
Have a snowball fight.
Eat fresh snow as ice cream.
Practice cross country skiing.
Sled if you have a hill.
Make snow angels.
Crisp, cool nights bring brilliant skies illuminated with stars. Bring out the giggles in the kids when the weather is cold. Lay on sleeping bags in your winter coats, looking at the autumn and winter skies, then enjoy it again in spring and summer.
Your backyard is more than an outdoor space; it’s the setting for a variety of activities that create precious memories with your family. Try our four relaxing backyard activities to enjoy with your family and make the outdoors part of your home.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we believe in making backyards an oasis and an extension of the indoor living space. We design our steel logs as fire pit sculpture, so each set is unique to a family’s home. Enjoy your backyard all year long with a custom fire pit and steel log set. Contact Colorado Custom Fire Pits and let us design the fire pit of your dreams.
Falling leaves and blustery days beckon us to gather around the fire pit in the evenings. Time with family and friends is what fire pits are all about. Keep those you care about safe by following our six safety tips when using your fire pit. Enjoy the warmth and conversation along with the occasional roasted marshmallow while keeping everyone safe.
Pay attention to which way the wind is blowing when lighting the fire pit fire, and plan seating accordingly. This helps people avoid getting smoke in their faces. If the weather looks like high winds for the evening, it’s best to avoid the fire pit that night. High winds increase the blowing of sparks.
It seems like a quick fix, but flammable fluids mixed with the fire pit are not safe. Just a small amount could mean an explosion or much higher flames than you planned.
With the cold season upon us, bundling up while sitting outside is a necessity. Just be aware of what you’re wearing and what others around the fire pit are wearing as well. Dangling, loose sleeves and other loose articles of clothing are a hazard when you get near the fire.
Not all wood burns well. Some types create more sparks and smoke. Stay away from pine and cedar, as they tend to spark a lot. Hardwoods are best, such as oak for a slow burn and little sparking.
A better solution to wood is steel logs. They not only look beautiful and come in custom designs, but they also don’t spark and create smoke. Best of all, there are no ashes or soot to clean up.
Don’t distance yourself from family and friends, but do create distance between guests and the fire pit. A safe space is at least three feet away from the fire. This protects those around the fire pit if they should accidentally fall or if smoke and sparks decide to fly. Keep a close eye on children, especially.
In case of an emergency, have a fire extinguisher nearby. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but better safe than sorry.
We hope our six safety tips when using your fire pit are helpful as you prepare to enjoy the coziest of seasons. Make safety a priority, and your fire pit will be the center of attention through fall and winter.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we design steel fire pit logs for your backyard enjoyment. Our log sets are works of art, ready to use or custom designed to suit your needs. Contact us or browse our convenient online store for more information about using steel log sets in your fire pit.
In just a day and with very little effort, you can transform your outdoor living space from blah to fabulous with these five low-maintenance tips to upgrade your outdoor living space. Your outdoor space doesn’t need a complete makeover; it just needs a little more attention and some small adjustments. Let’s get started so that you can get outside and improve your favorite space.
Imagine a seating area with a simple table and chairs. Now, imagine that same area with cushions on the seats and a bench with a pillow nearby. Doesn’t that feel more relaxing?
Fabrics in different textures are welcoming and comfortable. They make a big difference in an outdoor space, and making those changes takes no time at all.
Potted plants are great for all seasons. Now that spring and summer are over, it’s time for autumn’s colorful mums. When Old Man Winter hits, the greenery keeps coming with evergreens. Potted plants in every corner and hanging pots near your living space bring warmth to an outdoor space, no matter the season.
There’s no need to head inside when the sun goes down; just lighten up your outdoor space. Soft lighting allows the good times to continue and creates a cozy ambience. Here are some lighting ideas for your outdoor space:
Hang string lights around the deck, along the roofline, or over foliage.
Arrange candles on the patio table or deck rail.
Add oil lanterns or battery-operated lanterns.
Use tiki torches to add warmth and light.
Hardscaping is that part of our landscaping that isn’t alive. Stones or wood are common elements. To upgrade your outdoor living space, consider replacing the concrete patio with a brick one. Or how about a low stone wall around an outdoor seating area? Landscaping stones and bricks are easy to use in many areas to improve an outdoor living space.
Nothing brings an outdoor living space to a new level like a fire pit. The right fire pit will look beautiful, add warmth, and provide a great place to gather.
Low-maintenance fire pits are useful all year long in your outdoor living space. From summer nights roasting hot dogs to hot cocoa and friends around the fire after a day of skiing, fire pits are one of the ultimate low-maintenance ways to upgrade your outdoor living space.
We hope our guide is helpful as you seek to improve your outdoor space. Take advantage of outdoor living all year long to keep the laughter going and the good times rolling.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we design custom outdoor fire pits to suit your needs. We believe the outdoors are an extension of your indoor living areas, and it’s important to make use of them. Our unique fire pits are works of art, each one designed with the customer in mind. Contact Colorado Custom Fire Pits or browse our online store for ideas on how to create a fire pit unique to your outdoor living space.
Enjoy your backyard, no matter the season, by adding some extra little touches. In this article, we’ll discuss several ways to improve your backyard without using plants. Improvements that don’t require watering and weeding create a space that’s for enjoyment only.
Not only do outdoor lights look warm and cozy, but they help us enjoy our backyards in the evenings. Here are two lighting ideas for your backyard.
String lights. String lights are wildly popular thanks to their ease of use and the warm ambiance they create. Hang them anywhere just as you would holiday lights. The deck or patio is often the perfect spot.
Landscaping lights. Landscaping lights are used as decorative lighting or to attract attention to beautiful places in the yard at night. Look for solar-powered lights so that you don’t have to deal with wires or outlets.
Get creative and have some fun with stepping stones. These are premade at garden centers, or you can use a kit from a craft store to create your own.
Place stepping stones along a path to your deck or patio or around trees and flowers in your yard. They look pretty anywhere and require no maintenance once in place.
For landscaping that’s already in place, add some edging to protect it as well as make it more attractive. Let’s look at different options for edging:
Bricks
Landscaping stones
Concrete
Wood railroad ties
Rubber strips
Warm up your backyard with a fire pit. The addition of a fire pit not only increases the beauty of your yard but it brings a new way to enjoy the yard even when temperatures drop. Consider a custom-made fire pit that looks beautiful, even when not in use.
Water elements in the backyard are pretty to view and create a relaxing, bubbling sound. Try a small fountain near some flowers or on the deck. They simply plug in for use. A little manmade creek is a great conversation starter and brings a sense of peacefulness to your yard.
One of the most important ways to improve your backyard without using plants is to incorporate comfortable seating for yourself, family, and guests. There’s not much point in improving your yard if there’s nowhere comfortable to sit and enjoy it.
Cushioned outdoor seating is the most comfortable, so purchase plenty of it. Create unique seating areas by thinking beyond the deck and patio. Perhaps you can squeeze two extra seats under a shady tree.
Backyards are made to enjoy. If yours needs improvement, but you don’t have a green thumb or the desire to keep up with plants, use these ideas to come up with unique and simple ways to breathe new life into your yard.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we design fire pits that are more than a place to enjoy a fire—we design fire pit sculptures. Each custom-made fire pit is unique and designed with your lifestyle in mind. Browse our online store or contact us for more information on how you can improve your yard with a custom fire pit.
Many homeowners are making better use of their outdoor areas and finding ways to stay outside as temperatures change. One way to do this is by adding a fire pit to the backyard. The added warmth and cozy atmosphere make fire pits the perfect place to sit around on chilly nights. In this article, we’ll discuss four benefits of adding steel logs to your fire pit so you can make evenings outside even more enjoyable.
There’s no need to stop having fun outdoors simply because the weather turns a bit nippy. A lit fire pit on a dark night beckons everyone to sit in front of it and relax.
Steel logs are an excellent source of heat when they’re used in a fire pit. Because they don’t burn away, they can radiate heat all through the evening. There’s no need to stoke the fire or add more wood. Relax and watch the beautiful steel logs burn.
Steel log sets are custom-made, which means no two sets look alike. Each unique set is a work of art made of metal sculpture. Watching the flames dance through and around steel logs is relaxing and tranquil.
You’ll never lack for conversation as you and your guests enjoy the mesmerizing effect of these logs. Everyone will want to know what they are and how you got them.
Many people love the smell of real wood burning, and understandably so. Still, the mess you’re left with when the wood is burned up takes some of the charm away.
One of the greatest benefits of adding steel logs to your fire pit is that you’re left with no mess. There are no ashes to clean up, and you won’t have to clean out the firepit every time you use it.
When real wooden logs burn up, it can be a chore to fetch more. Storing them can be a hassle, too. Steel logs get rid of these problems. They last for years and don’t burn away. Their durability means you won’t have to worry about their longevity or any cleanup.
As you try to decide what’s best for your fire pit, keep our four benefits of adding steel logs to your fire pit in mind. There’s a chill in the air and your fire pit is ready to take center stage.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we specialize in metal fire pit logs that replicate the look of real wood—but they look even more striking. Add them to your fire pit to have something that’s long-lasting and beautiful. Browse our online store or contact us for more ideas. Let’s get your backyard ready for fall.
Summer is ending, and beautiful autumn is around the corner. There isn’t a better time of year to consider a fire pit for your backyard. The crackling sounds, the beautiful amber glow, and the wonderful warmth only a fire can provide are all achieved with a backyard fire pit. Can you just see your guests all cozied up around the fire as they catch up and make new memories? Let’s look at what to consider when selecting a fire pit for your backyard.
Keep in mind that you can’t just start a fire somewhere in your backyard without first knowing your area’s regulations. Neighborhoods, lot sizes, and other city ordinances all determine what you can put in your yard.
The laws and ordinances are there to protect everyone. A quick call to your city is the easiest way to get answers to regulation questions.
Your home has a certain style to it, and your fire pit should as well. With so many options, there’s no need to settle for ordinary unless ordinary is what you prefer.
Style includes the shape, color, materials, and even how it all looks when burning. Think about what you want the fire pit to say to guests about your style and go from there. Fire pits make great conversation pieces. Here’s a list of different fire pit materials used to create styles from traditional to modern:
Also, when considering a fire pit for your backyard, decide if you want it in a permanent spot or if a portable fire pit would work better for your yard and lifestyle.
Regulations help determine the size of your fire pit. The good thing is no matter how big or small, cool styles and materials are available in every size.
Next, determine the purpose of the fire pit. Do you usually have large crowds to entertain? If so, you may want the biggest fire pit allowed. Do you want it to throw a lot of heat or not too much? Take things like this into consideration.
There are a few options for making the fire pit burn. They are usually the following:
The style and type of logs you choose, along with ordinances and your own taste, helps in narrowing down the fuel choices. Simplicity, ease of use, and as little mess as possible are things to take into account.
Take your time choosing the right fire pit and refer to the items we discussed about selecting a fire pit for your backyard. When you make the right choice, you’ll end up with a backyard that beckons you to sit, relax, and stay awhile.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we don’t just design steel fire pit logs and custom fire pits; we create works of art. Contact us or browse our online store to find a fire pit that sparks conversation, warms the night, and leaves guests wanting more.
Is there any better way to relax in the evening than sitting beside a crackling, warm fire pit? We think not. The beauty of the dancing flames and warmth created from the fire beckons you and your guests to grab a drink, settle into a comfy seat, and put your feet up. We’ll discuss the different types of fire pits in a quick overview so that you can make the right decision when adding a fire pit to your outdoor oasis. Let’s get started.
Imagine a well-contained campfire in your backyard. That’s the best way to describe a wood-burning fire pit. Rather than creating the fire on the ground as you would when camping, you can use a wood-burning fire pit, which is usually made of steel and contains wood and fire.
You’ll enjoy the smell of real wood as it burns and the comforting crackling sound. However, you may not enjoy the necessity of keeping a supply of wood on hand and the mess of ashes a wood fire pit creates.
A gel fuel fire pit is a simple option because the fuel you burn in it remains in a small reservoir. All you need is a gas lighter to ignite it. When the gel burns out, so does the fire. Conveniently, there’s no smoke or mess. Gel fuel fire pits aren’t good sources of warmth but can easily sit in many yard areas. When the gel runs out, you need to refill or replace the reservoir.
Propane fuel fire pits are versatile and require propane tanks to use. When the fire depletes the propane, you must replace the tank. They’re often good heat sources and create impressive flames. The pits themselves can be quite large, with the flames shooting up through imitation wood, rocks, or glass.
Natural gas fire pits are the most convenient because of their permanent connections to gas lines. There’s never a need to replace the fuel source, and they’re easy to light. Currently, out of all of the different types of fire pits, having a natural gas pit is a popular trend when creating backyard spaces. They give off excellent heat and leave no mess when using faux logs made of steel.
As you consider a fire pit to enhance your outdoor lifestyle, you should think about convenience, warmth, and style. A fire pit is an investment, and getting it right the first time will bring years of enjoyment.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we specialize in fire pit sculpture, creating fire pits and steel logs so unique and beautiful, you’ll be amazed at the realistic look and magic of the warm flames they produce. Contact us or browse our online store to see our rare and elegant designs.
