Outdoor Furniture

Hot trend: Fire pits ornamental, useful in backyards (Contra Costa Times)As more people stay home, fire pits become attractive option for entertaining.

Local merchants go the extra mile for customers (Kern Valley Sun)Susan BarrKern Valley Sun Business owners operating in rural communities such as the Kern River Valley face many challenges when it comes to competing with their big city counterparts. Those challenges are compounded even more for those in retail, as they rely far more on a strong and loyal customer base.

Preserve your warm-weather style by solving summer stains (Carteret County News-Times)(ARA) - From the barbecue sauce dripped on your favorite blouse to the cherry popsicle the kids smeared on the patio furniture cushions, summer is the season of stains. But stained clothes and upholstery probably don't make the kind of style statement you'd like as you entertain this summer.

Warming up to backyard fire pits (Seattle Times)Fire pits, one of the hottest trends in outdoor-living design features, come in a wide range of styles and prices. Here's a primer on fire pits plus some safety tips.

Lee, Collier County home watchers relieve worries (The News-Press)Home watchers come in handy for people who need peace of mind.

Bridal Registry Tips and Items You'll Really Use (Carteret County News-Times)(ARA) - While the fondue pot and ice cream maker seem like must-haves when you're adding items to your bridal registry, it's important to ask yourself, "Will I really use these items on a regular basis?" You may want to reconsider your selections.

Patio furniture stolen from Zaxby's (Athens Banner-Herald)Someone stole $1,750 worth of outdoor patio furniture from the Zaxby's restaurant at 820 Old Hull Road sometime between 10 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday, Athens-Clarke police said.

Brent Batten: Another holiday?s true meaning gets commercialized (Naples Daily News)Brent Batten's column for Sunday, May 24, 2009