Combine Outdoor Games and a Barbecue with Friends, Family and Neighbours

Although the cooler months are upon us, we can’t help but think of those warmer weather days that we enjoyed outside. For those that you know who enjoy spending time outdoors, in particular children, there are some great outdoor garden toys that would appeal to children and adults alike. Not only are garden toys available, but there are many exciting and fun games to play outdoors as well. Here are some wonderful garden toy and game gift ideas for those that truly enjoy spending their time outdoors.

Games to the Extreme

Giant Connect 4 Garden Game

Typically at many resorts, they have large lawn games which are enjoyed by many guests. Sometimes the game pieces are almost as tall as the guests! These types of games would make for fun outdoor activities to enjoy in your backyard while enjoying the gorgeous weather. A giant chess game, Connect4, giant draughts, or even a giant Jenga game all would make for exciting and fun garden toy gift ideas for anyone of any age. These giant games raise the fun factor to a while new level!

Lawn Games

Having an early spring barbeque or a get together with neighbors to enjoy the first day of summer? Get a competition going between guests by having a bocce ball tournament! Bocce ball is one of those infamous lawn games that everyone enjoys playing. You can carry on a conversation while playing, but it makes for a fun way to enjoy the afternoon. Perhaps, croquet would be better for the crowd or even a lively game of lawn darts. Even a traditional game of horseshoes provides hours of entertainment. Start a tradition at your first barbeque of the year by hosting a tournament of lawn games and you can be sure that everyone will want to make an appearance at your event! The best thing about these lawn games is that if you were thinking of giving them as a gift, most of the games come all together as a set! The game pieces usually come in their own bag with instructions. Sometimes a few of the games are grouped together to create a super set of lawn games. Any of these would make for a wonderful gift for those that not only like the outdoors, but enjoy a healthy competition as well!

Fun for the Kids

Giant Pick Up Sticks Game

Getting children outside and exercising is so important. But if you can make the exercise seem like fun, it is even better than. Try setting up an obstacle course in the backyard for them to enjoy with their friends and siblings. Sack races, ring tosses, limbo, and pick up stick games all would make for great garden toy gift ideas for kids. Then they could set up their own obstacles courses with their friends and every day could be a new adventure. Not only do garden games get the children to be active, but allows them to be imaginative as well!

Ann Martin is the feature writer for Dinnerware Center, which is an online store specializing in dinnerware sets and flatware sets such as the WMF flatware set. Ann contributes to other home and garden sites and frequently posts recommendations and suggestions for home entertaining. When Ann is not writing, she enjoys cooking and reading.

Just because the Autumn season is upon us, don’t pack away that barbeque grill just yet. With Autumn produce waiting to be sampled, this is one of the best times of year to grill those  vegetables and enjoy those tastes of autumn. You may even have an excess of produce in your garden that needs to be eaten. If you have canned or froze what you could, try out some of these recipes to grill those vegetables you have left in your garden.

Mixed Vegetable Delight

This grilled vegetable recipe makes for a wonderful compliment to any dinner. The mix of potatoes and squash make for a delicious combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 baking potatoes
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1 acorn squash
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon thyme

Directions:

Preheat grill and prepare for indirect grilling. Peel potatoes, sweet potatoes and squash. Cut each into 1 inch thick slices. Discard seeds and fibers from squash. Toss vegetables with oil, salt and pepper. In a small bowl combine butter and thyme. Place vegetables on grill away from direct heat. Close lid and cook for about 15 minutes. Turn and continue cooking for 15 more minutes. Turn again and brush with butter and thyme mixture. Coat all sides and continue cooking until vegetables are tender.

Source: About.com

Grilled Cabbage

Who knew that you could grill cabbage? Well, you can and it tastes just delicious with that sweet crunchy texture that only a grill could give. This recipe enhances the flavor of the cabbage by simply wrapping a bacon strip around the wedge of cabbage. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds)
• 4 teaspoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 bacon strips

Cut cabbage into four wedges; place each on a piece of double-layered heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Spread cut sides with butter. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Wrap a bacon strip around each wedge. Fold foil around cabbage and seal tightly. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 40 minutes or until the cabbage is tender, turning twice. Yield: 4 servings.

Source: Tasteofhome.com

Tasty Grilled Carrots

Although carrots can be enjoyed anytime of year, I thought it was appropriate to include them in this article. The beautiful orange color of the carrots adds that Autumn touch to any plate. Not only do carrots pack a health punch for your body, but they are absolutely delicious when grilled.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 pound large carrots, halved lengthwise

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, oil, ginger, vinegar and garlic. Add carrots; toss to coat. With tongs, place carrots on grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until tender, turning and basting frequently with soy sauce mixture. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Source: Tasteofhome.com

Ann Martin is a writer for dinnerware center, an online tableware store. Dinnerware Center specializes in tableware sets from major brands, including the Oneida Michelangelo and Noritake stoneware dinnerware sets. Ann enjoys scouring the web for healthy, yet tasty recipes that she can make using fresh produce.

Begin your party planning by assessing exactly what you already have: the particular nature of your flowers or vegetables, any special architecture – a gazebo, shack, wicker furniture, fountain, etc and use these pieces for inspiration. Keep your guest list relative to the size of your space, and get ready to relax in your gorgeous garden!

Décor and Table Settings

Use the natural colors found in your garden as your party palate. Bring your flowers to the forefront and keep tablecloths and napkins in neutral colors like off-white and cream. You don’t want bright, flashy pieces to overshadow the beauty of the colors in your garden. If you don’t have an overabundance of colorful flowers, you can add a few small potted plants, or if it’s a vegetable garden, you might scatter some already picked brightly colored veggies, as a centerpiece. Choose dinnerware that has an elegant touch. Sort through what you’ve got – now is the time to pull out the Noritake colorware or other special dishes. Polish them up if need be, and allow them to glimmer in the summer sun. Other centerpiece ideas besides potted plants or arranged vegetables: Floating flower candles, a fruit bouquet, painted birdhouses, or flower vases.

Drinks

Garden parties are ideal for light, refreshing summer beverages. Keep it simple with a few favorites: lemonade, flavored iced tea, and a big pitcher of filtered ice water with cucumber slices or lemon. For your iced tea, you might try peach or raspberry flavors, or add your own frozen strawberries or blueberries. You might also set out a variety of hot herbal teas and pretty teacups, if the weather isn’t sweltering.

Menu

Keep the menu light, crisp, and delicious with an assortment of salads, to start. Set out a colorful fruit salad and vegetable tray with hummus (be sure to use anything fresh from your garden!) and ask your guests to bring their favorite party salads to the table. Prepare a long loaf of fresh crusty bread and a little bowl of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs for dunking. Cheese and cracker plates, tuna salad croissant sandwiches, and chicken salad pitas are also great ideas.

Music

Music sets the tone for any party, and your garden party is no exception. Decide the vibe you want to create – perhaps you want classical music wafting through the garden to create an elegant afternoon, a sultry samba, sounds of nature, or jazz standards, all of which say something different, entirely.

Activities

There are so many options, depending on the size and feel of your group. For an eight lady tea party you might have a craft, or provide each guest with a small pot, some soil, and seeds for potting. For a young couples or family garden party you might set out lawn games, water toys, and badminton net if there is room. Above all, kick back, relax, enjoy the day, and beauty of your garden!

by Ann Martin – Guest Blogger on Jack’s Garden Store

Spring is finally here, the sun is shining and it is once again warm enough to dine outdoors. Cooking on a barbecue is a great way to prepare food outdoors that tastes amazing. With a few simple tips cooking outdoors couldn’t be easier. I have compiled a quick guide on how to choose the right barbecue for you. Read on if you are a complete novice looking for a high-tech outdoor barbecues or an experienced charcoal lover that is simply looking to replace his/her worn out barbecue.

Different barbecue grills offer different cooking methods and will come in at different prices. Let’s now look at what there is available for you:

Do you cook with a charcoal barbecue or gas barbecue?

Gas barbecues are far easier to start and heat up twice as quickly as charcoal grills. On average a gas barbecue will be ready to cook on within 10 minutes whilst a charcoal barbecue takes 20-25 minutes to get ready. In American almost 70% of the barbecues bought last year were gas ones.

If you do want to buy a gas barbecue spend time thinking about what if any additional features you would like on your barbecue. You can now buy gas bbq’s with, side burners to cook side dishes, a rotisserie to turn meat. If you love the taste of charcoal cooked food but don’t want the hassle of using a charcoal BBQ you can buy smoker boxes and add wood chips to add a rich smokey flavour to your food.

Charcoal barbecues however offer far better flavour of food as they create a rich smokey woody flavour onto your meat or fish.

When purchasing a charcoal grill look for one that has at least two grates on the bottom and top so that air can circulate freely. Air vents should also be on the top and bottom or left and right in order for the smoke to flow around the food. Look out for barbecues with hinged lids as they are easier to work with and also grills that can be moved like oven racks which will help you to control the temperature you cook your food with.

Size
Always buy a barbecue slightly bigger than you require as this will allow for your barbecue to stay with you as your family grows or help to cater for any unexpected guests who will inevitably pop round once you start cooking and the smell of your barbecue wafts into your neighbours back garden.

Barbecue Grate
You can purchase barbecue grills for very low prices, however if you want to purchase one that will last a long time buy a stainless steel barbecue grill that is at least ¼ inch thick.

Jacks top tips for the perfect barbecue

• Preheat all new barbecues for at least 20 minutes to get rid of that new smell and to burn off any dust.

• Make sure you regularly clean your barbecue grill to prevent rusting and to keep your barbecue hygienic. Simply preheat the barbecue for around 15 minutes before cooking then scrub the grate with a brush to clean followed by drying with an old clean cloth.

• Always have a good range of tools with you when cooking outdoors including a spatula, basting brush, fork and a red meat thermometer.

For a great range of barbecues visit Jacks Garden Store now.

Good luck

Gardener Jack!

Many of us wish to spend more time in the garden than the weather will allow!

Patio heaters now allow us all to enjoy our gardens all year round.

During the summer, an evening of alfresco dining can be continued long after the sun has gone down and in the colder months  a comforting cup of cocoa can be enjoyed on a sunny crisp morning, under the heat of your new patio furnishing.

Patio heaters offer additional comfort in your garden all year round. They provide fast effective outdoor heating and some forms are quite cost effective. They are capable of heating a radius of 10-20ft and can increase the temperature in that area by up to 30 degrees fahrenheit.

You will find that patio heaters run on a variety of energy sources such as gas, propane, electricity, coal and wood.

There are many types of patio heater :-

Portable Patio Heaters

This type is ideally positioned on your outdoor table and can be re-positioned anywhere which is great if you use more than one spot to dine or simply to chat and relax in your garden.  The amount of power used by this heater is small and therefore makes it one of the most economical choices.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

This is by far the cheapest method for running a heater. There is the initial cost of connecting the heater to your gas supply which must be considered and because of this you will not be able to move this heater freely around your garden. It will be in a fixed position.

Propane Patio Heaters

Often thought of as the optimal performance energy source. Propane is more expensive than natural gas but using this energy source allows you the flexibility of moving your heater around your garden as the fuel is stored in the same cylinders as used for your gas BBQ. This is the most popular type of heater for both private and commercial use.

Electric Patio Heaters

This type of heater does not have a flame like the gas heaters, instead it utilizes a radiant heat element which should appeal to those more environmentally conscious. It has zero carbon emissions, is odourless and unaffected by wind. You will have to connect this heater to an existing electricity supply, therefore you need to consider connection types and whether you are likely to want to move the heater around the garden.

Firepits and Fireplaces

Portable and extremely attractive outdoor heating product which gives the feeling of sitting around a camp fire! Generally fuelled by coal and/or wood. This type does smoke and will be affected by wind. Small children and animals will have to be watched when the fire pit is in use. This type of heater will require more cleaning than the rest but most come with a removable ash compartment.

Chiminea

This type of outdoor heater is fuelled also by wood and/or coal. It can be a beautiful focal point in your garden. Chimineas were originally produced only in clay but are now also available in cast iron and steel which are more durable than clay versions which had a tendency to crack if subjected to rapid changes in temperature. The cast iron chimineas also have a grill inside which can be used to cook on. Look out for the grill options as they can often be a handy alternative to a barbeque.

Remember to ask yourself the following questions before deciding on which type of heater to purchase:

• What area am I looking to heat?
• How easy will it be to connect the heater to my electricity or gas supply?
• Will I want to move my heater around the garden?
• Will it be safe if I have pets/small children?
• Do I need to use the cheapest energy source?
• Am I prepared to pay a little extra for optimal heat provision?
• Am I looking for a garden feature or a heater which is purely functional?

An outdoor heater can sometimes be an expensive purchase but by asking yourself the right questions and ensuring you make the correct purchase the first time round you are making a sound investment into your future happiness!!!

Happy Heater Hunting!

Gardener Jack