The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is committed to continuing our normal features, where appropriate, during the coronavirus outbreak. For full coverage of the outbreak in Atlanta, please check our Coronavirus News Section. We have decided to continue Best of Alpharetta voting for the time being, despite social distancing. We encourage our readers to support local businesses after the authorities loosen the social distancing rules along with supporting those businesses that offer delivery or pickup during the outbreak.

Outdoor dining is usually a must when the weather warms up, so when patrons feel its safe to do so, theyll likely elect to have their meals outdoors at their favorite spot.

This weeks Best of Alpharetta poll is one of the biggest yet, having nine options residents can choose from.

RELATED:VOTE: Whats the best rainy day activity in Roswell? | Best of Roswell

Whether you prefer to have sushi at Kona Grill or would rather get a brick-oven pizza atCampania, the options abound for outdoor dining.

Thats why the AJC is asking readers to vote on the best patio in the North Fulton city.

If you cant view the poll above clickhere.

Know a place that should be added? Email a write-in nomination tokiersten.willis@ajc.com. If enough people suggest the same spot, well place it in our poll. Voting ends Thursday, May 21, at midnight.

Interested in more Alpharetta news?Sign up for our new Alpharetta Community newsletter to stay up to date.

Dont forget to check out the winners of the Best of Alpharetta.

Best park

Best sushi

Best way to spend a rainy day

Best brunch spot

Best happy hour spot

Best holiday light display

Best date-night spot

Best holiday activity

Best burger

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Excerpt from:
VOTE: Whats the best patio in Alpharetta? | Best of Alpharetta - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Hanging out at home? Take a bar porch, yard or balcony and create your very own patio season, says Colin and Justin

Today, with the return of unstinting optimism, we turn our attention to the great outdoors. Yes, climatic vagaries aside, we remain unaffected by what can best be described as meteorological indecision. Sun for a minute. Thinking next? Do you sound familiar?

But there is hope even if you have to make your own fun as you go. Just because your favorite patio bar and outdoor restaurant tables are currently off-limits doesnt mean you cant bring home the excitement of the patio season.

Heres our sunshine guide to help optimize your garden, deck or patio

Freshen up. Before you think about furniture and accessories, make sure your space is spic and exciting. Use a washer to remove grain and dirt. Doing this will not only cleanse, it will reveal the original tones and patina on your patio table.

Shake me timber. Apply wood preservative to inhibit moisture penetration and sun damage. Shop online at your local Home Depot and select sidewalk pickup products.

Every creak and fool. If you have an area of slabs, clean between each tile (the manicure comes later: with out-of-bounds talent salons, who the hell breaks it?) And apply weed killer to curb further problems.

Change shop. Call or email neighbors to exchange products: was there ever a benefit of such compromised times, its the idea that friends and neighboring owners look out for each other more than ever. But of course, disinfect everything you plan to share and wipe down any intake. Jeesh: we can hardly believe that we wrote the last bit (its heartbreaking, really) but better safe than sorry.

Be safe with your foot. It is good to avoid glossy surfaces in outdoor areas. For this purpose, we often add sand to the exterior floor paint to provide extra grip. About half a cup of medium gauge per Gallon should keep you vertical.

Light up. Choose lighter colors to reflect warmth so your patio stays cool. If you have grass, think Wimbledon: pull out your lawnmower (or lend a neighbor, obviously distanced) and start striping your lush patch. After all, a mowed lawn suggests a unified garden.

sorted. To prevent your porch from becoming a messy stop-off for kitchen waste, use color-coded boxes, not cross-pollinate, and avoid overflow. If space is cramped, sort the waste into the bags and drive to your nearest recycling center if it remains open. You know, it makes sense.

Bloomin lovely. Bright potted flowers add drama; today you dont have to be an expert to achieve good results even big box stores (those that remain open), horticulture is bred to challenge even the least green thumb. Hanging baskets also add pop, but keep in mind that on hot days they can get dry in less than an hour. Then use that watering can to avoid a dry basket.

Soft, soft. More cooshun to then pooshun: carefully selected throw pillows add pop to ordinary furniture, while decorative outdoor crockery will awaken even the dullest table. If you have a basement, loft or closet full of seasonal items, excel the best bits for recycling and send the rest to the charity when stores reopen.

Flicker. Pull tea light into storm jugs and turn on lemon zest to keep bugs in check. Wouldnt it be hell to find an army of yellow jackets that suck the life out of your walnut dressing as you serve the really cool grape and spinach salad. Stung tongue, anyone? Didnt think.

All in all, we remain focused on brighter times (socially and literally) in the future. There is a light out there that we remain drawn to at every moment. While we may be stronger together, apart from, just imagine the strength we want to build, combined as our world eventually heals

Look for Colin and Justin at Cabin Pressure and Great Canadian Cottages (Cottage Life TV) and at Cityline (CityTV). Find the Colin and Justin Collection in stores all over Canada. Visit http://www.colinandjustin.tv

See the rest here:
Colin and Justin: Personalize your patio - Smash Newz

Photo credit: Lindsey Ramsey

From House Beautiful

For those seeking a useful way to spend their time during social distancingor anyone simply interested in forging a deeper connection with their homesHB has launched Home Love, a series of daily tips and ideas to make every minute indoors more productive (and gratifying!).

When I first moved into my own place a few years ago, I had to make my peace with the fact that I had not found an apartment with the ultimate, but elusive, NYC amenity: outdoor space. It never bothered me too much since I'm a short walk from a huge park, and my neighborhood is full of great bars and restaurants...then social distancing happened. Confined to my 500-square foot apartment, completely alone save for my cat, I started dreaming of outdoor space, ANY outdoor space. And there it was: my fire escape.

Before you start, yes, I know it is illegal to install items on your fire escape. That's why I decided I'd only bring out things that could easily be removed once I came back inside. I need Vitamin D, people! My super actually walked by while I was out there, and when I told him, "I swear it's all removable," he said, "you gotta go what you gotta do." If that isn't my 2020 mood, I don't know what is. So, here's how I transformed the overlooked space into an at-home getawayfor under $300.

To start, I knew I needed to channel joy and put up some string lights. These are the only part of the project that I don't take down each time I come inside. I strung them through the bars and made sure that the ladder was still accessible to others in case of an emergency. I leave the lights on until I go to bed and it never fails to to bring me happiness.

Next, I wanted to find something to make the floor more solid. I just knew I'd drop a phone or something through the grates. I researched a few different options, and congratulated myself on my brilliance when I came across some bamboo bath mats. These give the look of a wood floor but are super easy to store inside. I decided not to go for the full floor, and just bought four to make a cozy corner.

Story continues

To complete the corner, I found a super cute, bright yellow metal table where could rest a laptop or a place a drink. I also accessorized with some fake plants (I kill all plants, as a rule), and my vintage-inspired bluetooth speaker.

Now for the biggest decision of my mini-makeover: What was my seating strategy going to be? I needed something that could fold up when I brought it inside, as I'm already maxed out on seating in my tiny living room. But I also wanted something comfy that I could sit in for hours should the weather allow. I decided on a reclining chair with a pillow. It's perfect for reading or just catching some sun, plus it's easy to fold up and store when not in use.

Now I have the perfect little outdoor space to take work calls during the week, or relax, read, and listen to the new Fiona Apple on the weekend. And as someone who would have been spending these spring weekends in a park, having somewhere to sit outside is an absolute game changer. All in, I spent less than $300 to transform this space into something that's saving my sanity every day the temperature creeps above 60 degrees. And now that it's in full use, I've discovered an added bonus: Since I'm only one flight up, friends can walk by and actually have a conversation while maintaining social distancing. Outdoor space and visits from friends? Normal is just around the corner.

For more Home Love ideas, head herewe'll be launching a new one every day. And tag your own home project photos #homelove for everyone to enjoy.

You Might Also Like

Excerpt from:
How to Turn Your Fire Escape into a Patio Without Breaking The Law - Yahoo Lifestyle

The coronavirus pandemic has kept people inside their homes for weeks, and it will continue to do so for an undetermined amount of time.

As the weather improves and temperatures rise, the temptation to go outside for fresh air is increasing. Spending time on the patio or deck to get some sun is a smart middle ground between leaving the house and being locked inside.

If you see yourself spending a lot of time on your patio in the near future, there are great deals available online for those looking to upgrade their setup as summer approaches.

Kohls is selling a SONOMA Goods for Life Coronado Swivel Swing Chair Set for a discounted price of $164.99 in brown and teal. The department retail chain is also selling a SONOMA Goods for Life Presidio Coffee Table at a discounted price of $119.99.

Want to take your dinner out of the dining room? Amazon is selling a 5-Piece Wood Outdoor Dining Set for $365.49 that includes four cushioned arm chairs and a table. The company is also selling a selection of gazebos for additional cover from the sun.

If youre looking to bring your living room to the backyard, Home Depot is selling a 4-Piece Steel Outdoor Patio Wicker Conversation Set at a discounted price of $279.00 that comes with a coffee table, two lounge chairs and loveseat.

For those interested in just sprucing up their patio with some decorations and amenities, Wayfair is having a sale on chair cushions, outdoor rugs, wall decor and more.

Related Content:

Continued here:
Outdoor patio furniture deals for when the weather warms up and youre still stuck at home - masslive.com

The Biscuit Bar restaurant has been expanding rapidly in North Texas the last couple of years, and a pandemic is not slowing them down.

The country-chic restaurant, which specializes in sweet and savory biscuits, breakfast and tots, officially opens its fourth location with takeout and delivery only for now on April 29 in Champions Park, Arlingtons newest entertainment district.

Husband and wife owners Jake and Janie Burkett opened their first restaurant in 2018 in Plano and have since expanded to SMU, Deep Ellum and Arlington. They plan to open a Fort Worth Stockyards location this summer.

The Arlington restaurant is 3,024 square feet and features a 2-story covered patio with views of AT&T Stadium.

For now, guests can order online or via The Biscuit Bar app for takeout, or delivery through DoorDash.

We are so thankful for the continued support throughout the entire metroplex at all of our locations," states co-owner Janie Burkett in a press release. "It is not easy being a small business owner these days, but we are grateful for our customers and we will make it through this together. Tarrant County we are ready to serve you some comfort food!

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday beginning April 29 at 1707 N. Collins Street, Arlington. thebiscuit.bar.

More here:
New Biscuit Bar with two-story patio opening in Arlington with takeout and delivery for now - The Dallas Morning News

This spring, Wayfair is bringing us all the joy with its Big Give Back sale. Not only are 10 percent of proceeds going to the COVID-19 relief fund, it's also slashing prices on hundreds of items side-wide for the ultimate guilt-free shopping spree.

We've already shared our top picks on big-brand savings in the Wayfair sale, from Le Creuset to Nespresso, and now it's the turn of patio furniture. We've been rounding up the best patio furniture sales from across the web to give you all the patio furniture options possible, but you know we love Wayfair for stylish spring/summer essentials, so we've rounded up the best of what Wayfair's sale has to offer, from our wish-list to yours.

Abdiel 5 Piece Dining Set with Cushions | Was $550, now $370 at WayfairSave 35 percent - If you've got a more compact patio but a not-so-compact family, this 5-person dining set tucks away for when it's not in use, and has durable outdoor cushions.View Deal

Serpa 3 Piece Dining Set | Was $1,659, now $569.99 at WayfairSave 66 percent - This three-piece dining set is great for a family or those looking to host (at some point!) The set includes one table and two benches, finished in a simple, contemporary style.View Deal

Maura Double Chaise Lounge with Cushion | Was $431.33, now $369.99 at WayfairSave 14 percent - Sleep on day beds, Love Island style, with this double chaise lounge. It's made of weather-resistant wood and includes a removable canopy. Sunbathing spot, sorted.View Deal

Lisette 3 Piece Rattan Seating Group with Cushions | Was $2,360, now $479.99 at WayfairSave 82 percent - Hello, mega savings! This three-piece set is designed for smaller spaces and provides the perfect arrangement setup for a morning coffee with a partner. Water-resistant cushions add padding and comfort, and complete the neutral color palette.

Double Camping Hammock with Stand | Was $449.97, now $409.99 at WayfairSave $40 - Bring the resort to you, with this sturdy outdoor hammock. The frame is made of sturdy pine and the cotton hammock can take up to 450lbs.View Deal

Wiest Double Chaise Lounge with Cushion | Was $1,176, now $419.99 at WayfairSave 64 percent - This chaise lounge is weather-resistant and sized to fit two, but we won't blame you if you don't feel like sharing.View Deal

Drachten Tea Bar Serving Cart | Was $1,340, now $152.99 at WayfairSave 89 percent - If you're planning on spending the afternoon in the sun, this serving cart is an attractive way to bring your book and iced tea along. It's also great as a plant-holder due to its multiple tiers.View Deal

Read the rest here:
Don't miss the best patio furniture deals from Wayfair's Give Back sale - Real Homes

A MUM has proved you dont need an expensive jet wash to completely clean your patio.

The savvy woman showed how she used a 1 cream and a brush to scrub her outdoor space - and it now looks brand new and an entirely different colour.

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She shared striking before and after photos on Instagram, and the finished result has highly impressed internet users.

The delighted homeowner shared how she used the 1 The Pink Stuff cream, and said: Saw this online and cant believe how well it works! Like new.

No jet wash was used! Just squirted all over and dipped a brush into a bucket of water giving it a scrub, then hosed off with a normal garden hose.

The Pink Stuff cleaning product has boomed in popularity, thanks to the likes of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch using it frequently around her picture-perfect Essex home.

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Since uploading pictures of her patio less than a day ago on the Hinch Army Cleaning Tips page, the woman has racked up nearly 10,000 likes, and thousands of comments praising her efforts.

One said: Oh wow!! Fabulous! Will give it a go!

Another added: This looks amazing what a transformation.

Previously, a woman raved about how The Pink Stuff had left her cloudy shower screen sparkling like new.

OVEN A GOCleaning fans use dishwasher tablet to get oven trays sparkling with no scrubbing

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so seamlessHow Kate Middleton hides bra & knicker lines by using shapewear and sew-in bras

PASTE NO TIMECleaning fans reveal Pink Stuff can be used to spruce up ANYTHING

RING TRUE?Bride-to-be stunned by guests rude RSVP - but some think he was in the right

VITAL HOARDIve stockpiled 2.5k of PPE and I dont care if the NHS runs out

In other DIY news, thismum has showcased her amazing kitchen transformation that cost her just 46.

And thismum transformed her daughters bedroom using celery and paint tester pots.

Plus thismums 4 cleaning trick will get your filthy washing machine drawer sparkling in MINUTES.

Excerpt from:
Mum completely changes the colour of her tired patio and she ditched the jet wash for a 1 cream instead - The Sun

Spring has sprung, and we are all still in lockdownmeaning we have to make the most of whatever postage-stamp-sized balcony or patio that our Vancouver condos and apartments allow.

Because it now ranks as one of the citys only safe outdoor refuges, we need to find ways to make our mini-deck a place to lounge, work, and eat over the coming weeks. And that means finding versatile furniture that not only optimizes the square footage, but also turns it into an inviting oasis away from the COVID-19 storm.

Here are a few style-savvy furnishings to help you outfit a tight outdoor space.

Folding bistro chairs and tables are your best bet for a squeezed high-rise patio. We like the clean lines and eucalyptus wood of Canadian Tires Canvas Sherbrooke style ($99.99 for the table, $75 per chair). At 66 centimetres wide, the table may not accommodate a feast, but its just right for your morning coffee and croissant, or evening hors doeuvres. You can tuck the set away in the corner when youre not using it, or into your storage locker over the winter months. Throw a bright outdoor cushion on the chair, grab your laptop, and youre good to go for a 9-to-5 workday with fresh air and a view.

Small outdoor ottomans or poufs are a multifunctioning must-have, adding a blast of colour. You can use one as a footrest when you want to lounge in the sun, as an end table for your 5-oclock tray of martinis and olives, or for extra seating when youre allowed to entertain again. Wayfair.ca has eco-friendly, bright-patterned beanbag versions in a variety of cube, rectangular-prism, and cylinder shapes; washable slipcovers are woven from outdoor-treated polyester, promising protection from both weather and UV rays. We like the funky Nerys, the polka-dot Telly, and the geometric Harvard. Resist neutral grey for patterns that set white against vibrant orange or yellow ($113.99 to $159.99).

Boost atmosphere with vintage string lights.

Vintage-style string lights add instant old-school atmosphere to your patio in the evening. If you have an enclosed balcony, hang them in loose rows from the ceiling over your chairs; for a ground-floor deck, scallop them between fenceposts or trees. We found an incandescent-bulb version with chunky moulded bases on Amazon.ca ($50.99); at 14 metres with 15 lights, it has enough wire to play with and creates a warm glimmer.

The Rhino umbrella.

If youre going to be living on your deck, youre going to need shade. Consider a white umbrella, which helps a tight, enclosed balcony feel airy and bright, but still blocks out the UV rays. Many of the umbrellas out there hit a nine- or 10-foot radius; if your condo is Vancouver-scaled, youll need to search out something significantly smaller. Wayfair.cas Rhino market umbrella, in crisp white, clocks in at just six feet wide (1.8 metres), sporting a canvas-look polyester canopy with wood trim. You can pop it into the hole in your deck table or buy a base so it can stand alone. This one has a manual tilt functiona must as the sun sets ($145.99).

Complete your outdoor living room with a weatherproof rug, scaled to fit a smaller patio. Some of the freshest new patio palettes mix brilliant yellow with white and greythe hues youll find in Lowes.cas Erbanica Fiesta striped rug. The eco-friendly style, which measures about 1.5 by 2.5 metres, is crafted from recycled plastic straws, tightly woven to resist moisture and mildew, to clean easily, and yet to feel surprisingly soft ($62.99 on sale).

Read more from the original source:
5 furnishings to make the most of a small patio - Straight.com

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio

With the extra time indoors and budgets tight, "Do It Yourself" projects can be a great way to pass time, upgrade your home and distract you from the stress associated with a changed way of life due to COVID-19.

With all this in mind, my family decided to tackle a backyard DIY landscaping project -- and lucky for us, our neighbor, Isaiah Brazytis, is a professional landscaper.

This is a great time to work on your yard, Brazytis says. You're at home anyhow.

BIGGEST DIY LANDSCAPING MISTAKES

Brazytis is a maintenance supervisor at LeafStone Landscapes out of Walton Hills. He says the biggest DIY lawn mistakes Northeast Ohioans make are planting things that deer like to eat and taking on a project too big to handle.

Here are before-and-after photos of their landscaping project:

PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WIGGINS FAMILY

After looking over our lawn with my husband, Chris, Brazytis recommended we clean up our flower beds, lay down mulch and put in a path from the side of the garage to the driveway. The path would give us a spot for our grill that's not so close to the garage.

Our budget for the project was $400.

My kids and I are not good at landscaping, so Chris did most of the work through hail, snow and rain during this week-long April project.

Even though we did go over budget (spending a little more than $500), the entire family was proud of how the patio, walkway and landscaping turned out.

Daddy, didnt do a good job, said my 9-year-old, Christen. He did amazing!

Although we made the mistake of making upgrades that we didnt budget for, Brazytis told us that if we had hired a professional to complete the same project, our cost would have doubled. Needless to say, we didnt mind spending the extra $100 to get what we wanted.

LANDSCAPING MATERIALS AND PROCESS

Materials

Flower Bed Process

Patio and Walkway Process

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Here is the original post:
DIY landscaping: How to avoid the biggest lawn mistakes that Northeast Ohioans frequently make - WKYC.com

By Jeanine Matlow, Special to The Detroit News Published 5:17 p.m. ET March 26, 2020

With so many restrictions and guidelines in place, our homes have never played such a crucial role in our lives. As temperatures begin to climb, our outdoor spaces may be as far as we can stretch our new boundaries.

Given our current circumstances, this could be a good time to consider some quick and easy updates for your patio, porch or deck to make them more attractive and welcoming for increased usage. Evaluating your outdoor living spaces to see what improvements are needed can make your unintended staycation more enjoyable for the duration.

Umbrellas make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.(Photo: Classic Accessories)

Comfort is key in this type of environment where nature can be unpredictable. Though fresh air feels invigorating after being cooped up inside for weeks at a time, the elements can be harsh, but there are ways to protect yourself and maximize your opportunities outside.

According to the experts at Duck Covers, a company that specializes in outdoor furniture covers, some simple fixes are all it takes to enhance your outdoor living experience. Here are four easy ways to spruce up your outdoor space:

First, bring on the shade. Too much sun can put a damper on your plans for relaxing or gathering with members of your household. A substantial umbrella provides much-needed protection from the elements while adding a finishing touch to your open-air surroundings.

Decorative accents can have an impact in a natural environment. Toss a few throw pillows on your patio furniture and add scented bug-repellent candles to your tables for added comfort. You can also line your walkways with some tiki torches instead of standard lights. These seemingly small add-ons give your outdoor space more pizzazz.

Comfort and style go hand in hand in an outdoor setting. For starters, you can perk up that old patio furniture with slipcovers designed for chairs and chaise lounges. Duck Covers feature an adjustable belted hem and click-close straps to ensure a tight, customizable fit. This solution makes existing pieces more current and better secured in the elements.

Lastly, they suggest creating some privacy for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors more often. This can be done by adding a botanical wall or floral arrangements in between different sections. You can also separate your space from your neighbors property and other parts of your backyard with succulents, a tall trellis or a pergola. When you get creative with your space and your greenery, others will want to do the same.

A hammock can provide a soothing spot to relax during tough times.(Photo: Classic Accessories)

At the very least, these enhancements can take your focus away from feeling secluded by spreading your wings as far as your property lines allow. You might even add a soothing component like a hammock for an afternoon nap. For now, making the best use of our personal surroundings should be comforting enough to get us through it all one day at a time.

For information, go to duckcovers.classicaccessories.com.

Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2020/03/26/smart-solutions-update-your-patio-sunny-spring-days-come/2910126001/

Link:
Smart Solutions: Update your patio for the sunny spring days to come - The Detroit News