by Karyn Brodsky
What’s the best way to keep track of your kids this summer? Make your backyard the “place to be” and their friends will want to hang out there. It’s a win-win: you always know where your kids are, and you get to add some fun outdoor accessories to your home.
Are your kids always hungry?
Cook up pizzas in an outdoor pizza oven. Pat Wilson, Manager of Ed Kellum & Son in Dallas, says outdoor pizza ovens are increasingly popular.“There are built-ins with a chimney and there are the counter top types.” Treat thirsty kids to some Icee-like drinks made with your very own sonic ice machine. Wilson adds that there are machines that make different types of ice for a variety of drinks, including cubes and larger, top hat-shaped ice.
A hot, new item is a built-in food and drink holder that rests on the counter top in the outdoor kitchen area. Wilson says it’s ideal for serving the kids, as it has a drainable ice trough and holders for drinks, fruit, and other snacks.
As for grown-ups, “portable or built in fire pits don’t use much space and are a good alternative to a fireplace,” says O’Blenes. She adds that a mosquito misting system is also a good investment, especially in light of the Zika Virus threat. “A mosquito misting system features jets in the yard which spray a natural liquid that kills mosquitos. Simply press the button before guests arrive to be bug free,” says O’Blenes. “I think this will be the wave of the future.”
Are you serving drinks to adults?
There is a myriad of options for gadgets and devices to create the backyard of your dreams and attract guests, both younger and older. After all, who doesn’t want to have the coolest backyard in the neighborhood?