Patio & Hearth Blog

Butler Cart from Mallin Casual

Black Friday officially marks the start of the holiday shopping season for all retailers. Specialty retailers in the patio furniture, barbecue/grill, and fireplace industries should use this period to attract new and repeat customers. Offering accessories or smaller items can be a great way to lure customers into the store. Gift baskets filled with barbecue sauces and grilling tools make perfect gifts for outdoor chefs. Gift certificates for those dreaming of new outdoor grills or patio furniture are also great gift ideas. Below are a couple of outdoor items that are perfectly suited for gift giving.

Mallin’s new butler cart is ideal for outdoor entertaining, and it can easily turn a small family gathering into a grand event. Its unique shape and design are versatile, and the wheels make it very easy to move around, holding everything from cocktails to glassware for upcoming events. This butler cart is perfect for the person who loves to entertain.

Charcoal Companion Skewer Station from The Companion Group

An exciting new way to serve skewers of a single ingredient, the Charcoal Companion Skewer Station, from The Companion Group, allows guests to customize their entrée. Grill different meats and vegetables, and then hang them for serving. Guests can simply push the meat or vegetables from the skewer (with the included fork) onto plates held underneath. The grooved wooden tray prevents juices from spilling on a table. Comes with six skewers and two forks.

Mallin Casual

The Companion Group

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet’s Hybrid Fire Grill

The holiday season is here and that means spending time with loved ones while enjoying good food. But for those of you who want to make turkey without the whole bird, an individual turkey breast can be a great meal for a small Thanksgiving gathering.

Check out this delicious turkey breast recipe from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet that will leave you and your guests wanting more!

Buttermilk-brined Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

3 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 ounces (1/4 cup) hot sauce (Tabasco is a good choice)
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, 2 1/2 to 3 pounds
Triple S Rub (smoky seasoned salt)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cups wood chips

Directions:

Prepare the “brine” by whisking together the buttermilk, salt, hot sauce and granulated garlic. Rinse and dry the turkey breast. Place in a large, zip-top bag and pour in the brine. Remove excess air, seal and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. About 45 minutes before cooking, remove the breast from the brine. Pat dry, and season liberally with Triple S Rub on all sides. Let the turkey rest and rise toward room temperature.

Prepare the grill for roasting (indirect grilling) at 350°F with wood smoke from foil smoking envelopes.

Place the breast directly on the grill grate in the indirect zone with the skin side up. Place the smoking envelope above the fire. Close the hood and roast at 350°F for about 1 hour. After the first 30 minutes, brush the top of the breast with olive oil. After the full hour, raise the temperature to 400°F to crisp up the skin (either turn the heat up on the grill, add some dry wood chips to the hottest zone of the grill, or move the breast to a warming rack elevated above the hottest part of the grill) and finish roasting the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes while the internal temperature rises to 165°F.

Slice the breast away from the bones, and then slice crosswise into 1/2 inch thick pieces.

This recipe was used on a Kalamazoo Hybrid Grill.
You can find this and other Kalamazoo recipes from here.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Dynasty Fireplaces

If homeowners are looking for an alternative to traditional wood-burning or gas-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces would be a great place to start. They are convenient, environmentally friendly, and can be installed easily into any room of the home. These sleek, stylized fireplaces will provide realistic flames and warmth that will match any wood-burning fireplace.

With a passion for perfection, Dynasty Fireplaces employs traditional skills and state-of-the-art techniques to manufacture high-caliber, trendsetting electric hearth products. Materials are of the highest quality and have been sourced from around the world. Dynasty’s wide array of unique designs, as well as custom pieces, gives customers the ability to choose a fireplace and mantel that’s perfect for their space.

Twin-Star’s Lakeland

Twin-Star’s Lakeland media mantel is designed to work with the company’s newest insert, which uses infrared technology to heat rooms of up to 1,000 square feet. The traditional style of the Lakeland transports you to an era when quality was of the utmost importance. Storage space is abundant, from the full-length open center shelf to the Shaker-style cabinets. The 28-inch infrared electric fireplace insert is surrounded by engineered slate and features a kickout hearth base. Built on a foundation of quality construction, the Lakeland is the perfect centerpiece for enjoying quality time with family and friends.

Dynasty Fireplaces

Twin-Star

Premium Stainless-steel Wipes from Bull Outdoor Products

High-quality outdoor furniture and barbecues are made to last, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little cleaning and upkeep every now and then. Maintaining patio furniture and grills will ensure that they last for many seasons. You can help your customers with these tasks by selling easy-to-use cleaning products. These products are also great for attracting repeat customers to your store.

These cleaner/protectant wipes, from Bull Outdoor Products, are a must-have product for anyone who owns stainless-steel appliances, either indoors or outdoors. These wipes use natural oils to clean and protect grills, refrigerators, side burners, or stainless-steel storage systems. They are designed with two unique cleaning surfaces. Side one has a slightly abrasive texture to remove hardened residue and minor scratches, while side two is completely smooth to polish the surface. This is a great product for every homeowner.

303 Patio Furniture Cleaner from 303 Products/Gold Eagle Co.

303 Products/Gold Eagle Co. Patio Furniture Cleaner is specially designed to clean outdoor-living furniture. It’s a concentrated formula that can be used full strength or diluted and is safe on all water-safe materials (such as vinyl, plastics, all-weather wicker, powder-coated metal, fiberglass, teak, and stainless steel). This proprietary formula is nontoxic, biodegradable, and odorless, and it rinses residue free.

Bull Outdoor Products

303 Products

Palisades Dining Collection from Agio

Now that the economy is improving, hotels and restaurants are seeing an increase in business. As this continues to occur, these institutions will be sprucing up their properties by adding new outdoor furniture, umbrellas and firepits to pool/patio areas as well as fireplaces to interior spaces. That’s why this is the perfect time to reach out to these businesses in your local communities. Smaller, independent restaurants and boutique hotels are great prospects because they’re always on the lookout for furniture and fireplaces that fit their unique spaces. Here are two collections that are perfect for the hospitality market

Constructed with handcrafted all-weather wicker woven around rust-free aluminum frames, the Palisades dining collection by Agio offers long-lasting beauty. With a beautiful porcelain-top table and comfortable, weather-resistant cushions (with coordinating accent pillows), the look extends bold new opportunities for outdoor entertaining.

The Ballantyne Collection from Outdoor Lifestyle

Cast in A356 aluminum, the Ballantyne grouping from Outdoor Lifestyle blends Georgian style with sensuous French curves to create a visual sensation. This collection offers dining tables (54 and 100 inches); a 54-inch coffee table; armchairs (cast seat and swivel chair). All come with an industry-leading 15-year limited warranty on furniture frames and a five-year limited warranty on paint finishes in residential use.

Agio

Outdoor Lifestyle

Big Green Egg “Dizzy Gourmet” line of custom rubs and seasonings

Including barbecue seasonings and rubs in your product mix will lure new grill customers and repeat customers. You can also offer them as free gifts if customers make large grill purchases. Spices are particularly helpful for first-time barbecue cooks who are looking for ways to enhance the flavor of their food. And with the holiday season approaching, spices and rubs are the perfect stocking stuffers!

Big Green Egg’s new Dizzy Gourmet line of seasonings is made from scratch, using only high-quality spices and fresh herbs. No preservatives are added and nothing is artificial. The six custom seasonings are hand-blended in the U.S. exclusively for Big Green Egg and are available only from authorized Big Green Egg dealers.

Championship Barbecue Rubs and Sauces from Old World Spices & Seasonings

From Kansas City to Texas to Carolina to Memphis, this display of Championship Barbecue Rubs and Sauces, from Old World Spices & Seasonings, has 48 units of the best barbecue rubs in the country and is an attractive addition to your grilling accessories. These eight nationally and regionally recognized brands will keep your customers coming back to your store for more.

Big Green Egg

Old World Spices & Seasonings

Rodeo Q from Bull Outdoor Products

Many homeowners want kitchens in their backyards, and manufacturers are meeting their demand by offering exciting products that resemble what one would find in indoor kitchens. From grills and refrigerators to sound systems and dishwashers (and everything in between), the possibilities are endless for making the most out of entertaining outside. Now hosts can stay outside and socialize with their guests because all the amenities they need can be found in their ultimate outdoor kitchens.

The Rodeo Q from Bull Outdoor Products is the ideal kitchen island for intimate outdoor cooking and entertaining. The rounded seating counter space is perfect for serving guests food straight from the grill. Plus, the easy access built-in mini-refrigerator will help keep the drinks cool all night along.

Sound of Music™ Audio Panel from Cal Flame

The portable Sound of Music™ audio panel from Cal Flame is a stainless steel panel that can virtually be mounted to any indoor or outdoor surface. It features a marine-grade stereo system with built-in iPod controls that conveniently charge and operate an iPod or iPhone; two 4-inch, 72-watt weatherproof speakers; and a state-of-the-art remote control. The iPod dock transmits radiofrequency audio to a high-output, high- range speaker system. It also features a large IC-FM tuner with improved reception and an additional auxiliary port for other MP3 systems.

Bull Outdoor Products

Cal Flame

Rhapsody® Contemporary Direct-vent Gas Fireplace from Lennox Hearth Products

Fireplaces, whether contemporary or traditional, can become the centerpiece of any room—particularly if they include design features from some of the country’s best hearth manufacturers. Here are a couple of new fireplaces that will not only provide the heat, they will also stop guests in their tracks because of their aesthetic appeal.

The Dave Lennox Signature collection Rhapsody fireplace adds sophisticated flair to any home. Featuring innovative Infini-flame technology, this easy-to-install gas fireplace offers a stunning viewing area that showcases a continuous band of dramatic, tranquil flames. A patent-pending burner design delivers industry-leading efficiencies for increased savings on utility bills.

Heat & Glo LUX from Hearth & Home Technologies

The LUX, from Hearth & Home Technologies, delivers custom looks—without custom installation hassles. A clean face and flush hearth design are only the beginning. Routine installation helps you put this ultramodern direct vent unit in more homes, faster. A reflective black glass interior multiplies the fire and radiates the flames. The largest viewing area in its class offers nearly invisible glass, 89% glare reduction and dramatic views from every angle.

Lennox Hearth Products

Hearth & Home Technologies

The Banff Deep Seating collection from Eon

Since customers vary in terms of their preferences for outdoor furniture, retailers should carry different types of products to meet their needs. Some prefer man-made pieces that are durable and clean up easily, whereas others want furniture made from natural materials that convey a classic, elegant look. When it comes to wood designs, it’s possible to offer customers real wood or wood-looking furniture—both of which are easy to maintain and will last for countless seasons.

The Eon Banff deep seating collection is now available in sparkling white. This deep seating collection truly delivers the look and feel of wood, without the hassles of annual maintenance. Beautifully designed and generously proportioned, the Eon Banff deep seating collection is the perfect addition to any outdoor-living space. Cushions are handmade using only Sunbrella fabric.

Valhalla Rectangular Dining Table by Kingsley-Bate

Kingsley-Bate’s Valhalla tables are constructed from reclaimed teak with a gray wash finish. Both dining and occasional tables are offered, including a 73” and 96″ dining rectangular table, 24” square side table, and 55” rectangular coffee table. The 72” dining table comfortably seats six while the 96” table seats eight, and pairs well with a variety of their woven dining chairs. The occasional tables complement their woven seating collection beautifully.

Eon

Kingsley-Bate

Contemporary by Blaze King

In the past, stoves were designed primarily for heat production and their appearances were either obtrusive or plain. All of that has changed. Manufacturers today have given traditional stoves a makeover. Today’s stoves are stylish and can fit into any contemporary or transitional setting. Here are a couple of modern stoves that will please any homeowner.

The Contemporary from Blaze King is an incredibly affordable, all-inclusive direct-vent unit rated at 27,000 Btu, making it the perfect answer to the zone-heating question. Multiple trim packages are available, but with a black door, the Contemporary has a fire that is stunning. The unit comes complete with variable-speed fans; a wall-mounted thermostat; and decorative burner, log set, and back panels.

Contemporary Cosmo 1147 in Soapstone from Wittus

Energy efficient and clean burning at 81%, the Cosmo 1147 in soapstone from Wittus is a natural match for Mother Nature’s plan. This stove uses the unique DuplicAir system, which integrates the control of the air supply needed for stove lighting and combustion, producing the result of a hotter fire with very little ash. The Cosmo series includes 10 additional styles in a choice of black or gray steel, with a cast-iron top and door and side cladding choices of soapstone and sandstone on most models.

Blaze King

Wittus