Uses and Tips

There’s a big football game being played on Sunday, and there will be a championship feeling in the air. Whether your favorite team is playing, or you have no rooting interest at all, the best way to celebrate the day is with a small backyard homegate party!

While a tailgate party is an outdoor bash that takes place before a sporting event at the parking lot of a stadium, a homegate party that you hold in your backyard. A tailgate party will include a grill, a tailgate canopy, portable folding chairs, a sturdy but compact camping table, a trusty metal cooler, and plenty of food and drinks.

A homegate party gives you all the benefits of a tailgate without the added stress of gameday traffic, need to prep food the night before, or the need to pack your car or truck with tailgating gear. Additionally, homegating allows you to keep your party as intimate as you’d like. You can make it a family affair, or just invite the neighbors over for a pre-game meal.

While the big game atmosphere can make tailgating a unique experience, you can replicate the feel in your own backyard. In fact, when you’re homegating, you aren’t restricted to one or two parking spaces. You’ll have more room to set up tables and chairs, games like cornhole, and to generally just stretch out. Also, you’ll have the convenience of setting up and breaking down your backyard in your own time frame, and not when the stadium parking lot is open.

It doesn’t matter if you live in the cold Kansas City area, the warmth of the Tampa Bay area, or anywhere else in the United States. Even thought the 54 of the 55 of big championship football games have been played in warmer weather or indoor stadiums, it’s a sport that’s played in just about any weather. Those who tailgate at Kansas City games dress in layers to stay warm. Fans of the team in Tampa know how to stay cool under the blazing sun.

How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for Your Vacation Home

Being able to enjoy the outdoors is one of the best things about having a vacation home or cabin. If you’re ready to take your vacations to the next level, it’s time to start thinking about building a custom picnic shelter.

An outdoor picnic area can range from a simple covered table to an upscale structure with fun features like a fire pit and a pizza oven. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in the right place! Take a look at these top tips for creating the perfect picnic shelter.

Choose the Location of Your Outdoor Picnic Area

First, you’ll need to think about where you would like to place your outdoor picnic area. This will depend on the size and shape of your property, your personal preferences, and how you plan to use your picnic shelter. For example, if you’re planning to build a full outdoor kitchen, you may want to attach it to your home or place it conveniently nearby. However, if you have a large outdoor space, you may find it’s much more interesting to locate your picnic shelter on the outer edges of the property.

Do you have a beautiful garden or a forested area? You may want to consider placing your picnic shelter nearby as this will give it more visual interest. Just make sure you pay attention to the grade of the land. If you choose an area that is relatively flat, you won’t have to put as much effort into leveling the space. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the area’s drainage and determine if you’ll need to make some adjustments before you lay your foundation.

To throw the perfect dinner party, nothing says glamour more than being under the stars. That’s why I love Sojag Gazebos! The best of both worlds - shelter and nature in one (plus I love the mosquito netting for hot summer nights). Typically I love having a dinner party in the late afternoon when the sun is at its finest.

For your tablescape, think about this…

• Start the table off with a fresh, seasonal arrangement of flowers. Find a cool container to house the like a vintage vase. Potted plants are also key for a natural vibe. I love ferns, succulents (you can always bring an indoor plant outside for just a night).
• They say eat the rainbow, but the rainbow is also pretty to look at! Bring a lot of color and vibrancy to your table with plates, placements, or chargers. Don’t be afraid to mix and match plates with different patterns.
• I love using table runners for a pop of color. If you want a more neutral vibe - think texture like woven fabrics. Don’t have placemats or a runner? Find some flat palm leaves and use them under bowls and plates. Or grab some leaves for Fall nights.
• Choose foods that have a lot of color and texture differences. And always something green!
• Lighting is key! Everyone looks good and feels dreamy in candlelight. It also looks great with fresh florals. From lanterns to string lights, think about how lighting can set the mood. I’m all about flameless candles for safety and wax-free mess. And just think, your twinkle lights are holiday ready.

When the sun is too hot or if rain threatens to cancel your plans, a shelter like a gazebo can keep the outdoors enjoyable. However, hot weather and storms aren’t the only threat to a good time outdoors. Summer weather also brings out the bugs and hot sun, which can seriously put a damper on an outdoor soirée.

Beat insects and blistering temperatures at their own game by outfitting your structure with gazebo curtains. This expands your entertainment options by giving you the ability to block out any excess wind and sunlight on all sides. 

Gazebo curtains also serve as an additional barrier against pesky mosquitoes, wasps, and other nuisance pests. This guide will explain how curtains can make outdoor time more enjoyable and give you some fun gazebo ideas for your next social event.

Why Gazebo Curtains Matter

Gazebo curtains add an extra layer of protection from outdoor elements. While most Sojag shelters come with tinted bug screens, these barriers are perforated to allow the open fresh air breezes. Bug screens grant you more exposure to outdoor elements — which is excellent when you’re in the mood for full sun and wind. However, sometimes you want more privacy or protection from events such as a mild rainstorm or a day that is particularly hot. 

This is why Sojag makes summer curtains that you can add to your gazebo. They are useful accessories for a shelter that needs coverage beyond bug protection. They add more privacy and shade from the sun and can block wind-driven rain. 

When you have both bug screens and curtains, you get the best of your yard while leaving out all the elements that make it difficult to sit outside long-term. You don’t need to slather on bug repellent or sunscreen every time you enter a gazebo with double curtains because you’re entering a protecte

Outdoor upgrades are one of this year’s most popular home improvements. In fact, according to a recent survey, 90% of Americans agree that their outdoor living space is “more valuable than ever before.” Sadly, the survey also found that 88% of people are currently dissatisfied with their outdoor spaces.  

If you’re part of this majority, don’t fret. A backyard makeover is easier and less time-consuming than you might think. Whether you want to increase your curb appeal or create a completely new outdoor living space, there are many simple projects that will help you reach your goal. Best of all, you can complete most backyard projects in just a few days. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Refresh Your Deck or Patio

If your home’s deck or patio has seen better days, a simple refresh will go a long way. You can easily restore your deck by making repairs, cleaning the surface, and adding a fresh coat of stain. Not only will this improv

Outdoor gazebos are a great addition to any backyard.  They're perfect for relaxing in the shade or hosting a game-day party. Gazebos can also be a stylish and functional detached garage for parking your car, storing a boat, or organizing your tools. But choosing the perfect gazebo for your backyard isn’t an easy decision. This guide helps you choose the right gazebo for your home.

The Differences Between Outdoor Wooden Gazebos and Metal Gazebos

Both metal and wood gazebos are popular choices for a detached garage, but how do you know which style is right for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing between an outdoor metal gazebo or wood gazebo.

Style

If you want a traditional look and feel, you may be considering a rustic wooden gazebo. They’re usually made of pressure-treated wood that’s painted or stained to match your backyard design.

Outdoor metal gazebos are made of aluminum or galvanized steel. These sleek, contemporary gazebos are the perfect addition to a modern yard. You can create an elegant feature in your garden and enjoy a sophisticated detached garage.

Durability

Wood gazebos are durable structures that can last for many years. However, they’re very susceptible to weather changes. If they’re not well cared for, the wood can shift or crack when exposed to severe temperature swings. Wooden gazebos may also chip, warp, or even rot.

Outdoor metal gazebos are extremely stable and durab

We all need to plan time off from work to spend quality time alone or with family and friends and recharge our minds. However, taking paid vacation time is something not every American worker is doing. According to the U.S. Travel Association, American workers left an average of 33% of their paid time on the table last year.

National Plan a Vacation Day, which is the last Tuesday in January (this year, it’s January 26), reminds us to plan our vacation at the start of the year for the rest of the year. The earlier you plan a vacation, the more ready and relaxed you’ll be when your vacation time gets here.