It's a cool fall day in Toronto. Restaurant patios are empty, not many takers for sitting out in the chilly breeze that is coming up from the lake. Is it just positive thinking that is keeping the outdoor furniture on the patio in the Distillery District?
Most places have wrapped up patio season and cleared away their bistro tables, outdoor lounges or whatever they use to host their guests. Some have installed heaters to prolong the season a little, and others just keep their furniture out, so the smokers have the convenience of sitting down while having a cigarette.
If you are a homeowner, you are probably asking yourself "Should I put the garden furniture away for winter now, or are we going to use it once more?"
Tough call in light of the rainy summer we have had this year. Not too many days that allowed us to sit out. But my deck certainly got some use last weekend, which was simply fantastic. So, my furniture is still out. The only item I stored away is the cantilever umbrella. I am hosting a Halloween party next weekend and weather permitting, we may be using the outdoor furniture one more time before it goes in the shed.
There is also another dimension. Lots of Torontonians keep patio furniture on their front porches. Although, I sometimes wonder if anyone ever uses them, it certainly makes for nice curb appeal. On the photo is the front of a home in the west end. The owner obviously put a heartfelt effort into decorating the porch to look inviting to any visitor and to give their house the individual touch. This resin wicker sofa will most likely stay out longer, possibly close to the first snowfall or even beyond. Like with many other homes in Toronto, it may have to yield to Halloween decor this week. If it stays there, it may have to host a witch or ghoul, be covered in a giant spiderweb and share the porch with pumpkins and the tippeditapp of little feet coming up for trick-or-treat.
As the day goes on, the sun gets stronger and starts to warm up the air in the city. More people are out now, some running, some walking, strolling along the streets. And yes, there are a few sitting in outdoor furniture now. A couple of seats outside the nearby cafe are taken. The trendy folks are wearing a coat and sipping a hot brew. They are enjoying themselves despite the cool weather. Getting back into patio mode? If so, check out the Velago Patio Furniture website for great end of season deals.
