Do you recall the line from the song that goes, "Summer time, and the livin' is easy?" Well, if you entertain outdoors, you know the truth to that statement. When you extend your living space into the out of doors and relax with your friends and family on comfortable patio furniture, the living really is easy.

A garden is not just for plants. It's also a place to have a good time. And good food always adds to the fun, especially food cooked outdoors. Outdoor grills aren't what they used to be. Sure, you can still get charcoal grills, and there's nothing like a burger grilled over charcoal. But you have a lot more options. You can find propane grills in small tabletop sizes and in restaurant size models. A caddie gas grill is perfect for small patios and terraces. A three-burner grill is great for a party.

For an authentic smokehouse flavor at home, consider a slow cooking charcoal smoker. You can cook a small turkey and a ham at the same time, or one big bird. With moisture and air flow controls, your meat stays tender and juicy.

If you are a traveling outdoor chef, fold and go portable charcoal grills and propane portable grills are the grills for you. Easy to carry and set up, you can take your party to the beach or the park or with you in your RV.

Maybe you want the fire and the heat without the cooking. If that's the case, consider a fire pit. A fire pit adds adventure to your outdoor parties. It's a focal point that can keep conversations going and camaraderie growing well into the night.

While you're personalizing your outdoor living space and turning into your own private paradise, consider add a pergola. A pergola is an outdoor structure with posts and crosspieces, but no walls and floor. It provides just enough protection from the elements without taking away from the outdoor experience. Attach a pergola to your house on the deck or put a freestanding one in the garden. It will be the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee and relax in the evening. Encourage some vines to grow up the posts to enhance the feeling of being right in nature.

Outdoor living is about comfort and enjoyment. Once you have your cooking equipment, patio furniture, and pergola, add the finishing touches. Set the seen with outdoor lighting; solar lights are the environmental solution whether you want to create an atmosphere or light a pathway. Add an electric or propane outdoor heater to extend the outdoor dining season well into the fall. Accessories like umbrellas, wooden benches, and water resistant cushions make your outdoor room even more inviting. Store your cushions in a storage deck bench so they are where you need them when you need them.

Consider your patio or porch an extension of your house. Just as you would decorate your living room, choose furniture and accessories that suit your style so you and your guests can enjoy outdoor living.