That old familiar chill is back in the air, and you’re probably wondering when it will be time to turn that heat on, if you haven’t already. If you have a fireplace in your home, however, you can enjoy time in front of the fire.

There are many styles of fireplaces and all come with their own set of pros and cons. They’re fueled by different resources – wood, wood pellets, or gas – and they can be as ornate or as simple as your taste requires.

Wood-burning fireplaces come with a lot of benefits. To name a few, they create a focal point in the room, the smell of wood burning is an appealing scent to many, they create a romantic atmosphere, and they’re environmentally friendly. They can still provide warmth when the power goes out and buying wood for your fireplace is less expensive than gas or oil heat.

There are also wood stoves and pellet stoves, which use wood logs or wood pellets as fuel. These stoves come as inserts or as stand-alone models. (Wood pellets should not be used in an in-wall, wood-burning fireplace.) While a wood stove’s burn must be maintained to keep the heat constant, a pellet stove operates when the hopper is full of pellets, and the stove can be thermostatically controlled.

One of the biggest benefits of having a gas fireplace is its ease of use. You merely flip a switch. Most gas fireplaces turn on this way, while others have built-in thermostats, turning on and off automatically to maintain a set temperature in the room. When you’re done using the fireplace, simply flip the switch back off and go about your day. There’s nothing to clean and no waiting for the fire to go out before heading to bed.

One thing that can be agreed upon is that a fireplace adds to the value of your home, particularly here in the Northeast, where the temperature can easily dip to frigid. Having a fireplace to keep you warm when the power goes out can be a lifeline. If you don’t already have one, consider having one installed. Winter will soon be upon us.

No other feature in a home can provide you with the kind of comfort and cozy warmth that a fireplace can.

For more information, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport.

Source: capecod.com

The holidays will look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean they are any less special. And really, if this year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to treasure time with family and friends more than ever. Taking your holiday feast outside offers a whole new world of possibilities.

Use patio heaters

The number one issue hosts of outdoor feasts will face this holiday season is keeping diners warm. Staying cozy will be the key to a successful evening where people are able to relax (rather than rush) through a chilly meal, so it’s worth investing a little bit of time and money to get the right tools. Choose patio heaters if you plan on hosting a few outdoor events. Depending on your level of investment and amount of space you have, another fantastic option is a portable outdoor fire. Guests can sit around the fire to have a pre-dinner cocktail or for post-meal coffee and dessert.

Serve a warm cocktail

A hot, boozy drink on a cold night is one of the greatest joys of the cooler months, and there are plenty of festive recipes to help you create the mood for your holiday feast. Try swapping out pre-dinner champagne or cocktails for spicy mulled wine or mulled wine with cranberries, hot buttered rum, or a hot toddy.

Grill your mains

Forgoing the oven and opting to grill the main course allows you to be outside socializing with your guests while you cook, instead of fussing over the hot oven inside the house. You can grill a turkey to perfection, or opt for grilled steak, leg of lamb, or pork tenderloin.

Offer blankets and pillows

Draping a shawl or light blanket over the back of each chair will ensure that your guests can cozy up and stay comfortable throughout the evening, without having to feel like they are bothering you with additional requests if they start to get chilly. Providing pillows or extra cushioning to make the outdoor furniture even more comfortable will encourage guests to linger around the table post-meal.

Add lighting

Good lighting changes the ambience of an outdoor dinner and makes it feel like a special occasion. Hang a string of lights around the perimeter of your space or criss-crossed across the table, and use large candles as centerpieces.

For more information on Patio Heaters, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport.

realsimple.com

As we head toward our first full winter in the era of "social-distancing" the demand for outdoor patio heaters is skyrocketing. The demand for portable patio heaters is off the charts, for both homes and businesses.

While patio heaters— some of which are free-standing and powered by propane — are in short supply, The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury will have a new shipment arriving in November. It's actually the biggest demand for portable heaters in years.

Much of the demand for outdoor patio heaters is being driven by restaurant owners who are frantically looking to accommodateF their outdoor dining for late into the fall and beyond, especially as indoor occupancy rates are limited.

Propane patio heaters are not the only option, but they are the most flexible in terms of implementation. There are electric heaters but they are fall less effective and require cords. Because the portable propane outdoor heaters are in such short supply, The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury is also recommending fire tables as an outdoor warming alternative, AND they are much more readily available. Many fire tables operate using propane as a fuel source.

For more information, contact us.