Outdoor Entertaining Wish List - A Labor Day Weekend Special

Labor Day weekend is almost upon us and many Gold Notes readers will be enjoying the holiday outdoors. Being the inquisitve blogger I am, I asked some of my favorite design industry colleagues and friends to share their must-have item for outdoor living and entertaining.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the ideas and products they shared... As a result, my own wish list has grown far longer, too!

The thrill of the grill

Grills are a must-have for outdoor entertaining, and a couple of my colleagues, I discovered, share my love for the Evo line.

"I think it would be cool to have an Evo Affinity 30G outdoor cooktop! It is so different from what everyone else has, and can be a very healthy way to cook, as well. It is versatile, too, in that you could have several people around the unit, all cooking their own dish, their own way. I have recommended this product since I first found it."

Robert Sadler

Design Director, Heartwood Kitchen & Bath Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta

"There is an outdoor appliance that is a must for any foodie. It's called Evo and is an outdoor flattop grill that totally changes the idea of an outdoor grill. My client who introduced me to this has cooked every type of meal on it from breakfast to dinner. The unit is also ideal for a party where [guests] cook for [themselves.]"

Mitchell Levey

Owner/Designer, Mitchell Keith Tile & Bath Collection

Tampa, Fl.

(Editor's Note: I personally love the Evo for its versatility and, being a strong proponent for Sensible Style, adore its easy-cleanability! It will be my next grill.)

"Lynx's 42-inch L42PSR-1 Built-In Grill with ProSear Burner and Rotisserie. It's a quality, top of its class grill, and I like its style and lighting."

Mark Warren
Owner, The Kitchen Director

Lakeland, Fl.

"I would like a Big Green Egg. When can I expect delivery?"

Ed Cholfin, CAPS

Owner, AK Complete Home Renovations

Atlanta, Ga.

More outdoor flavors

Outdoor cooking used to mean mainly meat on the fire. There are so many more options available today to the outdoor chef. Rev up your taste buds...

"I would enjoy having a Kalamazoo lobster boiler. They have a wok cook top and cabinetry configured to create a lowered burner, perfect for lobster or corn. Their cabinetry is stainless and so indestructible that this would be a great New England item."

Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS

Principal/Designer/Author, Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.

Brookfield, Ct.

"This Labor Day I'm coveting a Forno Bravo wood-fired outdoor oven; their Primavera model particularly. I have always wanted to learn how to cook in an outdoor wood-fired oven and what better excuse than Labor Day weekend?"

Paul Anater
Kitchen Designer/Design Blogger, Kitchen and Residential DesignSt. Petersburg, Fl.
"We actually have installed our outdoor item, a Perlick Beer Tap! We paired it with a double drawer refrigerator unit from Perlick which keeps the beer glasses and soft drinks cold. Perfect match for weekend barbecues!"
Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD
President, Susan Palmer Designs, Inc.
Design Blogger, Susan Palmer Designs BlogHonolulu, Hi.

Other outdoor pleasures
Outdoor living means more than just a meal with family or friends. It's the entire experience of relaxation, comfort and, yes, even indulgence. Make your weekend special with these designer ideas for spiffing up your outdoor space.
"All Weather Flat Screen LCD TVs. This is my pick !! From SunBriteTV, these flat screen LCDs are designed to be protected from rain, dirt, insects, cratches and extreme temperature ranges and changes. These are a great addition to your terrace or patio, won't disturb your decor since they are very well designed, and most of all can bring a lot of fun to kids and adults.

Diana Luna
Interior Designer
Orlando, Fl

"I want a Laguna Waterworks outdoor, portable liquid gel fireplace. The open design makes placement more versitile and viewing is easier from multiple directions. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and are great places to gather socially."

Ann Porter, CKD
Designer/Owner, Kitchen Studio of Naples
Design Blogger, KitchAnn Style
"I would love to have an Atlantis Outdoor Kitchen with Teak door styling! Because the cabinet box is made of waterproof Perma-Panel, the cabinetry is perfect for the all-weather climate in which I reside."
Lindsey Haugh
Creative Director, Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens
Roanoke, Va.

(Confession: I asked Lindsey for her must-have item because I knew she'd mention Atlantis, and this fantastic line has long been on my own must-have list!)
"Nothing adds to a carefree party atmosphere more than paper lanterns. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Stay with one shape and color for a sophisticated look or alternate between round, square and pagoda shapes for a more playful result. They look great indoors or out and can be used to define different areas for eating, conversation, dancing etc."
Susan Jackson
Interior Decorator/Owner, Design Distinctions
Tampa, Fl.
"A retractable awning. My deck faces west and the afternoon sun beats on you...Come sit with me and I'll make you a nice cool beverage while we sit at the bar on my deck!"
Maria Stapperfenne, CKD CBD
Manager, Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath -a div. of Huston Supply Co., Inc.
Whitehouse Station, NJ
"I can't think of anything else I enjoy more than the sound of gently running water. Therefore, my favorite thing is a water fountain. The I-Ball [by Trevi Fountains] is my personal favorite. It incorporates three distinct shapes in a graceful, self-contained, monolith that allows the water to bubble over the top and then cascade down the sides and slowly trickle off the bottom. Very soothing."
Vicky M. Lodge
Owner/Lighting Designer, VML Design & LightingLakeland, Fl.

Jamie's outdoor gems
In addition to coveting many of the items mentioned above -- especially the Evo grills and Atlantis cabinetry -- I also love outdoor rugs, especially ones that look as stylish as indoor ones.

Carefree, wicker-look furniture is also on my Sensible Style outdoor list. Shown in the photo at the top right corner of the posting is Grandin Road's Chatham series.

Photo Note: I have photos for each of the products mentioned above. However, Blogger's photo upload feature is mostly malfunctioning today. Hopefully, it will be working again soon, so I can get those pictures posted for you!