This Middle Eastern restaurant is a hidden gem in Wine Country
Look no further than the Lebanese restaurant's stunning mezzes. The hot pink whipped feta with beets is sour and silky; the baba ganoush thick and smoky; and the green tahini spiced and zesty. Each spread functions like a Lego: stackable building blocks of flavor, fostering a spirit of experimentation.
The Sonoma restaurant, which quietly opened three years ago, is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the Bay Area. I would also say it's the region's strongest Lebanese restaurant, but chef-owner Cristina Topham prefers to call it 'Lebanese-inspired.' Indeed, it's the restaurant's sense of individuality that shines over its strict adherence to tradition. Topham gleefully sidesteps those confines in favor of seasonal produce and unconventional flavor, inviting external spice profiles from Ethiopia and India.
Lebanese cooking overlaps with several Levantine and Middle Eastern cuisines, but it's distinguished by a prolific use of lemons, according to Topham. The restaurant goes through gallons a week. This sunshine animates mezzes, marinades, salads and more.
Spread's menu is modular. A lunch visit might include a wrap or grain bowl, while a full dinner shouldn't go without dips, loaded fries or grilled meats. Everything except the pita, sourced from a local Syrian baker, is made in-house.
Topham is not shy about her worship of lemons. You'll find drops in smooth toum, which serves as the garlicky marinade for chicken, beef and ground lamb. The fried Brussels sprouts and fried cauliflower are drizzled with lemon-laced tahini; the latter is further electrified with briny preserved lemon. The pickled citrus is a trademark of the chef, making appearances in fondant-thick labneh and Pepto Bismol-tinted beet feta — the best of the dips.
The dip platter ($14-$26) allows you to sample up to five alongside pita, pickles and fresh veggies, but you can save a few bucks on dips if you order side scoops ($4) instead. I recommend scooping spreads with thin za'atar-spiced pita chips ($6), which stand out more than the standard pita.
Grain bowls ($20-$24) are the comprehensive option, featuring savory hummus made with black garbanzos, puckery tabbouleh salad, aromatic saffron rice, and your choice of fried cauliflower, grilled meat — like lamb seasoned with Ethiopian berbere — or falafel. Those orbs have garnered a local following for being crunchy yet tender. Topham uses a mix of whole chickpeas and chickpea flour to create a looser texture, which, Topham says, helps prevent dryness as the flour soaks up the frying oil.
The falafel are a great accompaniment ($6) to loaded fries ($14), which are a step above the average, balancing salty decadence with acidity. Feta cheese, tahini-yogurt sauce and pickled onions combat the rich spice of the za'atar. The fries are where you can get maximalist with flavor. I encourage you to add nutty green tahini, seasoned with turmeric and fenugreek, and house-made hot sauce, a paste made of three Mexican peppers.
For something lighter, try the unconventional fattoush salad (small for $12, large $16), which reaches for beets and apples when tomatoes are out of season.
You'll want to eat in the large, charming outdoor patio, whose wooden perimeter is decorated with kitschy art made from salvaged gardening tools. It's as if the place was created to maximize the pacifying warmth of the Sonoma sun. There's indoor seating, too, but the area is mostly functional.
Despite Spread's casual nature, nothing is casual about Topham's command of flavor, which she honed over 27 years of cooking. She cut her teeth in kitchens in Paris, New York and Napa; she worked as a private chef and cooked on yachts, where she once crossed paths with Meryl Streep. ('She's really nice,' Topham said.)
In 2016, she launched Spread Kitchen as a catering company in Sonoma. The pandemic forced her to pivot to meal kits, and in 2021, she brought Spread to Wine Country farmers markets. A year later, she opened Spread, her first restaurant, right off Highway 12 in Sonoma.
Topham views food as a creative outlet. 'I like to play with my food,' she said. That sense of exuberance is what attracted me to Spread. It clears the bar for traditional mezzes but always leaves room for the chef's personality. Is Spread the most traditional? No, but that's the point.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m Wednesday-Sunday.
Accessibility: Steps by front entrance. Wheelchair ramp by back entrance. Outdoor area with wooden deck, which isn't wheelchair accessible.
Noise level: Mild.
Meal for two, without drinks: $45-$60
Drinks: Beer and wine. Try the orange blossom lemonade ($4).
Best practices: Experiment with the dips and sauces by seeing how many you can try in one bite.
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New York Times
3 days ago
- New York Times
Our Favorite Bean Bag Chairs for Adults (That Kids Will Love Too)
I'm a writer who covers home and decor. When I'm not poring over specs or wielding a screwdriver, I'm visiting furniture and home-goods stores and showrooms. My lounging-about coverage includes a guide to the best sofa sleepers, a piece on a cooling mattress pad, and an ode to a luxe hangout for cats. I also write our Lego guides (like this one for adults, and this one about plants), which help me appreciate how childhood memories can enrich our adult lives. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I'm never made aware of any business implications of our editorial recommendations, and follow all of our editorial standards. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The basics of bean-bag construction are largely the same — it consists of a cover, made of fabric (or sometimes real or fake leather), that encases an insert. This insert is stuffed with either expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads or shredded foam. When done right, beads provide a smoother experience as you move and adjust, while foam tends to feel a bit chunkier but adds a stronger sense of buoyancy. EPS beads are made from tiny plastic resin spheres that expand when exposed to heat and steam, and it's the same material used to create packing foam. These beads have been used as bean-bag stuffing since the category's debut with the Sacco, invented in 1968 by three Italians designers and still available today. When it comes to EPS beads, we quickly learned that what sets apart the good from the bad is both the amount of beads used and their size. Our least favorite bag had thick beads, about half the size of a marble, and you could distinctly feel each one under the cover, while the most comfortable bags had beads that were tiny and created a more uniform, yet malleable, surface. Some bags held so few beads that we sank right through them, others were so overstuffed that our weight barely made a dent. The larger beads we encountered had a bad smell, sort of a wet-dog-soaked-in-formaldehyde stench that refused to go away. With a couple of exceptions, we tested bags in the four-feet-wide range, a decent middle ground to fit either an adult or child/teen, and a width that doesn't take up too much floorspace but still feels luxurious. We also prioritized the following: An easy-to-wash cover a wide selection of color and/or fabric styles to choose from brands that offer a range of sizes to accommodate different spaces and body types. After paring our list down to 17 models, we called in 10 to test. The process included unpacking, fluffing, and then lounging in each bean-bag chair. I sat in them while working on my laptop, and I paid close attention to how the covers felt against my skin and how the filling felt beneath my body. Over the course of four weeks, we noted how the foam options held their shape with increased compression over time and whether the stitching held strong. We also got opinions from about 25 Wirecutter writers and editors, who offered their thoughts on the bean bags during a company gathering. We caught several staffers working from the bags in the weeks that followed, and we paid attention to the ones people gravitated toward the most. Over two dozen kids also weighed in during our annual Take Your Kids to Work Day. Ultimately, we ended up with six picks. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter This bean bag is hard to beat. There's a massive selection of colors and textures to choose from, and it has a buoyant, proprietary filler. It's also extremely pricey, but it comes with a lifetime warranty. Why it's great: Of the five size options offered by Lovesac, the MovieSac hits a sweet spot. It's large enough to feel extra luxurious but not so big that it overpowers. When the cover is properly positioned (with the small flap right where your back would land as you sit; see the photo, above), it forms a slight indentation on the top and toward the front. So it looks more like a proper seat than a massive furball. For its filler, Lovesac uses a proprietary blend of three foams with different densities; the company told us this blend absorbs body weight evenly and resists permanent compression. We've found the former assertion to be true, and so far it always puffs back up nicely. All Lovesac chairs come vacuum-sealed in a large, reusable tote, and it takes a day or two for the insert to completely expand (like a foam mattress). Using the chair as a punching bag speeds up the process, and it doubles as an aggression outlet. If you want to return the bag or place it in storage, you can re-shrink the insert inside the large plastic bag and tote that it came in. If you saved your original tote but not the plastic bag, look for a bag that's around 60 gallons. You can also buy a shrink kit (usually $65) if you've tossed both the tote and the plastic bag. (Lovesac will send you one for free if you're within the 60-day trial period.) Just use a regular vacuum-cleaner hose to suck the air out after you've removed the cover. The time this takes varies depending on the strength of your vacuum cleaner, but expect around 10 minutes (or less if you're using a wet/dry vac). You can order up to five fabric swatches before making your decision, and considering the chair's cost, we highly recommend doing so, or you can visit one of its retail locations. We tested the Chinchilla Dense Phur, and we found the texture to be thick and soft, with no visible shedding. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The price is the one dealbreaker, hands down. The cheapest combination of an insert plus cover is the chenille fabric option, and for the MovieSac size, that currently starts at around $600. Dimensions: 4 by 3.7 feet (width by height) Weight: 45 pounds Cover options: over 150 color, pattern, and fabric combinations Filler: shredded recycled foam Return policy and warranty: There's a 60-day trial period; there's a lifetime warranty (if you buy it directly from the company). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Is it comfortable? Heck, yeah. Is it also obnoxious? That depends on how much spare room you've got. Why it's great: First, our apologies to our readers who live in smaller homes, since Lovesac's The BigOne works only in gigantic rooms. If you don't mind spending a lot more, this is a tempting purchase, but you also need to be realistic about your space. Even plopped into our roughly 825-square-foot testing basement, this chair looked enormous (and it infringed upon our appliance team's vacuum-testing area). That said, this chair is great fun as a soft landing pad for flying leaps and a cozy cloud for snuggling. The website's size illustration shows two adults and two children fitting on it, but of course this all depends on a person's size. We think two adults or one adult and a kid or two, max, is more realistic. We tested the vintage blue rained chenille, and we found it to be pleasantly soft yet durable enough to withstand being dragged across our concrete floor. Flaws but not dealbreakers: A company rep was candid about The BigOne being Lovesac's most often returned option, largely (heh) due to how big it is. Don't let your eyes get bigger than your available square footage — or your wallet, for that matter. The cheapest combination of insert and cover (the chenille we tested) starts at just over $900. Muscle strength is also necessary. When this chair arrived, I had to curve my body inside the partially unrolled vacuum-sealed insert and push with my feet to unfurl it, and it took three Wirecutter staffers to ferry it from the testing space to the photo studio. Dimensions: 6 by 4.1 feet (width by height) Weight: 95 pounds Cover options: over 150 color, pattern, and fabric combinations Filler: shredded recycled foam Return policy and warranty: There's a 60-day trial period; there's a lifetime warranty (if you buy it directly from the company). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter We like this outdoor option for indoors too. But due to the chair's rectangular shape, there's a bit of a learning curve to making it comfortable. Why it's great: We tested the Fatboy Original Bean Bag Chair (intended for use indoors) and the Original Outdoor Bean Bag Chair, and we much preferred the latter. Despite its name, the Outdoor bag is just as comfortable in the living room as it is on the patio. All of our testers, including adults and children, found the thick, heavy nylon cover of the indoor version (the Original) to be uncomfortably stiff. By contrast, the outdoor cover is more of a soft, canvas-like texture, and it repels dirt and water; it's made from olefin (a fabric used on many weather-protected products, including outdoor couches and patio umbrellas). Spilled water rolls right off of the Fatboy Original Outdoor Bean Bag Chair. Joshua Lyon/NYT Wirecutter Fatboy uses EPS beads for filler and describes it as 'virgin.' This just means it isn't made from recycled material, which can be more expensive to produce. (That said, Fatboy also told us that they are 'actively transitioning to more sustainable filling alternatives.') Fatboy also makes all types of bean-bag–style seating, from rockers to pool floats. I've tried the float (known as the Floatzac) and am a huge fan of its ability to keep you buoyant almost entirely above water. Fatboy's Floatzac keeps you almost entirely elevated above the water. Joshua Lyon/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers: Due to its rectangular shape, the Fatboy Original Outdoor Bean Bag Chair involves a bit of a learning curve to get comfortable. You have to lift it by the top corners and drop it down, and then you sit on the bottom third. This ensures there are enough beads to make a comfortable seat and enough behind you for back support. If you sit down on this chair without fluffing it first, your bottom will likely hit the ground. If you're shopping for a bag with a fluffy surface, the Fatboy chair isn't for you. The covers for their indoor models are available in nylon, recycled velvet, and terry cloth only, and in fact, this bag came in dead last with our kid testers. It just couldn't compete with the snuggly faux fur on many of our other models. Dimensions: 4.5 by 5.9 feet (width by length) Weight: 13.5 pounds Cover options: 12 colors, all in olefin fabric (except the red, in Sunbrella) Filler: EPS beads Return policy and warranty: Returns are accepted within seven days of receipt; there's a one-year manufacturer defect warranty. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The insert, a folded-in-half mattress stuffed with shredded foam, provides the perfect amount of give and support in both its bean bag and sleeper forms. Why it's great: The genius of Cordaroys Convertible Bean Bag is that it's two loungers in one. Instead of having the standard spherical innards, this chair is actually a folded-in-half mattress stuffed with shredded foam. When you remove the cover, you've got a guest bed that's perfect for children's sleepovers, and it's even a decent bed for unfussy adult visitors. We tested the queen-size-mattress version, and we were pleasantly surprised by how relatively comfortable and supportive both the bag and mattress pad were. To keep this chair's proper form as a bean bag, you fit the cover over and around the folded mattress (rather than stuffing it back in willy-nilly, which results in a lumpy seat). The company claims its shredded foam is 'hypoallergenic,' and while we can't confirm that detail, Cordaroys is up to date on its CertiPUR-US certification status, as of 2025. Flaws but not dealbreakers: We initially tested a faux-fur cover in white-with-brown-spots, and the bovine pattern was a huge hit with kids and adults alike. However, during our initial unboxing and testing, we noticed a lot of flyaway strands. We ran the cover through the washer and dryer, and it shed a shocking amount of strands, so we hoped the issue was solved. But it continued to shed, and even after a second cleaning, the cover released puffs of flyaway fur whenever we sat on it. So we ordered a corduroy cover for the chair instead, and we loved its soft, textural surface, with ridges about three times as thick as what you'd find on a pair of corduroy pants. After one round of washing and drying the Cordaroys Convertible Bean Bag's faux-fur cover, the amount of fuzz we collected was quite substantial. (The second round trapped less but did little to reduce the flyaway strands.) Abby Balter/NYT Wirecutter That said, during our testing by kids, one staffer's daughter fell in love with the cow version, and the family will be long-term testing it. ('We have a gazillion vacuums going due to our dog and allergies, so I think some shedding is probably fine,' her mom said.) We'll see if the strands calm down, and we'll report back when we update this guide. Dimensions: chair, 48 by 48 inches (width by height); bed, 60 by 80 inches (width by length) Weight: 29 pounds Cover options: 13 fabrics; 18 colors and patterns Filler: foam Return policy and warranty: Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt (but you pay for shipping); it comes with a lifetime warranty. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Our smallest pick holds its shape well, and it offers surprisingly decent lower-back support, even for some adults. Why it's great: The smallest bean bag we tested was the large version of the Pottery Barn Teen Sherpa Ivory Bean Bag Chair (just under 3.5 feet wide). Some of the other bags we tested, which came in under 4 feet, had too many or too few EPS beads, so we were either perched uncomfortably on top or sank right to the floor. Pottery Barn Teen's bag was just right, with a seat that was deep enough for lounging and supported the lower back. So for an adult, this bag serves as more of a squishy, form-fitting chair than something to curl up in, but it's still a fun alternative to a bed or a regular chair when you're reading or watching a movie. The cover, insert cover, and beads are all UL Greenguard–certified. For an additional $16, you can get the bag monogrammed with up to three characters in five different fonts (though this voids the return policy). The zipper is lockable and comes with two adorable little keys (to keep very young kids from getting to the insert's beads). The Pottery Barn Teen Sherpa Bean Bag Chair has a lock on the zipper, to keep the youngest users from accessing the insert and beads. Joshua Lyon/NYT Wirecutter Flaws but not dealbreakers: We suspected that Wircutter staffers' kids would have a discerning eye, yet we were still surprised by just how many of them noted that the white fabric would likely get dirty fast. And while they're probably right, we haven't noticed any egregious build-up, even after we dragged the bag around our offices for over a month. Like the rest of our picks' covers, this one is machine-washable. If you want to avoid white altogether, the bag comes in over two dozen colors and fabrics. We also found that the EPS beads were a bit larger than the ones in most other bags we tested; the larger beads created a slightly more textured surface, but it didn't bother us. Dimensions: 41 by 24 inches (width by height) Weight: 8 pounds Cover options: 31 fabric, color, and design combinations Filler: EPS beads Return policy and warranty: Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt (void if monogrammed); there is no warranty. . This chair's foam filling is stiffer and much more noticeable than that of our other picks. But the bag still offers plenty of support, and it costs a lot less. Why it's great: We tested the roughly 4-foot-wide Ultimate Sack 4000 after editor Kalee Thompson told us about the 5-foot version (the Ultimate Sack 5000, which appears in our gift guide for tweens). Kalee and her family have been enjoying this chair for over five years, and she said there are no signs of its flattening, despite near-daily use. When we were testing the 4000 model, the chunks of memory foam were a bit stiffer than the fillings of our other picks, but the 4000 chair was still squishy enough to be comfy while holding you aloft. The best thing about the Ultimate Sack, though, is the price: At the time of writing the 4000 was $225, from Ultimate Sack, compared with $600 for the cheapest iteration of a similarly sized MovieSac. (Indeed, Kalee bought the 5000 after her family fell in love with Lovesac's The BigOne on a trip to the mall, but understandably she balked at the price.) If you order direct from Ultimate Sack, you can have a full name embroidered onto the bag (for an additional fee), and all of the available covers are machine-washable. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared with the fillings of our other picks, the Ultimate Sack 4000's shredded foam is bigger and chunkier, with edges you can distinctly feel through the fabric. The teal polyester cover (the company calls it 'suede') we tested felt cheap to the touch, but it proved durable when we hauled it around the office. Plusher covers are available, for a slight increase in price. Dimensions: 48 by 28 inches (width by height) Weight: 40 pounds Cover options: 17 fabric and color combinations Filler: foam Return policy and warranty: Returns are accepted within 15 days of delivery (including for customized bags) from Ultimate Sack; there's a 10-year limited warranty. At first, the Big Joe Fuf Large Foam Filled Bean Bag Chair held a lot of promise. We liked the terracotta color we selected, as well as the soft, thick corduroy cover, and it initially felt nice and cushiony. Within just a couple of days, however, we found ourselves sinking all the way to the floor whenever we sat on it, despite fluffing it up each time. With its EPS bead filling, the Muji Body Fit Cushion seemed like a great contender, thanks to its chic covers (sold separately) in grown-up colors like mustard. But we should have paid better attention to the name — it really is more of a large cushion. It feels stiff to sit on, but if you prop it up against a surface, like a wall or the front of a sofa, it provides nice, squishy support. Still, a couple of large pillows would work just as well. Our hunt for an inexpensive bean bag brought us to the Posh Creations Bean Bag Chair, X-Large. It was an immediate dismissal due to the rank stench of its cheap, oversize EPS beads, and its overly stuffed insert provided almost no give, so it felt like sitting on a box. This article was edited by Joanne Chen and Daniela Gorny.
Time Business News
25-07-2025
- Time Business News
Why ItaliaChains Has the Best Moissanite Tennis Chains (And Why Yours Keeps Flipping)
If you've ever worn a men's tennis chain that flips more than a politician during election week, chances are it didn't come from ItaliaChains. Because let's be honest — the moissanite tennis chain might be one of the shiniest pieces in men's jewelry, but not all of them are created equal. Especially when 90% of what's out there is mass-produced in China, with stones that fall out faster than your trust in gas station sushi. Enter: — the real ones behind the best handmade Italian tennis chains, made from solid 925 sterling silver, set with VVS D-color moissanite, and polished smooth like a glass of aged limoncello. Let's start with the obvious: these chains are actually made in Italy. Not 'Italy-inspired,' not 'Italy-designed,' and definitely not 'ships from Italy but made in who-knows-where.' ItaliaChains handcrafts their moissanite tennis chains in Arezzo, Italy, the jewelry capital of the country. Each link is carefully engineered and polished to lie flat and smooth on the neck — no flipping, twisting, or awkward tangling. Because what's the point of an iced-out chain if the back of it is always the part showing? Look, we're not here to throw shade — but let's call it what it is. Mass-produced Chinese tennis chains often: Use cheap prongs or glue to hold stones (not good) Don't have proper link balancing, so the chain flips like a pancake Feature stones that look shiny… until you turn on the light shiny… until you turn on the light Are plated over brass or mystery metal instead of real silver Meanwhile, ItaliaChains offers: Real VVS D-color moissanite stones — yes, they pass the diamond tester stones — yes, they pass the diamond tester Solid 925 sterling silver bases or 14k gold vermeil over silver bases or over silver Hand-set stones that won't pop out the second you sneeze that won't pop out the second you sneeze Polished links that are smooth, flexible, and made to lay flat like a pro 1. 'This moissanite tennis chain looks better than my friend's real diamonds. No one can tell the difference — not even the jeweler.' — Andre M., New York, NY 2. 'Finally, a tennis chain that doesn't flip! I've worn mine every day for two months and it still sits perfectly flat.' — Brian S., Los Angeles, CA 3. 'I bought the 4mm moissanite tennis chain from ItaliaChains and paired it with their matching bracelet. People think I dropped 10K — I let them think that.' — Jason R., Miami, FL 4. 'I compared mine to one I bought from another site. The ItaliaChains version was heavier, the stones were brighter, and it didn't turn my neck green.' — Elijah W., Chicago, IL 5. 'Customer service helped me pick the right length, and the quality blew me away. Handmade in Italy really does hit different.' — Marcus D., Houston, TX If you're looking for a moissanite tennis chain that shines like diamonds, doesn't flip like a fish, and actually lasts more than two parties, is where it's at. With real Italian craftsmanship, GRA-certified moissanite, and no middleman markup, they're delivering men's tennis chains that check every box: ✅ Shine✅ Weight✅ Comfort✅ Durability ✅ Not made in a warehouse that also sells fidget spinners Skip the hype. Go for the handmade. ItaliaChains has the smoothest, iciest, flattest moissanite tennis chains on the market — and your neck will thank you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Buzz Feed
23-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
31 Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers: No Tools Needed
Turn your yard into a wind-powered light show with a pack of solar-powered garden lights. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required. Use a pack of natural reed fencing to provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy without installing something permanent. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's window looks directly onto your yard. Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire, which look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in five sizes and two colors). Or use an artificial ivy privacy screen if you prefer something that'll add a little bit of greenery. Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. Get it from Amazon for $62.99 (be sure to clip the 10% off coupon). If you have a patio or deck with flooring that's seen better days, put down a Western-inspired patio rug that looks like something you'd score at a desert flea market, but it's waterproof, reversible, and made from recycled plastic. The geometric pattern and swoon-worthy colors feel totally unexpected for an outdoor rug, and if it gets dirty, just hose it down and let it dry in the sun like the showoff it is. Fab Habitat is a small business that sells outdoor rugs and accessories made from recycled plastic. Promising review: "This is the third one of these rugs I have bought over the last 10 years. Not because they wear out, but because I am adding to the stock. I use them on a covered screen porch, and they look so nice and are so durable that they are in place even in the winter." —Ms Lin SewaneeGet it from Amazon for $45.74+ (available in 28 colors and 15 sizes). Or use a woven patio rug to bring a Moroccan-esque look to your deck without overwhelming the space. This is a great get if you want something that's neutral but not boring. Promising review: "I'm so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look with its light gray and black handwoven texture. The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We've got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ! Spills wipe up easily, and it doesn't trap dirt, which makes it super low-maintenance. I also appreciate that it's stain-resistant and doesn't fade in the sun. When it needs a deeper clean, I just hose it down with a little soap and water and hang it up to dry — so simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical yet stylish rug for either indoor or outdoor use!" —AlyssaGet it from Amazon for $33+ (available in 18 colors and 27 sizes). Help your grass chill out during heat waves with a seaweed- and potassium-packed nontoxic lawn treatment specifically formulated to help your grass look more fresh than fried during the hot summer months. You just hook it up to your hose and spray, no fancy gear or green thumb required. It'll cover up to 3,000 square feet and help prevent grass from turning into brittle straw. I take so much pride in my lawn, which is absurd but also true. A neighbor recently described it as "immaculately green," which is honestly the best compliment I have ever received. Lately, though, I could tell the high heat of New Jersey was stressing it out, so I looked into Sunday's heat stress prevention treatment. Truth be told, this product works best if applied *before* high heat kicks in, but we're all trying our best, ok? Better late than never! I have had a lot of success with other Sunday products in the past (namely the Weed and Grass Killer Kit and Dandelion Doom concentrate), so I wanted to stick to this brand since it's been great so far. This heat treatment didn't disappoint! Only two applications later, and my lawn is noticeably happier. It's fuller, greener, just not looking fried anymore. And the best part? It's pesticide-free, so I don't worry about my kids playing on the grass or hurting the local wildlife that come through my property. Win-win!Get two bags from Sunday for $25 (and consider the Summer Heat & Drought Defense Kit if your live in a particularly dry and hot climate). Turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis with some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting. Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the review: "We have these strung all over our property — they are next-level lights. We have these lights that we hung outside in the summer of 2020, and they are still working as well today as they did back then. That's amazing to me. You can't go wrong with these lights." —OKRAGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $31.99+ (available in warm or soft light). Hang some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist. Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes). Or hang a set of metal wind chimes that'll turn your yard into a peaceful soundtrack. With six precision-tuned tubes, it plays soft, melodic tones in the breeze. It also comes with a strong hook for easy hanging. Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —PegiGet it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in seven colors and three sizes). Use a pack of four plant supporters if some of your yard's plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so they camouflage really well. Section off a special area of your backyard with some interlocking teak tiles. No tools or glue are required; the tiles just snap together. Teak is also a preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It's one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil that repels water. Promising reviews: "Living in Hawaii, you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total, I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle"Bought these in 2016, and with one application of teak oil per year, they still look great in 2023. They have been subjected to full weather for seven years and still look amazing. Lightly power wash them once a year to remove grime, takes about 30 min." —ZGet 10 square feet from Amazon for $77.99. No pool? No problem! Set up an inflatable pool that'll cost less than a beach day and will deliver way more chill. It holds 156 gallons, has a bench for grown-up lounging, and even includes a cup holder, because hydration is key (even if it's via margaritas). Get rid of oil stains on your patio and walkways with some Chomp! oil stain remover. Just smear on the thick gel, let it dry, and peel it up. It's heavy-duty help for the kind of stain that you thought was permanent. Promising review: "I went in skeptical, I'm not going to lie. We had grease spilled on our brand-new paver patio. The grease had been sitting for a few weeks, and I saw an ad for this stuff. I ordered it to try because why not? Well, I'll be damned because this took the spots right off! No evidence we ever spilled anything! I'd buy it again." —SusanGet it from Amazon for $17.97. If you have just a sliver of space but still want a nice place to sit, consider a narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots. Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It is gorgeous and doesn't take up too much space on the patio. It was very easy to put together, and the instructions were clear and simple to read. This chair is very sturdy and doesn't seem like it will unravel or break. The cushions are very plush, and the covers unzip and can easily be cleaned in a washing machine. Overall, this purchase has been so worth it." —Evelyn Ndidi Get it from Amazon for $145.33+ (available in three styles). Keep your stairs from turning into a tripping hazard after dark with a pack of solar-powered stair lights. They're waterproof, they charge themselves (bless), and they'll make your stairs look like the runway your guests deserve. Promising review: "Where I live, it's so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don't fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —BrookeGet it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in warm or cool white light and five pack sizes). Easily remove weeds from your garden or lawn with a weed puller tool. It's the best-selling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 42,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. And make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on with a crack weeder tool. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal. Install an outdoor bug zapper so your arms and legs don't become a mosquito buffet this summer. It kicks in the second you plug it in and covers up to half an acre without sprays or smells. Trust me, your ankles will thank you. Set up a fade-resistant, tiltable outdoor umbrella so you can relax without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs. Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns). Or use a half umbrella that's perfect for small patios, balconies, or anywhere you're working with limited space. The flat back lets it sit flush against a wall while still offering a full nine feet of shade. This proves that compact doesn't have to mean compromising. Promising review: "I love it! It's perfect for my small apartment patio. A serious game changer. I leave it open all day, and my plants are doing well because of it! They don't get scorched anymore. It also provides the perfect coverage to allow me to relax outside in the shade." —Natalie Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in seven colors). And add a clip-on light for your umbrella, because sometimes a great day on your patio turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination. Clean up your yard's hardscaping with some Scotts multipurpose outdoor cleaner that'll tackle dirt, mildew, and grime without bleach. It's tough on messes but gentle enough for your exterior. Just spray, scrub (if needed), and admire how much less gross everything looks. Create a vibe with a couple of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those sumer showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy. Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I'm so glad I found these. They're perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy. So far, so good, and I'm satisfied with my purchase." —applefirGet it from Amazon for $69.99. Block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade thanks to a triangular sail. A simple and nonpermanent way to create a cool, relaxing area during these hot summer days. The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful, and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel complements our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC MediaGet it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns). Keep garbage cans and other essentials accessible but hidden thanks to a storage shed. There's also a lockable latch in case you live in an area where night critters try to break into garbage cans. If your home has a deck that gets pitch black at night, use a pack of these 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto the ledge. Warm nights spent in your backyard will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting. Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20). Set up a wicker patio set so your outdoor space becomes a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of just zone out while doomscrolling. Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It's lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in beige or blue and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets). Set up a flexible adjustable mister so you can feel like you're at a high-end resort when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go. Or install a misting system if you're already sweating this summer and want maximum misting in your outdoor space. This easy little setup connects to your garden hose and mists a fine spray that can cool the area by up to 20 degrees. Perfect for patios, play spaces, or wherever else you'd rather not melt. Add some vertical greenery to your exterior walls with a wooden wall-mounted trellis. From potted plants to air plants, this trellis will provide you with everything you need to help your garden grow vertically. Set up a fully insulated, aesthetically pleasing cooler that'll be the hit of any backyard bbq you host. With a 45-quart capacity, it can hold all your favorite bevvies — because no one likes running inside for refills. It's got a built-in bottle opener, a drainage spout for easy cleanup, and a lid you can pop open for quick grabs or shut tight to keep things frosty. Add just the right amount of illumination to your yard with a two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance. Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three styles).
