Keeping your hospitality or foodservice outdoor space open year-round can increase profitability, customer loyalty, and brand distinction. Keeping outdoor seating available can cater to growing demand, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Year-round outdoor spaces can host seasonal events or themed gatherings, creating community engagement opportunities and boosting local visibility. In our previous blog, we explored 10 Reasons for Year-Round Outdoor Dining, emphasizing the benefits and opportunities it offers to dining environments. Now that we’ve covered dining furniture, let’s shift our focus to vacation destinations like hotels, resorts, and beachside settings.
Thriving with Pool and Beach Furniture
Vacationers flock to warmer climates in the winter to escape the cold dreary weather of northern habitats and to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, dining, and relaxing on patios. It is a busy time of year for some destinations, and as a hospitality or food service proprietor, being open for business during the winter months requires planning and forethought regarding the quantity, arrangement and storage of your outdoor resin furniture. Prepping your vacation spot with comfortable lounge and dining seating, chaise lounge chairs, and resilient tables is a great way to create a welcoming, stylish, and low-maintenance outdoor space. When managed properly, outdoor leisure furniture provides four key benefits to enjoy:
• Weather resistance: resin is designed to resist extreme temperatures, rain, and UV rays, making it ideal for climates with fluctuating weather conditions
• Low maintenance: unlike wood or metal furniture, resin requires minimal upkeep and cleaning, which is convenient for proprietors and guests alike
• Durability: resin furniture can withstand the elements without warping, rotting, or rusting, enabling a longer lifetime
• Leave-it-outside convenience: since resin is resistant to moisture and temperature changes, you can leave your furniture outside without needing to cover it, even during winter months. (Note: if your furniture will be “dormant” for an extended period of time, we recommend you cover it.)
For those venues who are lucky enough to welcome travelers to their outdoor areas during the winter, it is crucial that your furniture remains in good condition and is ready for guests who return during the colder vacation months. Questionable weather including precipitation of all forms, can all cause wear and tear on outdoor furniture. Proper care and maintenance during the off-season will prolong the life of your investment for your “on”-season and allow a better guest experience overall.
Preparing Your Vacation Spot for the Winter Months
Preparing your vacation spot's outdoor furniture for the busy winter months requires careful planning to ensure that your furniture is well-maintained and ready to withstand the elements while still offering comfort and style to your guests. Even during winter, outdoor spaces can still be used if properly cared for, especially in areas with milder winters or for seasonal guests. Here's how to prepare your outdoor furniture for the busy, hopefully sunny, winter months:
Clean and Inspect the Furniture
Before you place the resin furniture, chaise lounges, and tables outdoors, give them a thorough cleaning. Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to remove dirt, dust, and any debris. For tougher stains, a soft-bristled brush or sponge can help. Check for any cracks, chips, or damage. While resin is durable, it's important to make sure everything is in good condition and in tiptop shape before use.
Choose the Right Location
Place chaise lounges in areas that will get enough sunlight if you’re planning to enjoy lounging and sunbathing. If you’re in a more shaded area, you can create a cozy nook for reading or relaxation. Resin tables are perfect for outdoor dining, serving snacks, or holding drinks. Place them near seating areas or near your chaise lounges for convenience. Resin furniture is lightweight, so make sure to place it in an area that’s sheltered from high winds. If your vacation spot tends to get windy, consider securing the furniture or using weighted bases.
Protect the Furniture from the Elements
Even though resin is weather-resistant, using furniture covers when not in use can extend the life of your pieces. This is especially important during inclement weather. Set up an umbrella or pergola over your seating areas, as this will help protect your resin furniture from the harsh sun, preventing premature fading. It’s a good idea to store any small pieces like side tables indoors or in a covered space to prevent them from being damaged by extreme weather conditions.
Decorate With Cushions & Accessories
while resin furniture itself is durable, adding cushions to your chaise lounges and chairs can increase comfort. Choose weather-resistant outdoor cushions or covers made of fabrics that are UV resistant and quick-drying. Place a stylish, durable outdoor rug under your furniture for an added layer of comfort and aesthetic. This can help define your space and make it feel more like a room outdoors. Use outdoor-safe vases, planters, or lanterns as table décor. Adding a bit of greenery or string lights can really elevate the atmosphere.
Create Zones or a Focal Point
Arrange the chaise lounges in a way that encourages relaxation and views, such as facing toward a pool, the ocean, or a garden. Set up a small group of resin chairs around a coffee or dining table to create a social area for meals or cocktails. Or use the furniture to help create a focal point, such as framing a view, a fire pit, or a water feature.
Maintain Regular Care
Routine cleaning by regularly wiping down the furniture keeps them looking their best. This is especially important if you’re near the beach, as salt can accumulate quickly on surfaces.
Check Hardware
Ensure that screws or bolts holding the furniture together are tight and secure, particularly if you have multi-piece tables or adjustable chaise lounges.
Add Functional Accessories
Small side tables next to your chaise lounges are great pairings and convenient to host drinks, books, or snacks. Consider resin storage boxes or cabinets to store towels, cushions or small outdoor items when not in use. These keep your vacation spot neat and organized.
Winter Wonderland
Set up a winter-friendly outdoor lounge if you experience mild winters. You can set up outdoor spaces that are comfortable for guests by adding heaters, blankets, and fire pits to create a cozy atmosphere. Consider covering outdoor seating with warm, weather-resistant throws to make it inviting.
You’ve Got It Covered
Install a pergola or canopy over your outdoor furniture. This will help protect your furniture from rain and debris, while also providing a more sheltered space for guests who want to enjoy outdoor time and privacy.
Complement with Outdoor Lighting
Install soft, outdoor-safe lights such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered garden illumination around your seating area to keep your vacation spot well-lit during the shorter winter days. This can present outdoor areas as a cozier and inviting space for evening relaxation and dining. If you have larger tables or want additional lighting at night, use battery-operated or solar-powered lamps.
Consider Adding Privacy Screens or Planters
For vacation spots located in a shared space or close to neighbors, adding resin planters with tall plants or resin-made privacy screens can help create a more intimate atmosphere. Use matching resin planters to add greenery to your space. Not only does this add beauty, but plants also help soften the look of your furniture.
Additional Warmth
If your outdoor areas are frequently used during the winter in locales that may get cooler, consider investing in patio heaters, fire pits, or portable heaters to keep the space warm and comfortable for guests. Make sure heaters are safe and properly installed for maximum efficiency and check out the Westport collection to foster an intimate relaxing outdoor seating solution.
Seasonal Décor
Add festive touches to your outdoor areas with seasonal decorations. Consider using weatherproof ornaments, holiday lights, or cozy elements like outdoor throws to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Extrapolating, seasonal landscaping and design changes can generate winter interest - if you’re expecting guests over the winter holidays, consider adding some festive outdoor elements to your space, such as decorative winter plants or seasonal art. This adds to the charm of the space and ensures your guests will enjoy the outdoor areas even in colder weather.
Maximize Year-Round Success with Proper Outdoor Furniture Care
Regardless of geography, climate, and purpose of space, you can create a beautiful, comfortable, and low-maintenance vacation space using versatile resin furniture. Grosfillex has you covered for all dining, lounging, and relaxing outdoor environments that promise to be functional, stylish, and durable, allowing you to be more effective in serving your guests. Whether your guests are escaping colder climates, pursuing outdoor activities, or enjoying a cozy winter getaway, thoughtful preparation will help keep your vacation spot in top shape year-round.
Contact us today to learn more about our year-round solutions.
