Everyone knows the old adage that Labor Day is the unofficial end of Summer even though Fall doesn’t officially begin until Sept 23rd, with warm weather often lasting long into October here in NYC. That’s why I think fall is one of the best times of the year to dine outside — the weather is more temperate and there are less bugs! With that in mind, here are my four reasons you should keep grilling long after Labor Day.
1. Fall is the best time to be outside
Humidity is dropping by the day here in NYC but the temperatures are still warm so it’s the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the grill. If there’s a gentle nip in the air drape cozy throws over your outdoor furniture as a stylish way to keep out any chilly evening breezes as you eat. You could even grab an firepit for some fun s’mores action! I’m all in for sitting outside in fall. Sure, you can’t sunbathe in shorts, but the sun can still be surprisingly warm, and I always feel so much better after I’ve spent time outside. It’s not just me, this study shows that people who sat outside in nature have demonstrable health benefits, so there is some scientific evidence for those naysayers! I know that warmer weather can lead to bugs, so I use this Patio Shield and have had great success with it. There tends to be less bugs at this time of year but it can’t hurt to keep using it to keep any persistent bugs at bay!
2. Great deals on Grills and Outdoor furniture and wares
This time of year is the perfect time to buy outdoor furniture, outdoor wear and grills because lots of retailers like Home Depot have great offers available. Here are some of the products from my outdoor setup:
Rug | Grill | Patio set | Sectional | Grill accessories | Melamine jug | Lantern | Throw pillow
3. Fall produce is perfect for grilling
So many seasonal fall fruits and vegetables are perfect for grilling, such as squash and sweet potatoes. For my grill setup I got the Traegar Eastwood wood pellet grill, which is perfect for vegetables as it burns wood pellets to create the heat and smoke. This works well as the vegetables absorb that lovely smokey flavor and can even choose different wood flavor pellets for different foods. I have found that the Hickory wood pellets are great for veggies as it gives them a delicious and subtle hickory taste.
4. Rain doesn’t have to ruin the party with furniture covers
Admittedly, fall can mean more unpredictable weather so my advice is to make sure you get some outdoor furniture covers early on so that you have them to hand when the weather turns. Often showers are just passing so I tend to quickly put the covers on with all the items left on the table, so that once the showers pass in twenty minutes or so I can go back outside, and everything is still dry. Plus, the covers keep the furniture in much better condition so it is a double win.
// Photography by Will Taylor
10 Comments
I am in love with the sectional. May have to get it for next summer….!
@Karen – Dooooooo it!
Where’s my invite?! This set up is v.v.cute will!! Packing my swim shorts lol
@Quinn – Haha! Thank you so much.
True story: my dad was telling me about those pellet grills the other weekend. I’m gonna forward him this post, he’ll love it lol
@Dan – No way! That’s so funny. Honestly we have been so impressed with ours, it makes meat so juicy and succulent.
The patio set is actually perfect for our tiny balcony in W’burg! Who knew Depot had cute stuff like this?! Thanks Will 🙏
@Christopher – Awesome!
The grill looks super 🙂 I will buy one for next summer
What do you prefer – a gas or electrical grill?