While much of the U.
S.
is fighting the cold during the winter months, it is actually an ideal time to plan for the eventual arrival of warmer weather, particularly when it comes to the exterior of your home.
And, of course, if you live in the southern climes, enjoying the warm weather is almost a year-round pursuit.
The concept of outdoor living spaces is constantly evolving.
Where a basic cedar picnic table used to suffice for occasionally entertaining outside, today's homes demand outdoor spaces that are equal or even superior to those indoors.
That is why you've seen a veritable explosion of new concepts in outdoor furnishings arriving almost daily in online stores, where the shopping is great any time of the year.
In most cases, every stick of furniture you can find inside your home has a matching piece outside, from sofas, loveseats and coffee tables to side tables and lighting.
Side tables are a particularly treasured piece outdoors, largely because of their flexibility.
Small in size, portable and even store-able, these tables let you scale your event to the number of guests you're entertaining.
Best of all, they can easily be placed in service for any number of needs, whether it's as a table beside a chaise out in the yard or by the pool, a place to hold the bounty of picnic foods brought in for a neighborhood potluck, or as a place to set your drinks and torrid romance novel as you take a break from the wild week you had.
Where an outdoor coffee table will usually stay grouped with a sofa, loveseat or chairs, side tables can be used anywhere.
They can serve as end tables to your furniture groupings or you can set them around the deck or patio, adding convenience and style in the process.
Many side tables conveniently fold up when not in use, so you don't have to worry about them cluttering up an otherwise spacious patio.
When they aren't needed, simply store them in the garage, under the deck or in a closet.
Thanks to their popularity, you'll find side tables in an endless array of styles, materials and price points.
When shopping for these tables, it's always a good idea to match them to the rest of your outdoor furnishings, just as you would inside the home.
For example, if you have a teak dining table and coffee table, you'll want to go with teak side tables as well.
This allows you maximum flexibility while still have a cohesive look to your outdoor spaces.
That said, don't think you have to purchase a complete set all at once.
One of the great things about side tables is that you can always add them to your grouping later.
They have a personality all their own and don't have to match exactly.
If you have some design flare, you can even go with something that's a bit eclectic.
For example, you may have a solid teak coffee table and dining table but opt for smaller tables that are slatted, or even have a stone, tile or glass top to them.
These can add personality to your outdoor living spaces by adding something that's just a little unexpected - complementary - but unexpected nonetheless.
One of the keys to purchasing these tables, as well as any outdoor furnishings for that matter, is to purchase the best quality you can with the available budget.
Don't mistake a high price for quality.
Do your research, comparison shop and purchase from reputable retailers who are known for their commitment to quality.
Many times, online retailers will offer you the best value for your dollar, and their selection is often better than traditional brick and mortar stores that may only offer a limited selection of tables seasonally.
This is particularly true if you live in parts of the country where warm weather is seasonal, not year round.