Will Fire Pits Take the Place of the Dinner Table?

With the advent of the internet, video games and microwave dinners, it seems families no longer spend time together over dinner. This used to be the time when we could discuss what went on during the day; who did what; which relative just got engaged or what the latest greatest new song or movie was on the radio or in the theater. We just don’t do that anymore. While bemoaning this lost tradition, along comes an inviting solution, the Fire Pit! Today, I find myself creating and enjoying new memories with family and friends. All that is necessary is to throw a few logs in the pit. Light it and watch the people gather. It is like a magnet. There is absolutely nothing like sitting by a sizzling open fire with your closest friends and family enjoying old memories and creating new ones. News of the day flows freely with no need of prompting. Conversation abounds as laughter enriches Grandpa’s last tale.
This relatively new phenomenon of outdoor patio fire pits has only been around for a few years. It is evolving to include gas pits, wood burning pits, decorative and custom pits. A fire pit may have a tile top, a unique shape or be built into a piece of furniture such as a patio table. These can range in price from just over a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for the one of a kind custom pit. Before choosing to purchase either the wood burning or the gas fire pit, there are several things you may want to consider. Do you enjoy the smell and ambiance of a wood fire or would you prefer a natural gas or propane fire pit with less maintenance and clean up? Do you have the space needed for a wood burning fire pit or are you planning to use it in a smaller space such as a deck? If you are using it on a deck, be sure to put a fire pad under it. A four-foot square of a nonflammable material such as stone or brick would do the job. If you are installing a natural gas fire pit, be sure to have a licensed professional do the installation. In all cases put safety first. Fire pits are designed to keep the fire in a controlled space. Most come with a cover screen as well. Even so, as a safety matter, have a water source close by in case of emergency and be sure there is nothing flammable overhanging or too close to the fire. While patio pits are relatively new, according to Wikipedia, fire pits have been around as long as there was a hole in the ground and the fire was contained. It is these new patio pits that add the decor and ambiance that are so inviting.
Is it time for you to rebuild that family tradition? See for yourself which style fits your home and personality. Light the fire. Sit back, sip a little wine and join the conversation