Christmas Gifts Ideas

Shop Your Local Ski Shop in Highland Park, IL for Christmas Gifts

The Christmas season means that you will start shopping for Christmas gifts for your friends and family.  Most of the time, we have difficulty figuring out what our loved ones would like for Christmas. Lucky for you, the Christmas season is also ski season across the country. Millions of people go skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. That is why our local ski shop is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

Our ski shop offers a variety of ski clothing and thermal outerwear to keep your loved ones warm wherever they go. We sell ski jackets, snow pants, thermal base layers, and much more. We also sell ski equipment that includes ski boots, skis, and poles. Our ski shop is always stocked with everything your loved ones need to stay warm and enjoy whatever adventure they go on.

Visit Our Local Ski Shop Today

We know that finding the perfect gift is difficult at times. If your loved ones like to hit the slopes or enjoy the outdoors in the winter, our ski shop might be the best place to start looking for gifts. We provide a variety of ski clothing including jackets, snow pants, thermal outerwear, and lifestyle jackets. Your family will surely love the way our clothing items look and keep them warm in that cold winter weather. Visit us today to get started on your holiday shopping!

How to Create a Patio That is Social Distancing Friendly

Get Your Patio or Backyard Ready for Gatherings & Outdoor Living While Social Distancing

Summer might be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean patio season is over! Fall is the perfect time to make the most of whatever outdoor space you have, and especially given the continued need for social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s looking like a lot of gatherings may be taking place outside this season. 

Whether you’re having friends over to watch the football game or simply want to enjoy a nice dinner with loved ones, our staff at Williams Ski & Patio is here to help transform your patio or outdoor space into a safe, socially distanced sanctuary. Check out a few of our best design tips below:

Invest in High-Quality Patio Furniture

If you’re planning an outdoor party or gathering, investing in patio furniture you love is a no-brainer. We recently wrote a blog post on how to choose the right outdoor patio furniture for your own specific needs, but to recap, we highly recommend considering the following when shopping for furniture for an outdoor space: 

• The frame material (wicker, wood, stainless steel, etc.)

• The amount of space you’re working with

• The number of people you’d ideally like to host

• Your intentions for the space as a whole

These factors are key to narrowing down which patio furniture will work best for you, and we encourage you to browse our outdoor furniture gallery beforehand for some inspiration.

Not looking to purchase new furniture right now? Our staff at Williams Ski & Patio also offers outdoor furniture maintenance and repair services to help get the pieces you already love in top shape for the season.

Set Up for Safety

Once you’ve picked out your furniture, be sure to strategically set it up to ensure your guests will be comfortable and adhere to safe social distancing guidelines. Six feet of social distance is the official recommendation from the CDC, but you’ll also want to consider 1) how many people will be in attendance and 2) how much space you have to play around with.

If you find yourself needing more space, try to get creative! Is there any way you could shift your current set up to allow for more guests? Could you expand the party onto your lawn, partially indoors, or maybe even use some garage space? Taking a quick inventory of accessible space could be more helpful than you think!

Bring in the Right Style Elements

Once you’ve selected the furniture you love and set it up specifically for a socially distanced gathering, it’s time to top it all off with some finishing touches like outdoor rugs, mood lighting, candles, or fun throw blankets and pillows. Not only will these details help make your space feel a lot more cozy, but they’ll help the environment feel more like an extension of your home rather than just a space right outside of it.

Design tip: Try to match your rug, blankets, and pillows with the type of patio furniture you have for a more cohesive look. For example, neutral wicker furniture looks great with a fun pop of color or almost any pattern for contrast.

Call Today for Our Latest Promotions

When it comes to getting your patio or outdoor area ready for all that fall has to offer, Williams Ski & Patio is here to help. We’d love to guide you through the design process or even just assist you in selecting patio furniture that you will enjoy for years to come. Give us a call or stop in today to get started!

5 Patio Trends to Try This Summer!

Make the most of your time at home: upgrade your space with high-quality patio furniture!

Let’s face it: the summer of 2020 won’t be what any of us were expecting back in January. We’ll probably be spending more time on our decks and patios than we were planning. But there’s an opportunity here to make our home sweet homes just a little bit sweeter and to really pump up our outdoor living spaces with high-quality patio furniture. And Williams Ski & Patio is here to help.

To help you make the most of this summer at home, we’ve found five of the hottest design trends for you to try. From warming things up with a fire pit to expressing your creative side with outdoor room furniture, you’re sure to find some way to bring a little extra life to your patio!

1. Heat Things Up with a Fire Pit: Outdoor fire pits are all the rage this summer; in fact, your fire pit should be the centerpiece of any outdoor patio furniture set. We especially love fire-pit-and-conversation-seating combinations. A fire pit surrounded by an outdoor sectional is a cozy place to spend a cool summer evening.

2. Get Artsy with Canvas Chairs: Why not make your furniture your canvas? A cool trend popping up this summer is canvas chairs painted with bold and eye-catching designs. You can shop around to find already-painted chairs, or you can buy blank canvas chairs and truly make them your own! We think the Southridge chair from North Shore Teak would be a great candidate for a weekend DIY project.

3. Kick Back with a Cold One at Your Own Outdoor Bar: We might not be heading back to bars in droves this summer, but you can still enjoy a cool summer cocktail in the safety and privacy of your own backyard. Your outdoor bar can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, whether you’re creating a simple DIY bar with some lights and places to plug in a blender or going all-out with a wine fridge and outdoor plumbing. Just add some barstools, and you’ll be good to go!

4. Go Green with Vertical Gardens: Green is very in this summer, and vertical gardens are making a lot of buzz. Vertical gardens are great for small spaces, but they also add texture and life to larger spaces. Pair them with wicker outdoor patio furniture for a wholly natural look. Pro tip: If you place your vertical garden near the outdoor bar, put the grill in the same area, and use the garden to grow herbs, you’ll have a sweet outdoor kitchen!

5. Make It Your Own with Outdoor Furniture Design Services: Trends may come and go, but outdoor furniture designed according to your tastes and sensibilities is sure to last you season after season. And at Williams Ski & Patio, we’re here to help! We’d love to learn more about your ideas and put our design expertise to work to make them come to life.

Click here to learn more about our outdoor furniture design services, or better yet, simply call today to get started!

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Patio Furniture

The right outdoor patio furniture can really transform the way your space looks and how it functions. With an endless amount of options, it can be daunting to choose outdoor patio furniture that fits your style, needs, and budget. To make the choice easier, there are a few things you have to consider.

The Frame Material

The frame material is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing outdoor patio furniture. Not only can it affect the aesthetic, but it will determine how durable the furniture is and how long it could potentially last.

• Wood - Wood is a natural, beautiful choice that is a comfortable and strong option for patio furniture. However, wood needs maintenance every two years to maintain its color and protective finish.

• Wicker - Wicker is a timeless furniture option. Lightweight and durable, woven wicker furniture is easy to move around and offers a warmer look.

• Stainless Steel - Stainless steel is a great choice for outdoor patio furniture because it resists corrosion and oxidation, making it able to withstand the weather.

• Aluminum - Aluminum is extremely durable and lightweight. It is less expensive than other furniture materials, making it a great choice for outdoor furniture.

• Wrought Iron - Wrought iron is one of the heaviest, most durable, and long-lasting types of outdoor furniture materials available. Though pieces can be quite expensive, the investment is worth it.

Your Needs

When you’re considering new outdoor patio furniture, the way you will use the furniture is another extremely important aspect to take into account. If you purchase outdoor furniture that is too small for your needs, you may not be able to entertain as you had planned. If you choose patio furniture that is too large, it might not fit correctly on your deck or patio. Consider the following:

• Your Intent - Do you have friends and family over for cookouts often? Do you love curling up outside on a nice sunny day with a good book? When you’re considering furniture, you have to think about how you will use it. If you enjoy a bit more stability, a dining set with structured chairs and a table may be your best option. Want a cozy spot to relax? A wicker couch with puffy cushions could be for you.

• Amount of People - However many people live in your household, that is how many chairs or seating options you should provide. A great rule of thumb is to include a few extra spots for friends or family that visits. If you regularly entertain and your gatherings can get quite large, the more seating, the better!

• Your Space - Do you only have a small patio? A three-piece bistro set or a few stackable chairs may suit your needs best. Do you have an expansive back deck with multiple levels? If you have the room, you can incorporate a dining table with enough seating for the whole family and a lounge area for relaxing!

Whether you’re looking for a couple of chairs and a table or a large, comfortable outdoor sectional, choose Williams Ski & Patio! Our selection of outdoor patio furniture is expansive, allowing you to choose the perfect items for your needs, style, and budget. Our well-trained staff can help you create the perfect outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing. Visit us today at our showroom, located in Highland Park, IL.

Grow a Lush Backyard Garden During Social Distancing

With the entire country employing social distancing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it may seem difficult to find ways to keep busy. If you’re feeling too cooped up inside or are looking for ways to get out of the house while still doing your part to self-isolate, consider growing your own outdoor garden.

While daytime temperatures may be starting to warm up, it’s still a bit chilly come evening, which means that it’s a bit too soon to plant any annuals. However, there is plenty of work that you can do to prepare your garden for a bountiful season.

Plan Your Color Scheme & Flower Choices

This helps you determine the layout of your garden and what materials you will need for healthy growth.

Develop a Plot

There are a few steps you should take to prepare a space for your garden. Ideally you should start with a fresh plot free of weeds and debris. It’s very important to lay down a layer of mulch as well. Nutrients in the mulch will break down and penetrate the underlying soil, creating a great foundation for your garden.

Bulbs & Perennials

You can start to develop your garden with bulbs and perennials, which are very easy to plant. In general, most simply require a hole and enough space to grow. With many stores closed due to COVID-19, you may need to find an online retailer to purchase seeds from. But don’t worry, there are many options to choose from!

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

It can’t be overstated how important it is to throw down a fresh layer of mulch on a regular basis to keep the soil and your growing garden healthy.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Williams Ski & Patio is currently closed until April 8th. With some luck, we’ll be able to open again shortly to help you find the perfect patio and outdoor furniture for your garden! We have a department dedicated to outdoor furniture and patio service, and we can’t wait to help you turn your backyard garden into your personal oasis.

Tips for New Skiers

Wintertime opens a world of recreational possibilities for adventurous individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors. From sledding to snowmobiling, there’s never a reason to be bored during the coldest months of the year. Local skiing is also a cherished activity for locals in Northbrook, IL; Lake Forest, IL; Highland Park, IL; and beyond. While veteran skiers make the activity look easy, newcomers may benefit from the following tips:

Dress in Layers – Windchill, sun exposure and temperature all play a role in the sport of skiing. When you plan to head out on the slopes in the sunshine, however, a cold day can become warmer than you might imagine. This is why many skiers choose to dress in layers that can be easily removed and packed away when needed.

Come Prepared – Along with dressing in layers, it’s helpful to pack a light snack in case you plan to spend a whole day out on the hill. Fluids are also important seeing as skiing involves using the whole body to navigate and steer itself down the snowy terrain.

Prepare to Fall – First time skiing is exciting and fun, but it can also have its challenges. You should expect to lose your balance more than once before getting the hang of the sport.

Equipment – Local shops like Williams Ski & Patio have season-long, daily rentals & package skis available for beginners and veterans alike.

For all your skiing equipment and rental needs, Williams Ski & Patio is here to help. We proudly serve skiers throughout Highland Park, IL and surrounding areas, and are here to make sure that your first skiing experience is a positive one. Call or visit us today to learn more!

How Protective Covers Can Help Your Patio Furniture Last Longer

The summer months are best enjoyed from the comfort of your front porch, backyard, or patio. From hosting cocktail hours with your co-workers to play dates for your kids, there are tons of entertainment hours to enjoy during the summertime sunshine with family and friends.

Once you’ve created a beautiful outdoor living space you love, take the time to protect your new investment. By purchasing protective covers, you can enjoy your patio furniture for much longer.

Protective Covers Help Your Outdoor Furniture Withstand The Elements

Outdoor fabrics and finishes are designed to withstand the elements; however outdoor furniture takes some serious abuse from the wind, weather, and everything else. Dirt and grime build up, and moisture accumulates over time, especially over winter months when you can’t go out and clean it. That’s just a fact.

Leaving your furniture uncovered for winter months exposed to snow and rain can lead to mildew problems, or create an unnecessarily long cleaning process. When you aren’t using your furniture, cover it. You’ll be thankful you did.

Buy a Protective Cover Now So You Won't Have to Buy New Furniture Later

With these considerations in mind, taking steps to extend the life of your home’s patio furniture just makes sense. The money you’ll spend on protective covers is worth it, since your furniture will last longer, which will save you from completely replacing your furniture frequently. Your furniture covers can take the brunt of the wind, rain, dirt, grime, and more. Even if you have to replace the covers, it’ll still be less expensive than replacing the furniture.

Regularly cleaning patio furniture is also important, and taking the time to put covers on for the winter months is almost always worth the effort. For more tips on taking care of patio furniture, get in touch with us.