My family and I have dinner on our front porch every night from the first warm spring evening until winter rain drives us back inside. We aren't alone. Outdoor dining and entertaining is a national trend that is growing like flowers in the spring, with products available for every occasion, from backyard barbecues to fancy outdoor dinner parties.

“We never eat indoors when the weather is nice,” says Mary Liz Curtain, author and trends expert. “Our patio is like having another room, right off the kitchen. We use tons of candles and outdoor lamps to create a romantic, fun atmosphere. Guests say we throw the best dinner parties because entertaining outside is like being on a small vacation.”

An outdoor room, whether it is a porch, patio or deck, should be as comfortable as the living room. Good outdoor furniture is an investment that pays off for years. Karen Galindo of the Greenhouse Mall in Austin says, “People feel that dining is more of an event outside, whether it is just the two of you or the family or guests. Eating outdoors is simply more special. Especially after working inside all day (or all week), it's easier to unwind and unplug outdoors, away from the phone, TV, and internet. Our houses are being designed to reflect the indoor/outdoor lifestyle.” She also reports that the members of the Casual Furniture Retailers Association (of which she is a board member) report a big upswing in outdoor living. “There are more and more furniture accessory pieces that make the outdoor lifestyle easy, accessible and interesting to consumers of all kinds,” says Galindo.

The outdoor furniture available today is unbelievable. It is so beautiful and so comfortable that we have a hard time convincing people that it can go outside. The fabrics are gorgeous, and unlike anything people are used to putting outside. Include home accessories in your outdoor displays, from accent pillows to portable lighting, and you'll be amazed how luxurious your patio can be.

The Greenhouse Mall has been in business for 28 years here in Austin, and in that time they've seen some remarkable trends. The latest trend is creating an outdoor room, complete with exquisite outdoor furniture made from wrought iron, wicker, teak, or cast aluminum. Cushions are definitely "in" because people want the plush, luxurious comfort and the glamorous look. A look completed with fringed throw pillows, throw blankets, lamps, rugs and ottoman cubes.

One of their hottest items is a big marble mosaic outdoor coffee table, with a gas log fire pit in the center. People love to sit around the ambience of the fire, and since it uses gas logs, there is no smell or mess. There is something very cozy and comforting about sitting around the fire. Top it off with oversized club spring chairs that gently rock, and it just doesn't get much more relaxing.

Another hot trend is the double chaise lounge. Just as I have always dreamt of living a life of luxury lying out by the pool, nothing could be better than having that luxury in a double chaise. Built for two, it is really decadent for one. I can spread out all of my magazines and not share my space at all!

“Customers are getting more and more creative in their outdoor spaces,” says Galindo. “Because the outdoors is integral to entertaining, and since it is more often than not that the outdoors is seen by many passersby, customers are treating it very seriously and designing their space to create ambience.”

“Texas is a brutal climate, and you have to be sure you buy quality to make certain it will hold up with very little worry or maintenance,” she continues. “We educate our customers about what is appropriate for their needs. We ask them how they will be using it; once we know the conditions, we can offer expert advice as to what they should get. There is a lot of product coming from China, and the quality is not nearly as good as U.S. goods. In a climate where it can go from baking hot to freezing and rainy in a matter of hours, quality counts.”

After spending some time at the Greenhouse Mall, I could see all the possibilities. Big comfy lounging chairs by the fire pit, my double chaise by the pool, elegant dining under the stars… I could craft my very own resort, right there at home.