Winterizing and moving indoors…

As the outdoor season in Southwestern Ontario begins to wind up – unless you adopt the Scandinavian philosophy of continuing to fully enjoy the out-of-doors as it turns from brisk to cold  - you will be starting to think about your fall chores. One of the typical early chores, at my house anyway, is to begin taking down and storing away patio umbrellas and awnings, while there is a stretch of dry weather, so as to avoid storing away damp/wet awnings and risking mildew or mould growth. And when Thanksgiving is long over and all the leaves raked, cottage owners begin the task of turning off water and boarding up their cottages for another season, unless they are fortunate enough to own year-round places. Along with whatever this outdoor wrap-up entails for you, comes storing away our outdoor furniture for the winter to protect it from the ice and snow for which our harsh winters in this area are known. If you’ve purchased outdoor furniture with us, then you already know you have an investment worth protecting!  The extra time and care you take in preparing your outdoor furniture for the first snowfall makes a difference in how long your furniture lasts and for how long it looks like new.

There are a few basic guidelines as follows, which apply with most outdoor furniture.

• Know exactly what type of material you have
• Give it a good cleaning
• Check for any maintenance required
• Cover it up
• Find a dry, sheltered spot for over-winter storage
• Store more delicate items indoors

Type of Material

First begin with knowing exactly what type of material you have, so you know what to do with your outdoor furniture in the winter, or what minimum you can get away with in terms of winter protection. The rest of the checklist will then follow appropriately. However, when it comes to storage decisions, there are options! So read on and let us fill you in on storing or using outdoor furniture in the winter….

A Good Cleaning

A consistent schedule of cleaning the surface will help remove dirt, grime and other surface build-up, that can help keep your furniture looking new. Start by vacuuming the furniture using a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris, particularly important with rattan whose grooves can easily pick up surface debris, and with teak furniture. Cleaning with a non-abrasive soap (we recommend Dawn dish soap) and water is all that is necessary for most types of outdoor furniture. Make sure to remove any soap residue, and allow the furniture to air dry completely before covering.

Check for Any Maintenance Required

Regular inspection and prompt repair prevent small problems from becoming big ones – check for any loose bolts and tighten. Check cushions for any rips or tears, and any cleaning required before storing for winter, so your cushions are ready in the spring whenever the weather turns.

Sustainable teak is the most durable type of wood, well-known for its resistance to the elements, as it’s one of the only types of wood that has a natural oil that repels water, making it perfect for outdoor furniture. But it requires care for you to protect your investment, and when cared for, can often be passed from one generation to the next. Various impregnation treatments specifically for teak need to be applied regularly to preserve its appearance, depending on whether you wish your teak to maintain its golden hue or patina to a silvery grey.

Cover It Up

Top quality outdoor furniture is designed to resist the elements, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your investment constantly exposed, especially during seasons when your furniture isn’t in use, and most particularly in our winter, as its lifespan will be much shorter. Snow, ice, cold and moisture wear on furniture and shorten its lifespan leading to the need for more maintenance. So, while the synthetic rattan and powder-coated aluminum lines we carry at Cottage Culture are designed to withstand the elements, we continue to recommend using furniture covers overtop to preserve the newness and longevity. Both rattan and aluminum furniture are more portable than furniture made from heavy cast iron, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) - a dense, high-quality plastic, and so more manageable for moving into storage after covering.

Do make sure your sustainable teak furniture is dry following the appropriate impregnation treatment before you cover it for winter storage, otherwise it runs a high risk of developing mould. It is best to prevent your cover or tarp from resting firmly against flat surfaces such as tabletops, by allowing for air circulation (e.g. by placing a bucket on top of the table before covering it) thereby ensuring better ventilation than having the cover flat against the tabletop.

New at Cottage Culture this year, POLYWOOD®,

is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) line of outdoor furniture, especially interesting for people who haven’t the time, or don’t wish to deal with the ongoing requirements of protecting/storing their outdoor furniture. This POLYWOOD® furniture is low-maintenance, cleaning easily with soap and water, and you never need to paint, stain, or waterproof it, plus it boasts a 20-year warranty, saving you both time and money. This is weatherproof patio furniture, built to handle the harshest conditions from hot sun and salt spray to heavy winds and even blizzards! So, you don’t have to cover or store it for the winter – simply enjoy using it – just brush off snow and ice, and enjoy it in the winter too, if you are so inclined!

Over-Winter Storage

In our area, given the heavy snow, ice and extreme cold that winter tends to bring, the gold standard would be to store your outdoor furniture in a dry, protected area such as a shed, garage, basement, attic, large closet, or under a covered patio, during harsh weather conditions or when not in use. We recommend storing your furniture off the ground to prevent moisture or pests from damaging it.

If storing outside is the only option, use a waterproof furniture cover or tarp to protect it from the elements. Make sure the cover fits properly and covers all of the furniture.

However, if dedicated sole-purpose indoor storage is not feasible, you might consider repurposing outdoor furniture for winter use. For example, a sturdy picnic table can be used as a potting bench for indoor gardening projects, or patio chairs can serve as additional seating for indoor gatherings. This not only makes practical use of the furniture but also ensures it is kept in good condition while still being functional during the colder months.

Transition your Outdoor Furniture for Use Indoors

Much of the beautiful outdoor furniture at Cottage Culture could easily suit indoor décor, making the storage decision easy – just transition your outdoor furniture indoors for the winter season. If there is some extra space which exists, or can be created in your home, why not opt for this solution to your outdoor furniture storage needs?

Scandinavian-design outdoor furniture doesn’t always look as such, which means it’s very versatile and stylish. These features, in turn, mean you can gain year-round use for your investment in your outdoor furniture, rather than using it for only a fraction of a year, and spice up your indoor space at the same time. These benefits are in addition to creating additional seating to accommodate friends and family who will gather indoors with you over the holiday season and chilly winter months. How to achieve a coordinated look, you ask?

Decorating with this trend in the dead of winter without it feeling out-of-place is also easier than it appears. No longer just for patio use, all-weather wicker and rattan are taking over as a stylish and trendy material for home accents. Whether on furniture, lighting or tabletop accessories, this tropical looking material can bring a warm ambience to any room. As for why you should consider this trend, look no further that a few designers: Brooklyn-based interior designer Eliza Gran loves it for its ability to "feel both contemporary and vintage at the same time"; Dolley Frearson, co-founder of High Fashion Home says it feels "very organic, unstructured, and has a hand-made look that people are loving right now"; and Ben Marshall, Creative Director of Hudson Valley Lighting, similarly explains that the material allows people to feel more grounded and connected with nature, which has been a huge trend of late.

Let's also not forget sustainable natural teak, which can move indoors equally well, as can a number of the powder-coated aluminum pieces with their deep and comfortable cushions, and clean, architectural lines. Teak, wicker and rattan enhance a wide variety of styles including Bohemian, Coastal, Retro, British Colonial and other traditional styles, as well as Scandinavian of course! They add visual interest in neutral spaces without adding colour, and their casual, inviting feel is ideal for living spaces where comfort is key.

It's also completely possible to transform these pieces into a cozy, wintry scene come cold weather with some expert tricks - just lean in to Scandinavian style, juxtaposing materials and layering in cozy textures. As Kelly Mason, Manager of Creative and Content at Lulu and Georgia notes, rattan has a “very natural fit” in Scandinavian design, especially when it comes to the colder months. “A rattan chair with a sheepskin throw looks perfectly cozy by a roaring fire,” she says. You could also incorporate an element of upholstering, with a deeper colour cushion, such as slate or charcoal. Chunky knit throws and pillows, and cool-toned woods will also add to the Scandinavian feel. Mixing materials such as leather and metal with rattan will add depth and warmth to your setting. In one model living room for example, you will find two large rattan chairs, along with a leather sofa and a marble coffee table. This approach creates more interesting indoor spaces than the use of matching pieces does. Picture adding in a few candles, a crackling fire in the fireplace, and a steaming mug of some delicious beverage, and you’re all set!

In conclusion, winterizing outdoor furniture involves a combination of cleaning, protection, and storage strategies tailored to the type of furniture and available space. Whether you choose to cover and store your furniture, move it indoors, or find alternative uses, taking these steps will help safeguard your investment and ensure that your furniture is ready to welcome the next season with a fresh start.

Get Ready for Summer With Cottage Culture 

If you've cleaned your older outdoor patio furniture and they are still looking like they are past their prime, it could be time to start shopping for an upgrade. Cottage Culture is here to help you pick out new patio furniture that will match your vision and style! We offer a wide variety of high-quality patio furniture and decor that will exude comfort, quality, and character.

Browse our patio furniture and decor online or visit our showroom in beautiful Hensall, Ontario to see our extensive collection of outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas, outdoor rugs, firepits, and so much more! You'll love dreaming up your perfect backyard while you browse all that we have to offer through our family-owned local business!

Outdoor Entertaining in Fall: Scandinavian Design Ideas

Are you, like me, not wanting the outdoor life to end with ‘back-to-school’, or the September 21st fall equinox which seems to signal an ‘official’ end to summer, despite continued warm days? Are you contemplating the sheer enjoyment of being out-of-doors, and continuing to share that joy with others?  Dreaming of lovely autumn days, or evenings, with friends and family at outdoor parties or get-togethers? Let us offer some suggestions for hosting.

Making the most of Autumn days with friends and family

It is noted that in countries like Sweden, garden parties and outdoor lunches hold sway whenever the weather permits, with around 65% of people preferring an outdoor grill. Far from being limited to the summer, barbecues are celebrated on warm days in Autumn, and indeed, many would say that this season in Scandinavia is one of the most flavorful of the year. Since Scandinavians love a good barbecue, they don’t let any coolness in an autumn day stop them from enjoying an outdoor get-together, and indeed, many carry on barbecuing all through the winter as well! It's all about catching up with close friends and family al fresco!

If this Scandinavian approach resonates with you, then you may wish to ‘up the ante’ and consider hosting these gatherings in your own backyard, or patio! And you don’t have to worry about having sufficient of the same style of chairs to accommodate a large group!

Mix not Match

Scandinavian design includes the eclecticism of mixing various pieces, something typical of Scandinavian style and a natural part of their ethos – that fabulous eclectic mix that is unexpected but perfectly designed. So, whether it’s chairs, dishes, glasses, cutlery or table linens, don’t worry about having all matching items sufficient to host a large party. Just bring together your various colours and styles, all-weather rattan, wood and aluminum dining chairs – even your indoor dining chairs on a dry day. Mix and match your dishes, glassware and table linens as well, as it’s all about the conviviality of getting together!

SHOP THIS LOOK

How to ward off a chill?

The good news is, the Scandinavians have been pros at this for years. Visit a café or restaurant in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and you'll find every chair in the outdoor area has been prepped with a fleece blanket. And they don't stop there... sheepskins, outdoors rugs, string lights, lanterns, candles and fire pits are all pre-requisites to a cosy evening al fresco – that sense of Hygge – regardless of weather! We in North America are now catching on to this trend, as we see some restaurants and cafes bringing sheepskins, cozy blankets and portable patio heaters to their sidewalk cafes.

The Scandinavian concept of “Hygge” is a cozy feeling in your soul – a chair or group of chairs pulled up to a glowing fire in a fireplace or firepit, a softly flickering candle on a table set for dinner for two, a convivial moment between friends, or just a general feeling of contentment in a simple setting. Hygge can be all of these and more. It means comfort, joy and well being – more of a feeling and a concept than a specific thing. So, round up some soft and cozy pillows and fleecy throws, extra chunky blankets, and sheepskins - and put them within easy reach for you and your guests to grab. You can never have too many for your own cozy Hygge feeling!

SHOP THIS LOOK

Covelo Outdoor Dining Chairs          Laurion Outdoor Dining Table  

Midway Outdoor Floor Lamp           Pamir Outdoor Hanging Lights

Pamir Outdoor Sidetable

A Celebration of Light!

The Scandinavian culture has it right again! Applying this concept to your own space, early Autumn nights call for candles, lanterns, a beautiful set, or sets, of string lights and maybe even the warmth of an open flame (or a patio heater). All of this to not only illuminate your outdoor space, but also to create a relaxing ambience and the kind of comfort which all of us crave!

Scandinavian style is very much about adding and celebrating light, as Scandinavians traditionally try to interject as much light as possible into their lives. The Lucia festival, which happens on December 13th every year, is just one example of this, but light doesn’t just mean actual light, it also means comfort, joy and wellbeing. It is a philosophy and way of living that consistently lands the Scandinavian countries on the Top 10 list of the happiest people on earth, and something we perhaps might consider striving toward!

Decorating for your festivities

Organic and natural materials often take pride of place in Scandinavian design, reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries relationship to nature.  And you can easily take advantage of this whimsical, timeless décor aesthetic.

Have you, or do you know someone who has recently trimmed their shrubs, such as curly willow or red leaf dogwood? Collecting the branches for decoration allows you to create a natural bouquet of the branches, with curly willow providing textural interest or red leaf dogwood adding a pop of natural red colour.

You could also create a pretty wreath of found branches or create one using strands of grapevine, that you can find growing wild and which seem plentiful this year. Then whitewash your wreath for that natural Scandinavian feel. Use the wreath at your party, then hang it indoors or outdoors for an organic touch.

Another easy craft project using natural materials is to create twig name tag flags as place cards for guests at your table. Using homemade place cards at parties can make every guest feel extra special. These whimsical ones are made with twigs and branches, and they help bring the feel of an enchanted forest right to your party table.

Twig Name Tag Flags – Melissa Bahen

Materials and Tools:

• Red card stock
• Scissors or paper trimmer
• 3 ½ inch long twigs, 1 per guest
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• White fine-tipped gel pen
• Thick slices of tree branches, about ¼ inch thick and larger than 1 inch diameter, 1 per guest
• Nail and Hammer OR Electric drill and drill-bit
• Craft glue

Instructions:

1. Use the scissors or paper trimmer to cut the red card stock into long rectangles measuring about ¾ by 4 inches (one strip per guest).
2. To make each flag, wrap one strip of the card stock around one end of a thin twig, lining up the edges exactly. Use glue or a piece of double-face tape to attach the card stock to itself.
3. Cut a triangle out of the free end of the card stock to give it a flag shape.
4. Write each guest’s name on a flag using the white gel pen. Allow the marker to dry completely.
5. While the marker is drying, make a hole in the centre of each branch slice by suing a hammer to pound a nail into the centre almost all the way through the branch slice, then pulling it out.
6. Put a small dot of craft glue into each hole, then glue the twig flags inot the holes. Allow them to dry.

Notes:

Tree branch slices are also available from the wood hobby aisle of your local craft store.

If you have a drill with a small-gauge drill bit, it will make holes in your branch slices much faster than a hammer and a nail. Just make sure you use a drill bit that is about the same size around as your twigs.

Comforting Food and Drink

Scandinavian food is simple, easy

and has a deep respect for the ingredients!

                                                                             Paul Lowe founder and EIC of Sweet Paul Magazine

Of the many Scandinavian cooking styles that appear in the fall, barbecue, grilled, and smoked foods appeal, thanks to the wonderful warm sensations they bring, along with the range of delicious sauces and sides that make for a perfect meal.

At a typical barbecue or grill party in Sweden in the Autumn, you could expect to find a host of different meat types—something for every taste(!) — including sausages, shellfish, salmon, calf liver, and lamb. Game is also big in the autumn in many Scandinavian countries. The Scandi marinades for meats are not as sweet as traditional sweet barbecue sauces in North America: a simple but well-loved recipe involves marinading meat in a blend of vegetable oil, beer, soy sauce, garlic cloves, onion, and smashed whole black pepper (and a little jalapeño chili if you like things spicy!).

Scandinavians also enjoy celebrating seasonal fruits and vegetables during their barbecue bashes. So skewer up your favourite autumn fruits – including apples, pears and the plentiful late strawberries in this area. And of course, vegetables make the perfect sides, so instead of serving mashed potatoes or fries, you could boost the antioxidant goodness of your meal with grilled root vegetables like squash carrots and parsnips. These ingredients can also form part of a warm soup or sautéed dish to accompany your grilled meats. In later fall, Swedish yellow pea soup will warm your guests up while they are waiting for meat to grill, while a lovely Vitkål sallader (featuring cabbage tossed in a warm vinaigrette) will be perfect once your meat dishes have been served.

Don’t forget to bring our local corn-on-the-cob while it’s available! It’s a staple at most Scandinavian barbecues, as are cherry tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms, and onions. If you love umami flavors, opt for chanterelle or porcini mushrooms. Pop them directly on the grill or in your favorite side soup.

With all these ideas, you are sure to find some you like, and ensure you are popular hosts for get-togethers that extend our precious outdoor days! Enjoy our beautiful days!!

Embracing Autumn at the Cottage this Fall

Fall is less than a week away on the calendar, despite the lovely warm weather we’ve been enjoying! And it’s an enchanting time of year!  

Cooler temperatures, crisp leaves and bright colours – bursts of yellow, orange and red dotting the landscapes around the country signal that one of the most spectacular seasons in our part of Ontario is arriving. Fall, no matter your age, still somehow signals the chance to start anew. The season almost urges you to slow down, savour quiet moments, dig into harvest foods and discover new experiences.

So, take a moment to plan the perfect respite between summer and winter at your cottage, and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons in your locale, whether it be hiking, apple picking, enjoying bonfires. However, you don’t need a cottage to enjoy this season, just a willingness to get out in nature and enjoy the fresh weather and surroundings.

The Cottage Culture team dug into what enjoyable fall activities come to mind for each of us, and share a few of our favourite ways to safely embrace autumn this year.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

- Albert Camus
 

Go apple picking (and bake apple pies)

Orchards are now open for apple picking at Ontario farms, and to our way of thinking, nothing signals the coming of fall like biting into a crisp fresh apple that you picked with your own two hands. Peak picking stretches right through September and October, so find an orchard open for picking near your cottage and take the family apple picking for the day. Couple that with a full day of farm fun, like corn mazes and wagon rides, and you have an ideal day outing with the family.

Then what could be better than baking your apple pies after picking the ingredients with your own hands? Here are just a few area orchards open for picking: Apple Land Station, Thorndale; ; The Red Barn Fruit Farm, Arkona; Smith’s Apples and Market, Port Elgin; Maxwell Apple Orchards near Collingwood; Meleg’s Lakeview Orchard, Kingsville; Thiessen Orchards, Leamington.

Always check to see that visiting and picking is allowed. Otherwise choose to visit the numerous area orchard markets who’ve done the work for you! Also check open hours before you head out.

Go fishing for the last few times of the year

We are fortunate here in South Western Ontario to have access to two Great Lakes for our fishing enjoyment. Local experts suggest that fishing in the fall is when you may be most likely to catch the biggest fish. If you don’t have you own boat, there are a number of fishing charters leaving rom ports all along the Lake Huron shoreline, leaving from Sarnia, Kettle Point, Port Franks, Grand Bend, Goderich, Kincardine, to name a few. Charters also serve Lake Erie, departing from Erieau and Colchester. You can enjoy the last fishing moments of the season (until ice fishing begins!) and impress your family with your fresh catch.

Plan a stroll or a hike

There are so many beautiful spots to hike in the fall, it’s difficult to capture them all. For me, one of my favourites is hiking along the shores of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay (or Lake Erie), when you get to a viewpoint and see stretches of crystal blue waters along side pops of bright colour – think the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, with over 900 km of main Trail and over 450 km of side trails. Accessible to explorers of all ages, the Bruce Trail connects you to the wonders of the Niagara Escarpment – cobble beaches, open meadows, waterfalls, rocky crevices, old growth forests and awe-inspiring views. While another recommends an enjoyable hike closer to home, in Rock Glen Conservation Area, where you can wander through a forest filled with rare trees, soak up waterfall views, and enjoy a scenic gorge in this area. You can even go fossil hunting! And still another, hiking along the Elora Gorge, suggesting that if you are only going to visit a small number of charming towns in southwestern Ontario this fall, then you might choose Elora. Not only is it a lovely little town full of colourful places for strolling, but a hike through the Elora Gorge Conservation Area in the fall will wow you with brilliant fall foliage. If you take the trail through the park, you can catch sight of the over 70 foot cliffs that line the gorge – truly a visit for your bucket list!

Relax on your Dock

Cocktail hour at the cottage in the summer, whether on your dock, or deck, is hard to beat. But, have you ever thought about sitting outside in cozy sweaters with thick blankets draped over your outdoor lounge chair, sipping mulled wine or warm cider? You can watch the sun go down, and see the rays light up the surrounding colourful foliage, then see the stars come out. You’ll be wishing you’d thought of this sooner.

We have our favourite mulled wine recipe to share with you, here.

The Best Mulled Wine Recipe

The best traditional mulled wine recipe with brandy, apple cider, and mulling spices. This hot spiced wine is festive, easy, and perfect for parties!

While we can’t state authoritatively that this is the most traditional mulled wine recipe (there seem to be as many variations of mulled wine as there are European cafés in which to sip them), we’ve made enough batches to say with confidence that this is the best mulled wine recipe.

Prep: 5 minutes; Cook: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 750 ml red wine (1 bottle) — choose something fruity but not too sweet—Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon all work well
• 2 cups apple cider 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange zested and juiced
• 5 whole cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole star anise
• 1/4 cup brandy
• Orange slices and Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

• Add wine, cider, honey, orange zest, and orange juice to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine. Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Cook on low until warm, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your slow cooker. Stir in the brandy.
• Ladle into mugs and serve with an orange slice and cinnamon sticks. To keep the wine warm, leave the slow cooker on the "Keep Warm" setting. If your slow cooker does not have a warm setting, alternate between "Low" and "Off."

Notes

This recipe scales easily. Feel free to increase the batch size by as much as your slow cooker or pot will hold.
TO MAKE ON THE STOVE: simmer the wine, apple cider, orange zest and juice, and spices in a large pot or Dutch oven the stove over low heat for 30 minutes, instead of heating in the slow cooker. Do not let the wine boil Add the brandy and serve.
TO STORE: Let your slow cooker mulled wine cool completely, then pour it into an airtight storage container and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm mulled wine in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat, or pour leftovers into your slow cooker and reheat on LOW until warm.

Notes on the Ingredients:   

• Red Wine. A dry and richly flavored red wine is perfect for this recipe.
• Apple Cider. Where most spiced wine recipes use sugar, this recipe uses apple cider instead. It gives the hot wine a seasonal flavor that tastes just right for this time of year.
• Honey. A touch of sweetness.
• Orange. The orange might seem like an odd addition, but trust us. A key to making the best spiced wine is balancing different notes of complementary flavors, and the orange helps do just that.

• Spices. Cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and star anise are the mulled wine spices. Even if you don’t love anise, the flavor here is subtle, well balanced, and gives this spiced wine an extra note of flavor that you don’t want to miss.

  Ground spices not recommended, as they will float on top of the wine and not incorporate properly.

• Brandy. The final edge this spiced wine needs to reach its peak

Have a bonfire

A lot of people underestimate how enjoyable evenings are at the beach. While we enjoy bonfires on the beach right through the summer, we find that now, as the temperatures cool down, there is nothing more special than enjoying a bonfire. Firepits are an excellent way to avoid any issues with legality of having a bonfire in your location; they also raise up the level of the fire to help keep everyone warm. Cottage Culture staff would be happy to show you their sturdy Iron Embers firepits.

The following checklist of items will ensure you create the perfect bonfire experience;

• Firewood – both kindling and larger pieces of wood.
• Bug spray – although we have many less bugs in the fall, another reason to enjoy now!
• Speakers – to add some music to the occasion.
• Blankets – even if you’re sitting by the fire, it can feel good to have some cozy throws, or blankets nearby.
• Outdoor chair – for those who don’t wish to sit on the ground. See our Delia armchairs at Cottage Culture as an example.
• Food - good food and fire go hand in hand. Hotdogs are a good choice as they cook well on an open fire. And of course, S’mores are a traditional and an important part of a bonfire. Don’t forget all the fixings – marshmallows, wafers and chocolate, plus skewers. For a more creative S’mores treat for adults perhaps, see the 6 recipes here including Praline toffee, chocolate butterscotch, and grilled banana S’mores.  
• Drinks – both adults and children enjoy a bonfire, so bring drinks for both groups.

However you plan to spend your time this fall at your cottage be sure to savour the moments, it's the little things that create the largest memories!