Fire Pits and Chat Groups: The Hot Patio Furniture Trend for 2011By JHCadmin, March 21, 2011You’ve heard of patio sets – which typically consist of four chairs around a dining table. But are you familiar with chat groups?Chat groups, also known as conversation sets or chat pits, consist of four chairs gathered around a fire pit. Whereas the focus of patio sets is on sitting and eating, the focus of chat groups is on – you guessed it – sitting and chatting.The focal point of a chat group is the fire pit (also known as a fire bowl). A fire pit sits lower than a table, creating a relaxed (and warm!) atmosphere conducive to conversation.Here's an example: The Vesuvius Chat Pit, manufactured by O.W. Lee (available from Rich's): What is a Fire Pit?If you haven’t seen a fire pit in action, it provides the ambiance and comfort of a campfire minus the smoke and ash. Fire pits are designed for outdoor use, but they are not wood-burning, so you shouldn’t attempt to cook (or roast marshmallows) over them. Many fire pits have adjustable flames and they are powered with either liquid propane, gel fuel (an alcohol-based blend), or natural gas. The bowl can incorporate realistic log sets, river rock, lava rock, or tumbled glass.Below is an interior view of the Glass Top Firelight, from Agio, along with an exterior view of the same fire pit: Following are examples of various styles of fire pits:Largo Chat Pit, from O.W. Lee:Santorini Chat Pit, from O.W. Lee:Hampton Real Flame Fire Bowl:Mix-and-MatchIf you already own a patio set, consider adding a fire pit to your set. You can mix and match chairs, sofas, and swivel gliders and add a complementary fire pit to create a fresh, updated look for 2011. We has several chat groups on display in our five Puget Sound showrooms in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Southcenter, Tacoma, or Silverdale, so you can get great ideas for what will look best on your patio.Our chat group displays include outdoor dishware as well as a variety of statuaries and planters so you can easily design a new look for your entire outdoor room.Subscribe to Rich’s blogSubscribe to our blog via your feed reader or receive our latest posts in your e-mail Inbox. Simply click “Subscribe to this blog’s feed” or fill out the form located in the right-hand sidebar of our blog. ‘Like’ Rich’s on FacebookWe also provide daily tips and Internet-only specials on our Facebook page. Hope you’ll “like” us, and encourage your Facebook friends to join us, too.Recent Articles See All 7 Must-Have Hot Tub and Swim Spa Features Hot Tubs and Swim Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:March 1, 2023 An effective and enjoyable way to get pain relief is in a hydrotherapy spa or swim spa. Powerful jets alleviate body aches, while the buoyancy from the water takes pressure off joints. Read More Rich's New Tigard, Oregon Store: A Chat with Manager Rick Campbell General Articles Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:February 1, 2023 Meet Tigard, Oregon store manager, Rick Campbell, who has been in the hot tub/patio/BBQ business more than 25 years in the Portland metro area. Read More Grill Islands - Easily Create an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Backyard Grills Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:January 2, 2023 Grill islands: Modular outdoor kitchens with grill(s), workspace, fridge, storage, and more. Read More Tartan and Sparkle Holiday Mantel - DIY Tutorial Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 3, 2022 Step-by-step tutorial for your holiday mantel: How to create a classic tartan design. Read More DIY Winter Mantel Décor Tutorials: Golden Magnolia Wreath and Cinnamon Stick Votive Holder Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 2, 2022 DIY Holiday Mantel Decor tutorial: Golden Magnolia wreath and cinnamon stick votive holder. Read More How to Transform Your Mantel to a Winter Wonderland Design Mantel Decor Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:December 1, 2022 We show you how to transform your fall mantel decor to a winter wonderland design easily and quickly! Check out our 15-sec time-lapse photo that shows us making the switcheroo. Read More