Over the summer, we saw a cooling pet bed that was designed to help keep your pup comfortable on even the hottest of summer days. This heated pet bed does just the opposite. It is designed to stay at a constant 102F, which is comfortable for most cats and small dogs, as well as being therapeutic for older pets. It is even recommended by vets for animals with problems like arthritis. It is made of faux suede with a faux lambskin lining, all of which is removable and machine washable. Price: $60.

The problem with ceiling fans is that they are highly visible and unless you are decorating your tropical getaway with a fan that has palm-frond blades, they don't always fit in terribly well with the decor. Decorating disaster can be easily avoided with the Artemis Ceiling Fan, which has translucent, aerodynamic blades that are inconspicuous when the fan is not in use and invisible when on. The ceiling attachment comes in brushed nickle and takes a halogen bulb. Two down rods are included, so you can adjust the fan to hang from 3.5" to 6". Price: $598.

Fire pits are definitely a hot item for the yard this year, literally and figuratively. ArtBuzz takes the combination of fire and metal a step further by adorning fire pits with a sharp, elegant flame design. The Bowl O' Fire fire pits are huge. Available in two sizes, one measures 19.5" deep and 37" diameter and weighs in at 150 pounds ($650), while the other is 19.5" deep, 41" diameter and weighs 175-lbs ($695). The weight isn't surprising when you consider that they are hand cut from 1/4-inch thick recycled steel. Since the bowls are hand-cut, each one is slightly different, guaranteeing that you'll get a unique piece that is also a showstopper. All of the bowls have a warm rush finish, so there is no need for any maintenance, either.

ArtBuzz also makes matching Torches by the same process, which are a great way to accent the yard, and a miniature fire pit/grill that is a great choice for cooks, or simply for those who don't have enough room for the full sized pit.

One of the best things about summer is the chance to spend some time outside enjoying the sun on hot days and the warm, fragrant air at night. There is no better way to enjoy that than with a big, cold drink, but it certainly doesn't hurt if you have a few friends over and fire up the grill, as well. Here, we're rounding up some of the best summer entertaining accessories, from barware to real umbrellas. We're going beyond the standard table and chairs because, let's face it, you're not going to get very far without those. It's the extras that give a party a little something special.

Avoid unpleasant smoke and ashes floating out over your guests with this Gas Firepit (above) from Smith and Hawkin. There is minimal set up and little maintenance to be done to keep it in top shape and it is lightweight enough - made of crushed stone and fiberglass, not concrete - that it can be moved whenever needed. $699.  

As the days get hotter and summer approaches more and more rapidly, we can remove layers and lounge around in shorts and tanks, but our pets can't do the same. When you live in a hot climate, it isn't uncommon to see dogs panting in the shade or cats sprawled in a dark room with a cool, tiled floor in the heat of the day. To make your furry friend more comfortable, think about something like the Canine Cooler Pet Bed. The bed is "paw-proof" and filled with a patented thermoregulating material, which stays cool regardless of the surrounding temperature. It is padded with a soft, thick foam that can conform to the shape of a pet's body, making it not only comfortable, but a good choice for older pets and those with joint problems. Price: $45-85, depending on size.