In the earlier part of this century, when technology was not as
advanced as it is today, people heading to the beach had to make
arrangements for their treasure garden umbrellas. Most people dug up a hole in
the sand and the umbrella was planted in it. It was much later that the
same beach umbrella became an extremely common patio furniture
accessory. But you certainly could not dig a hole in your patio. As a
result, most patio tables were accommodated with an opening in the