Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Besides the tablecloth, you’ll also have to choose placemats and napkins for your outdoor dining table; and these, too, are available in huge varieties of colors, patterns, and fabrics.  Moreover, when selecting them, you may have to consider how well they will coordinate with your outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows, and rugs.

Certainly, this is more of a concern in smaller spaces, where all of the outdoor furniture is close together.  If you have a place that’s large enough for the patio chairs and the outdoor dining set, or picnic table, to be situated well apart from each other, it may not be much of a worry.  Then, again, if your dining area is separated by a pergola or a trellis, or if you’re going to be eating in your gazebo, you may not have to think about it at all.

Whatever the case, you have several options, including using a tablecloth that has designs on it, with solid-colored placemats and napkins, or vice versa.  You can also come up with some interesting combinations in textures, by using various fabrics for the tablecloth, placemats, and napkins; or use something completely different, such as bamboo, for the placemats.

Naturally, for the napery, and even the tableware, for that matter, you can always go the paper route; and it’s not news to anyone that some of it is quite attractive.  However, even though paper can work well for casual get-togethers, if you’re hosting a nice dinner party, it’s best to scrap the idea, and go for a more elegant setting.  Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to use the good china (unless it’s a really formal affair).  For outdoor dinner parties, the everyday stuff is fine; in fact, on your beautifully decorated table, it will look smashing – uh, perhaps I should make that, gorgeous.

Another alternative is to use plastic; but not the kind that’s on par with paper plates.  These days, you can get thick, sturdy, high-quality plastic tableware that looks just like glass.  Actually, this can be a wonderful choice, because clear, colored glass, not only adds to the resplendence of the table, but heightens the opulence of the occasion as well.  Choose rich, autumn hues, such as red, amber, gold, or burgundy; and make sure that there are plenty of candles on the table, to give the whole setting an enchanting glow.

Undoubtedly, real glass is the ultimate; and you can get colored glass plates, goblets, glasses, vases, salt-and-pepper shakers, candleholders, and serving bowls, at a very low cost, in retail, outlet, and even antique stores.  Although certain antique glass items are very expensive, you’ll find hundreds of them that sell for only a few dollars.

The best part is that they don’t have to match; as a matter of fact, mixing pieces from various sets will add to the charm of your outdoor dining table setting.  If you don’t want to buy a lot of antiques, pick out a few, interesting objects to combine with your other dishes and glasses.  Of course, if you don’t have real glass tableware, the authentic-looking, plastic kind will look just fine, especially in the glimmer of the candlelight.

Indeed, any jewel-toned accents that you can find will lend a warm, luxurious ambiance to your gathering.  For example, you can get some vintage jewelry, or go through your old jewelry boxes and pick out some bracelets and necklaces with broken clasps, and mismatched, clip-on earrings.  You can use the earrings to hold place cards, and the necklaces and bracelets to make sparkly napkin rings, or decorations for wineglass stems, candles, and candleholders.

Aside from making your table shine, this is also a great way to give new purpose to some of your favorite old pieces of jewelry that have been stashed away for years.  Hmm.  I sure hope I’m not the only one who hangs onto things way longer than I should.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor dining set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, pergola, picnic table, trellis

Certainly, you’ll want to create the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor dinner party, as well as the ultimate experience for those attending it; and the food, the outdoor décor, and the company will be integral to your achieving that goal.  In fact, there are times when putting together just the right combination of these ingredients can almost guarantee success.  However, when you’re planning an outdoor affair, especially at this volatile time of the year, there’s another force that can undo all of your efforts at the drop of a hat; er, rather, let’s make that several drops – of rain.

Indeed, sometimes, Mother Nature can get mighty testy when she is not included on the guest list; and if she decides to crash your party, there’s not a thing that you can do about it.  Moreover, in some cases, rain may be the least of your worries, because she does not simply have the element of surprise – she has many of them; and if she’s really angry, she may show no quarter.

Therefore, your first consideration should be keeping your guests out of her path, as well as her wrath.  Luckily, there are steps that you can take that will prevent everyone from being entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature’s capricious nature.  These precautions can also help to preserve the food, the tableware, and the decorations.

Of course, the ideal situation would be to have a gazebo or a pavilion that’s large enough for all of the guests, the picnic tables, and the patio furniture.  In the absence of either of these garden structures, a patio that’s covered by a roof, awning, or even a pergola, will afford some level of protection.

Even if you have a small gazebo that won’t accommodate the entire party, you may want to, at least, keep the food in it, on an outdoor buffet.  Then, make sure that whatever picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, or bistro tables that you will be using are equipped with patio umbrellas.  You can get them in beautiful fall colors, such as burgundy, bronze, plum, red, orange, gold, and russet.  Another option is to put a large market umbrella over the outdoor serving table and the outdoor bar.  Naturally, if you have any other kind of outdoor structure, such as a garage, pool house, cabana, sunroom, or shed, or even an enclosed porch, you should use it to house the food.

Otherwise, it might be wise to rent a tent or two; but if you don’t, just be certain that you have some kind of backup plan, in case things get nasty, and the party has to move indoors.  Wherever you intend to take refuge, you must provide adequate seating for everyone; so, if you don’t have enough outdoor furniture, get some extra folding chairs.  If there’s not adequate room to fit a picnic table inside, you can use a folding table, some outdoor accent tables, or even bring in just the picnic table benches.

The key is to make arrangements for dealing with unfavorable circumstances, and have everything set up in advance.  That way, you, your guests, and your party, can continue the revelry, unscathed.

On the other hand, there is always the chance that your foresight will irritate a certain, spiteful entity, who may feel cheated that she didn’t get to have her revenge; so, just be careful, as she may be waiting to launch another assault the minute you step back outside.

After all, it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cabana, garden structures, gazebo, market umbreall, oudoor accent tables, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor structure, patio furniture, patio umbrellas, pavilion, pergola, picnic tables, picnnic table benches, Pool house, shed, sunroom

Well, autumn is here, and the publications and retailers are all touting all the outdoor decorating you can do with wreaths, pumpkins, and winter squash.  After all, autumn is one of the most colorful seasons of the year, so it is only appropriate to accent your garden or porch with punches of orange, red, and evergreen.

However, there is another way to add some lively color to your patio.  Birdhouses and Birdfeeders make perfect outdoor décor for fall for more reasons than one.  First of all, the air is getting cooler and a lot of birds are losing their food sources.  Hanging a few birdfeeders is a fantastic way to help out your local bird life by providing supplemental food!  While many birds migrate south for the winter, many others stick around and forage for sustenance throughout the seasons.

Those same birds that brave the winter will also benefit from birdhouses.  Providing a safe and sheltered area for a bird to create a nest will not only help out your winged pals, it might also benefit you in the spring.  Many birds will lay eggs that will hatch into nestlings this spring.  While having baby-bird neighbors can sometimes be noisy, there is no match for the excitement of watching them grow and eventually learn to fly.  Especially if you have children in the house, this fascinating experience is truly wonderful!

But, besides your humanitarian efforts, birdhouses and birdfeeders will help dress up your garden shed, pergola, or patio.  They’re available in nearly any imaginable design.  Last Christmas I bought a lighthouse birdfeeder for my grandfather, as he has always loved to read and tour old lighthouses.  The birds don’t care what their house looks like, they’re more concerned that it’s sturdy and protected.  So, go ahead and indulge yourself with a fun and funky birdhouse or birdfeeder that will pick up your spirits as the days get shorter.

Even if you decide to go with a simple and neutral toned birdfeeder or birdhouse, you’ll still be adding plenty of color to your garden or outdoor living space.  The birds, males especially, will dazzle you with their brightly colored and eye-catching feathers.  Buy a book or find a website on bird identification, and enjoy the sights while learning to spot which birds are which by their colors and other features.

So, while adding pumpkins, mums, and tri-color corn will add significant pizzazz to your gazebo or porch, don’t be afraid to take the idea of living color to another level.  Flowers and vegetables or nice, but birds will fly, change, and continuously amuse you.

Have fun!

Hazel.

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, garden shed, gazebo, lighthouse birdfeeder, outdoor decor, pergola

There’s no doubt that the things that you can find in your own backyard and garden, on a nature walk, or during a visit to a farmers’ market, can be used to make some spectacular outdoor décor.  After all, that’s what they are, anyway; you’re just gathering, arranging, and exhibiting them in strategic places, in and around your home.

At the same time, like most people who are dressing up their homes for fall, you will probably use artificial embellishments as well; and that’s understandable.  In fact, it’s necessary in some situations, such as those in which an item that you wish to use won’t hold up in a long-term display.  Luckily, however, a good number of autumn’s natural elements are quite hardy.

Pumpkins, as we’ve established, can often last through the entire season; that is, as long as they’re left intact.  I mean, once they’re carved, even the most menacing-looking, sharp-toothed, jack-o-lanterns will, after about a week, begin to resemble old men who have misplaced their dentures.  Twigs, berries, corn stalks, hay bales, Indian corn, pinecones, gourds, and acorns, are also extremely durable; but, alas, the multi-colored leaves, which are autumn’s proudest emblems, are also the most fleeting.

Therefore, we must take pleasure in them while they last.  Aside from hiking in the woods, or driving through the country, we can, of course, enjoy them from our porch swings, hammocks, and patio chairs.  Unfortunately, with the sun going down earlier every day, by the time we’re finished with work, and other obligations, it’s nearly dark.

Here, again, store-bought decorations can come to the rescue.  For example, we can string miniature, twinkling bulbs through our vine-covered arbors, pergolas, and trellises.  This will afford a twofold advantage, as it will prolong the time that we have for viewing the foliage, while allowing us to see it, literally, in a completely different light.  Indeed, as lovely as those crimson, bronze, and golden leaves are during the day, they’re absolutely dazzling after dusk, when highlighted by a soft, orange-white glow.

Actually, once you adorn your garden structures with lights, you may even start looking forward to the early sunsets.  Not only does this enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it automatically creates a festive atmosphere.  This is especially exciting when you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party, where delighted guests can enter through an arbor that’s sparkling with lights.

To make things even more striking, you can illuminate the path with walkway lights, put post cap lights on fences, and wrap strings of lights around trees, shrubs, and planters.  You should also have lots of candles, along with outdoor lamps and lanterns, on picnic tables and outdoor accent tables, in the main party area.

Now, if you have a gazebo, it will be, at least, a stunning focal point; but, if it’s large enough, you may be using it as the center of the gathering.  Whatever the case, if it’s decked out with lights, and other fall decorations, the effect will be downright spell-binding.

So, if people start asking how you managed to conjure such a magical evening, you can just tell them that you have your own, personal Gazebo Wizard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden structures, gazebo, Hammocks, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, Pergolas, Planters, porch swings, post cap lights, trellises

When you’re decorating your home’s exterior for fall, don’t forget to cover outbuildings, such as garages, storage sheds, pool houses, and cabanas.  Naturally, this also goes for gazebos, arbors, trellises, pergolas, and garden bridges.  Just as they bring fresh dimensions of splendor to your yard and garden throughout the year, they can add new elements of excitement and festivity to every season.

Pumpkins, gourds, squash, mums, acorns, pinecones, berries, apples, leaves, twigs, corn stalks, straw, hay bales, and Indian corn, are among the most popular items that are used in fall decorations.  Moreover, in many cases, you can use the real things, instead of buying artificial versions.  In fact, the only unnatural embellishments that you may need to enhance their beauty will be some twinkle lights.  These can be quite striking when you string them around porch and gazebo railings, and entwine them in latticed garden structures.

You can also use lights on an autumn wreath, to make your front door look warm and welcoming; and if you have an enclosed gazebo, place a wreath on the gazebo door as well.  Dried cornstalks also look great around the railings of gazebos and porches, and on mailbox posts.  Just use twine or wire to hold 15-20 stalks together, then tie them with a ribbon in a fall color, such as burgundy, orange, or bronze.  Place some hay bales nearby, stacked on patio chairs, outdoor accent tables, or picnic table benches, and set some pumpkins and Indian corn on top of them.

Another wonderful way to dress up your porch, patio, deck, or gazebo, is by using planters.  Fill them with ornamental grasses in reds, oranges, bronzes, and plums, and place them next to doors, and along railings, steps, and walkways.  You can make them all in one color, or create dramatic combinations, and throw in some fall flowers, such as mums, and a few small pumpkins.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good idea to get a large assortment of pumpkins, in all sizes, and put them everywhere.  One of the best things about them is that you can use them whole, as part of your outdoor décor, for most of the season, and then, if you’re so inclined, transform them into some signature fall edibles, including the number-one favorite, pumpkin pie.  If you’re planning to do this, however, you’ll have to select some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking.

You won’t be able to use the larger, jack-o-lantern types for this purpose, as their pulp is too watery and stringy, although you can still bake and eat their seeds.  Indeed, if you want to turn them into pies, breads, soups, muffins, or cookies, you’ll have to get some of a smaller, sweeter variety, known as the sugar pumpkin.  Because this kind is not always featured in pumpkin patches, you may have to visit a farm, nursery, or roadside stand.  Furthermore, while you’re at it, don’t overlook all of the other gourds that are available now; like pumpkins, they’re as good for decorating as they are for digesting.

By the way, if you’re feeling funny about covering your home with vegetables, don’t worry about it.  Botanically speaking, you’re using a bunch of fruit; and there’s certainly nothing strange about that!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, enclosed gazebo, Garden Bridges, garden structures, gazebo, Gazebos, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic table benches, Planters, trellises

Sure, your outdoor furniture can provide you with premium seating for foliage viewing (or, to use a more common – and, I think, comical – phrase, “leaf peeping”).  That, alone, is worth delaying the shrouding of it in outdoor furniture covers, and the shoving of it into the storage shed; but that’s not the only valuable service that it can offer.  No-o!  Indeed, it can be as much a part of your outdoor décor now, as it is in the summer.

Now, if you live in a warm climate, or have an enclosed porch or gazebo, where you use your patio furniture year-round, you can dress it up with some outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows in autumn hues, such as gold, russet, red, yellow, brown, and burgundy.  Heck, this is a good idea no matter where you live, if you’re not going to be putting anything into storage for a couple more months.

As for the decorations, take your inspiration from nature.  For starters, of course, there are pumpkins, which are the quintessential symbols of the season.  They can be found in abundance everywhere, from farmers’ markets, to supermarkets; and there are hundreds of pumpkin patches where you can pick them fresh.  Instead of getting just one, choose a bunch of them, in assorted sizes, because they’re good for so many other things, besides making jack-o-lanterns.

Truly, pumpkins are great, for a number of reasons.  For one thing, they can be used in countless ways, inside and outdoors; and on top of that, they’re natural.  Furthermore, they can last all the way through to Thanksgiving (yes, fall decorations should still be in place on that day; let the Christmas lights wait until the turkey has been gobbled!).  Actually, there are several other non-artificial things that you can use for ornamental purposes as well.

Visit roadside markets and nurseries for cornstalks, bales of hay, straw, and the many other types of gourds that are available; or find a farm that offers them at very little cost.  You can even take a walk in the woods, and simply collect most of the items that you’ll need.  Using the real things, instead of imitations, will not only save you money, but will look much more elegant and refined.  If you don’t consider yourself to be particularly creative, go to a craft store, or look through some magazines, for ideas.

You can place pumpkins along your porch railings and steps, set them on your outdoor accent tables, or use them in centerpieces for picnic tables and outdoor dining tables.  Put hay bales and pumpkins on and around patio chairs, or stack them up against outdoor lamps, mailboxes, and mailbox posts.  If you want a scarecrow, make your own, and sit it in a porch chair.

There is no end to the possibilities for fall decorating; and the best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune, or have a lot of experience in designing.  In fact, if you stick to using only what nature provides, you’re sure to have an attractive and tasteful display.  After all, you certainly won’t find any giant, inflatable pumpkins growing wild.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chair, storage shed

With the advent of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and even electric outdoor heaters, the outdoor living season is lasting longer than ever.  Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be from warmer climates that never had an issue with outdoor living season ending… well lucky you! We’re just happy to be able to join you!

However, sitting outside at my picnic table last night, I realized that it was getting darker earlier than usual.  It’s no surprise, after all the days will continue getting shorter every day until the winter solstice is upon us! But, it is no longer July and if September and October get-togethers are to last as long as May and June’s, outdoor lighting is essential.

Overhead Lighting: Overhead outdoor lighting works best to illuminate a whole area under a pergola, in a gazebo, or on a porch.  With options for outdoor pendant lights, outdoor chandeliers, and outdoor ceiling fans… you have a lot of different options.  Installing outdoor overhead lighting does lend the entire outdoor living spaces to a bit of elegance, so it will probably look best with patio furniture that can keep up stylishly!

Floor Lighting: For those without a lot of room on their outdoor dining tables, all-weather floor lamps will provide ample light.  With the ability to relocate an outdoor floor lamp to be near whichever group of patio furniture you’re using at the time makes it incredibly versatile.  Plus, if you’re planning to use your patio tables for board games and playing cards, this will leave table tops clear for family fun!

Table Lighting: Perfect for open air outdoor living areas under pergolas and on uncovered decks, outdoor table lights are the most portable.  Plug in and place on the table top when working on a project or game, then simply carry back in with you if you’re worried about inclement weather.  While these usually operate best on outdoor accent tables or patio coffee tables, they will sit in the middle or in the corner of a picnic table well too.

If the moon light isn’t providing enough of a night light in the late evening, that’s no reason to give up on enjoying your outdoor living space!  Whether you need to light up a neighborhood party, a simple family get-together, or a late-night escape with your favorite book… it’s important to choose the right kind of outdoor lighting to suit your style of patio furniture.

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: all-weather floor lamps, firepits, gazebo, outdoor accent tables, outdoor ceiling fans, outdoor chandeliers, outdoor dining tables, outdoor floop lamp, outdoor pendant lights, outdoor table lights, overhead outdoor lighting, patio coffee tables, patio furniture patio tables, pergola, Pergolas, picnic table, picnic tables

Certainly, the more you investigate the assortment of outdoor furniture that is available, the more you realize just how many options you have for decorating your outdoor (or indoor/ outdoor) living spaces.  When you get right down to it, you probably have just about as many as you do when you’re selecting indoor furniture.

Yesterday, in comparing the two types of furniture, I mentioned the huge variety of patio chairs, outdoor sofas, loveseats, settees, porch swings and gliders, garden benches, and outdoor rocking chairs, which can be used to create spectacular outdoor living rooms.  Of course, there are also millions of outdoor kitchens and bedrooms to be furnished as well; and, luckily, porch furniture, once again, stacks up favorably against its indoor counterparts.

Naturally, there are several pieces that can cross over from room to room, just as daybeds, pull-out sofas, and chaise lounges do in our homes.  In fact, the outdoor chaise lounge is a good example, as it can be used for sitting, reclining, or sleeping.  Undoubtedly, lounge chairs are as important to outdoor furniture collections as they are to living room suites; and they are just as comfortable, as they have adjustable backs, wide armrests, and seats that are raised in the middle, to keep knees elevated.

When it’s time to lie down and take a snooze, truly, hammocks rival the comfort of even the softest beds.  Among the most popular pieces of outdoor furniture, they come in all colors, and can be made of canvas, rope, or mesh; and many of them have attached pillows.  They can be used anywhere, because, if you don’t have a place to hang one, you can always get a hammock stand; and the same goes for hammock chairs.  Swingbeds are also great for sitting, swinging, or napping.

As in indoor rooms, end tables are integral to the décor of all outdoor rooms; and they’re available in choices that are nearly, well, endless.  You’ll find an array of accent tables, such as outdoor coffee tables, terrace tables, and conversation tables, in cedar, pine, oak, cherry, teak, and polywood, in all colors and styles.

As for the eating arrangements, there’s no denying that, in most homes, picnic tables have always ranked right up there with kitchen tables.  Furthermore, because they have undergone such impressive changes over the past several years, they feature more styles, sizes, colors, and shapes than ever.  Along with the traditional rectangular picnic tables with attached benches, you’ll find hexagonal, octagonal, trestle, and extra-wide picnic tables with backed benches.  If you want something a bit more contemporary, you can get an outdoor dining table or a bistro set.

Indeed, whether in an open area, or an enclosed porch, patio, or gazebo, you can create any motif imaginable, as today’s patio furniture comes in such a wide range of materials, styles, and colors.  Moreover, the countless colors, color combinations, and patterns available for outdoor furniture cushions, patio umbrellas, and outdoor throw pillows, give you even more artistic opportunities for your outdoor décor.

It’s no wonder that we’re so crazy about outdoor living!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

<!–fdd97ef2647a4060ae4fdbb87c2992cc–>

Tags: accent tables, bistro set, chaise lounges, garden benches, gazebo, gliders, hammock chairs, hammock stand, Hammocks, outdoor chaise lounge, outdoor coffee tables, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture collections, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor rocking chairs, outdoor sofas, patio chairs, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch swings, swing beds

Sometimes, I think August can have an eerie similarity to February.  You start the summer eager and excited for summer entertaining and outdoor dining.  But, by August the heat has exhausted you.  You yearn for cooler Autumn afternoons full of pumpkins and mums.  But, just as you tire of the snow and cold in February, don’t you regret missing that last chance to build a snowman with your kids?  As far as I’m concerned, wishing away a season is a travesty.

But even if the August heat makes you feel sluggish, a few simple tips can allow you to enjoy your picnic tables and outdoor furniture with the same eagerness that you did in May!

My favorite tip for keeping outdoor entertaining easy and fun is to ensure your outdoor buffet or outdoor storage is stocked.  Clean and dry your outdoor dishes and keep them all stacked and ready.  Remember, when it comes to outdoor dining, there’s a balance between paper plates and your grandmother’s fine china.  If you’re used to scrambling for dishes when eating outdoors, choose dishes to designate for the outdoor dining area.  Perhaps a set of dishes you picked up inexpensively at a thrift shop, or even indoor dishes that you don’t see fit for your formal dining room.  However you choose your outdoor dishes, creating a selected collection and keeping them outdoors will keep materials handy when friends stop by. Don’t forget cutlery, placemats, and napkins as well!

Another trick I picked up this summer is to keep a spray bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in your deck box or outdoor buffet.  Unless you have an enclosed outdoor living space, like a gazebo or cabana, your picnic table or outdoor dining set is likely to get dirty sitting outside.  So, have a cleaner handy to quickly and easily wipe down your eating surface.  If you’re feeling a bit more formal, keep an outdoor table cloth on hand to throw over the table as well.

To keep everything clean, make sure you keep eating and serving supplies separate from gardening tools.  Though, there are two things I do keep in the potting bench that are essential to my outdoor entertainment enjoyment… bug spray and sun screen!

Don’t let the heat beat you down, and don’t lose a moment of outdoor living!  Keeping outdoor storage stocked will allow you to enjoy an impromptu garden or porch party without stress.  The most important part of outdoor living is making sure you enjoy yourself, and sometimes a few simple steps can make a huge difference!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cabana, deck box, gazebo, outdoor buffet, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor storage, picnic tables

Ask a hundred people, and you’ll get a hundred different ideas about what elements constitute the ultimate patio.  Some want theirs to be grand entertainment areas, while others prefer theirs to be cozier spots where they can hang out with their families, and, once in awhile, a few friends.

In many cases, people dream about turning theirs into snug little hideaways that will give them some much-needed solitude; and, naturally, even similar visions will have endless variations.  Then, there are those who have no idea what to do with their patios, beyond putting a few outdoor chairs on them.

Yes, it’s a shame, and it happens for a number of reasons, that many perfectly good patios are unused, or, at least, underused.  In certain instances, it’s because people figure that they just don’t have a flair for decorating; so, they simply set up a couple of porch chairs or folding chairs, for the occasions when they want to sit outside.  Sometimes, people feel that their patios are too small to have any real potential; or, their outdoor areas become unbearably hot in the afternoon sun.  Some folks have even been known to avoid using their patios because they don’t afford enough privacy.

No matter what circumstances lead to the neglect of patios, the results are the same – a bunch of wasted space.  It doesn’t have to be that way, however, because, for one thing, you don’t have to be an expert designer to put together some spectacular outdoor décor.  Furthermore, there are several easy ways to fix, or compensate for, most of the obstacles that stand between you, and your ideal patio.

When you’re decorating a patio (or a porch, yard, gazebo, deck, or sunroom, for that matter), start by thinking of it as one of the rooms in your home.  Just as they each have their designated uses, your outdoor room will serve a specific purpose; or, if it’s large enough, perhaps, more than one.  Either way, it’s up to you.

Whether your goal is to divide your patio into sections, or to gain more privacy or shade, you have several options from which to choose.  For example, trellises, multi-paneled garden screens, and planter benches with lattice, all make wonderful partitions that will allow air to continue to circulate.  (Outdoor ceiling fans will keep cool breezes blowing in roofed garden structures.)

If nothing else, people often like to separate their cooking and dining areas.  This minimizes traffic around their grills (which is especially important when kids are running all over the place), and keeps smoke from wafting directly toward picnic tables and patio furniture, where their friends and family members are socializing.

Of course, as is the case with the rooms in your home, you’ll have to decide on a color scheme – and, perhaps, a theme – for your patio.  Luckily, that’s easier than ever, as, these days, the variety of outdoor furniture and accessories is as wide as it is for the indoors.

Okay, so, maybe that doesn’t exactly make it easier.  In fact, it may actually make things more difficult, or even drive you crazy; but, in the 21^st century, that’s the price we all have to pay for having so many choices.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: garden structures, gazebo, grills, outdoor ceiling fans, outdoor chairs, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, planter benches with lattice, porch chairs, sunroom, trellises