Around here, it has been unseasonably warm since late last week; and, this past weekend, it was downright hot, and relentlessly sunny.  In fact, the weather was so deceptively summerlike that people were dressing in shorts, tank tops, and sandals, and relaxing on their porch swings and gliders, drinking ice-cold beverages.

There were also many outdoor parties going on, as yards were filled with folks sitting on outdoor furniture, gathering around picnic tables, cooking on grills, and playing lawn games.  Moreover, with the temperature only a few degrees cooler today, it continues to feel like July.

Undoubtedly, it can be easy to forget how far autumn has progressed; and even the leaves are unreliable gauges, because the trees enjoy playing the game of stealth changing.  It’s kind of a combination of make-believe, and strip poker, wherein the goal is to keep up the pretense of summer for as long as possible.  The trees score points for every day that they can trick us into thinking that it’s still summer, rather than well into fall; and the last tree to lose all of its leaves is the winner.

Naturally, their success depends upon various outside factors, including having the weather as an ally, and getting full cooperation from all trees, plants, and shrubs.  Because there are so many types of them, a number of which are certain to be dissidents, it can be a challenging, unpredictable game.

Yet, it seems that the trees manage to fool us, to some extent, every year; but often, it’s because we don’t want to acknowledge what’s really happening.  I mean, even those who love this season, and prefer cooler weather, don’t like to see time passing so quickly.  Therefore, we tend to go into a short period of denial; and that always tilts the odds in their favor, even if some of the young, inexperienced trees start dropping their leaves too early in the game.

Truly, when we look up at the trees, from our hammocks and chaise lounges, if the big picture hasn’t changed much, we can ignore a brief, mysterious shower of leaves, now and then.  When eating at our outdoor dining sets, we can pretend that we’re using our patio umbrellas for protection from the sun, and not to keep leaves from falling into our food.  As long as the trees are standing around, acting all casual, as if everything is fine, we’re willing to play along with them.

Of course, this game has many exciting twists, and some spectacular turns, especially when, one day, we wake to find the trees sporting cloaks of magnificent colors.  Then, though we can no longer deny the calendar, we don’t care, because having such breath-taking scenery makes us feel triumphant.

That is, until the inevitable time when the north wind finally prevails, dropping temperatures sharply, launching blustery barrages of freezing rain, and stripping the defenseless trees of their remaining leaves.

Although that may seem a humiliating ending to the game, we can be sure that the trees will not stand bare for long.  No-o!  Indeed, they will soon be covered in blankets of snow.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

For many gatherings in which food is featured, the table on which it is served is central to the ambiance; so, basically, setting the table is setting the tone for the evening.  At your autumn outdoor dinner party, however, it will be a slightly different situation; but that doesn’t mean that the appearance of your picnic table or outdoor dining table won’t matter.  No-o!  In fact, because your outdoor décor will sweep your guests into a celebratory spirit the moment they arrive, it will be even more important to add some knockout special touches.

Indeed, in this case, you’ll have to see that your dining area is as brilliant as the rest of the landscape, lest mealtime be anticlimactic to the cocktail hour.  Luckily, this will not only be easy to do, but it should be a lot of fun, too, because all you have to do is to play around with the season’s colors, textures, fruits, flowers, and vegetables.  Furthermore, because you can use them to create the simplest, or the most elaborate, decorations, they’ll be appropriate for anything, from a burgers-on-the-grill cookout, to a formal, seven-course-meal affair.

Whatever type of get-together you’re hosting, the basis of your table décor will, naturally, be the tablecloth.  Therefore, right from the start, you’ll have tons of options, from the homemade, to the store-bought; and this goes for all of your other embellishments as well.  Moreover, no matter which you choose, the first rule to remember is that there are no rules.  Certainly, there are all sorts of fabrics and paper that can serve as tablecloths.  So, look around and see what you have, that can be fashioned into a unique covering; and don’t worry if you’ve never seen it used for that purpose before.  Heck, that will make it all the better.

Obviously, if you’re going to buy a fall tablecloth, you’ll have thousands to choose from, as they’re available in endless colors, color combinations, and patterns, with some of the most popular designs featuring leaves, pumpkins, and gourds.  Although many of these are stunning, and nearly irresistible, before you select one, forget how gorgeous it is on its own.  Instead, try to imagine how well it will go with everything else on, and around, your table.

Besides the tableware and napkins, envision it with the outdoor furniture cushions on your outdoor dining table chairs, and any patio chairs, porch gliders, or chaise lounges that are nearby; and don’t forget to put outdoor throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and patio umbrellas into the picture.  If it’s going to make things look too busy, distract from the coordinated colors of your outdoor furniture group, or get lost among them, you may be better off going with a solid color, and dressing it up with accents and accessories.

Actually, if you decide to do this, there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to use something that you already have in your home.  Even a plain, white tablecloth will work; you can top it with a burgundy, russet, orange, red, or yellow runner, or add a bit of shimmer, by using a shiny fabric, in gold or bronze.  In any case, whatever you use will be covered by the palette of colors in your table décor.

Of course, that will be before dinner; afterward, it will also be covered by the colors of whatever you’re serving.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

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

While umbrellas are commonly associated with rain, they are also used to shield us from the sun.  In fact, the latter is the larger, nobler purpose, as it is more important, health-wise.  After all, getting wet in a cloudburst is not going to hurt anyone (except, perhaps, the Wicked Witch of the West, but I believe she’s dead, anyway).  On the other hand, as we all know, if we’re exposed to them for long periods, the sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to our skin and eyes.

Actually, that more dignified use is the one that served the members of nobility so well, centuries ago.  Back then, the original umbrellas were carried over the royals, not only to keep them shaded and cool, but to protect their skin as well.  The same was true of the early patio umbrellas that were used in ancient Rome and Greece.

Even now, staying out of direct sunlight seems to be the bigger concern for many of us.  For example, when looking for a seat on a restaurant’s patio during the day, most people will avoid any outdoor dining table that doesn’t have a patio umbrella.  When we take our beach umbrellas with us to the shore, it’s generally not because we’re afraid of rain, but because we want shelter from the sun.  That’s also why street vendors have market umbrellas over their carts.

Undoubtedly, there are even more, very gallant, acts that these outdoor umbrellas perform, besides simply safeguarding us from rays and rain.  Remember, there are other things that can fall out of the sky, which would be quite unpleasant to have land on our skin, clothes, picnic tables, food, or drinks.  Naturally, I’m talking about the leaves and sap that often drop from the trees.  I certainly can’t think of anything else.

Now, I am absolutely not downplaying the importance of the patio umbrella in keeping things dry.  That definitely is a great thing, as outdoor party plans don’t have to be canceled just because there’s a chance of rain.  I mean, it’s quite comforting to know that you won’t have to endure the disaster of having your hair get all wet!

Of course, like outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas have undergone significant improvements over the years.  For one thing, you can get one that features a tilting mechanism, which lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella’s canopy in accordance with the sun’s position, so that you will always have full coverage.

Another wonderful thing about today’s outdoor umbrellas is that they are available in every color imaginable, as well as scores of patterns, and endless color combinations.  Therefore, you can match them with your outdoor décor, as well as the outdoor furniture cushions on your patio chairs and chaise lounges.

Among the greatest attributes of an outdoor umbrella, however, is its aptitude for providing privacy, whether your picnic table is set up in your backyard, or on your patio.  Even if you have fences, walls, trellises, arbors, or garden screens, a nosy nearby neighbor may be able to look down on your outdoor living space.

On the other hand, if you have a patio umbrella, you’ll block the view from above; and, no matter how valuable it is in any other area, its ability to foil a prying neighbor’s curiosity is priceless!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Colorful patio umbrellas are such familiar sights, that we rarely give them a thought.  Yet, just like Adirondack chairs and porch swings, they’re integral to outdoor décor, whether on our own outdoor dining tables, or the commercial picnic tables on restaurant patios.  Certainly, they’re everywhere.

The same is true of the beach umbrellas that we see when we visit the shore, or the market umbrellas that are fixtures on outdoor kiosks and street vendors’ carts.  Of course, we all have just plain rain umbrellas in our homes; and many people keep extras in their cars and at their workplaces as well.

Therefore, it’s hard to believe that such a common item was once forbidden to commoners; but it was.  Actually, there was a time when the umbrella was considered to be one of the most important symbols of royalty, and was prohibited for use by anyone but the members of nobility.

Although no one knows for sure where or when the very first one was made, historians agree that umbrellas have been around for thousands of years.  There is evidence of their use in the courts of China and Egypt, between 1100 and 1200 b.c.; and it is known that the ancient Greeks and Romans used an early form of the patio umbrella for shade.  In fact, it was a Roman woman who was the first to oil the cloth canopies of umbrellas to make them more resistant to the weather, and increase their protection from the sun (although I’m sure they weren’t touted as being “UV-resistant” at the time).

The word, umbrella, is based on the Latin, umbra, meaning shade.  Its diminutive form, umbella, was modified, to ombrella, in Italy, where it is first known to have been used, in 1611.  The word, parasol, from the Old Italian, parare, which means, to shield or ward off, and sole, meaning sun, was originally used in 1660.

Umbrellas, or parasols, were status symbols, and, the more tiers that they had, the more important the people who used them.  For example, the Emperor of China is believed to have had a four-tiered parasol, while the King of Siam had one with nine tiers, each of which featured ornate tassels.  At one point, he was described as the “Lord of the twenty-four parasols.”

The Greeks are responsible for the popular use of the umbrella by women.  Following the custom of holding umbrellas over statues of Dionysus at festivals, women began holding them over statues of Athena, and other goddesses, at feasts that were held in their honor.  It is thought that this is where the parasol, as a fashion accessory, got its start.

During the Middle Ages, an umbrella became a part of the Pope’s ceremonial regalia.  It is speculated that the widespread use of umbrellas across Europe began in Italy, in the 12^th century, when Pope Alexander III granted the Doge of Venice the right to have a parasol carried over him.

Naturally, the umbrella would become a must in England, where the weather is famously damp.  As a matter of fact, that’s where the market umbrella was first used, in 1685, to shelter customers of coffee houses.  Then, in 1830, the first umbrella shop opened in London; and it is still in business today.

So, the next time you’re sitting around your picnic table, enjoying a day at the beach, or simply walking in the rain, be thankful that the nobles ever allowed us regular folks the privilege of using outdoor umbrellas.  Indeed, they must have been quite open-minded.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day will be here in just a few weeks.  In some parts of the country, that means the end of the season for patio chairs, picnic tables, and grills.  Of course, those who live in warmer climates, or have enclosed porches, patios, sunrooms, or gazebos, can use their outdoor furniture all year long.  However, millions of porch swings, chaise lounges, outdoor dining tables, and patio umbrellas will be cloaked with outdoor furniture covers, and/or headed for sheds and garages.

No matter where your porch furniture will be spending the cold months, now is the time to clean and, if necessary, repair it.  After all, at this point in the summer, it has probably seen a lot of action, and is likely to have been spilled upon, or somehow marred, along the way.

So, if you’re going to continue to use it, you’ll want to spiff it up for the fall; and if you’re not going to be seeing it until next spring, you’ll be glad you cleaned it before you put it into storage.  Furthermore, depending upon the material that it’s made from, and the type of injury that it has sustained, there’s a chance that the damage could worsen over the winter.

For example, certain kinds of metal, such as cast iron, or wrought iron, may develop rust patches.  Naturally, these will get larger anyway; but if left untreated for several months, they can really get out of hand.  Therefore, you should do regular inspections for rust, and get rid of it immediately.  Whenever you spot a spot, sand it down, cover it with primer, then apply a rust-resistant paint that is made for outdoor use.

Fortunately, today’s aluminum outdoor furniture is a lot more durable than some of the flimsy specimens of old.  In fact, many of the newer aluminum outdoor chairs and picnic tables can be exposed to the elements, year-round, without ever rusting, bending, chipping, or breaking.  You may be able to clean these with only a wet sponge.

However, for outdoor aluminum furniture in general, or other aluminum items, such as patio umbrella stands, or lounge chair legs, use dishwashing liquid and water.  Never use a product with an alkaline base, such as window cleaner, or anything else that contains ammonia.  Clean the piece with a cotton cloth, rinse thoroughly with a hose, and dry.  Then, with a soft cloth, rub on some non-abrasive car wax, and buff when dry.

To clean plastic outdoor furniture, apply the same dishwashing liquid solution with a sponge, and let it soak in for a few minutes.  Use a toothbrush to get dirt out of crevices.  You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, spread a layer of it on with a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.  To keep spilled liquids from penetrating and setting in as stains in the future, follow up the cleaning with a coat of car wax.

Now, if you don’t have, or don’t want to use, dishwashing detergent or baking soda, there is another alternative.  Although it is not widely recognized as such, shaving cream is a gentle, non-toxic solvent and cleaner.  Just spray it on, let it soak in, rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and rinse it off completely.

Hmm.  Shaving cream, wash cloth, toothbrush; well, if nothing else, your patio furniture will certainly be well-groomed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Okay, so you’ve determined what purpose your patio will serve.  The next step is to settle on a color scheme; and, if you wish to add a theme as well, figure out what it will be.  For the former, you may have fewer decisions to make, as you’ll simply (yeah, simply) have to choose some hues.  In the latter instance, however, you will further be committed to finding supporting accessories; and that can be quite time-consuming.

On the other hand, it can be a lot of fun; and, besides, you’ll be searching for the definitive items for your outdoor décor, no matter what.  It’s just that your selection will be somewhat broader if you’re not limited to things that must tie in with a specific subject.  Of course, if you declare your theme to be eclectic, you can throw in anything you like, and no one will question it.

One potential advantage of featuring a particular topic is that it is sure to be one of your passions.  Therefore, you may have already collected many related pieces; and many of them may be sitting in closets, collecting dust.  If so, this is the perfect opportunity to display them.  For example, if you spend all of your vacations at the beach, it’s likely that you’ve picked up lots of shells, beach bags, and other maritime-associated souvenirs, in your travels.

Well, now they can be part of your patio décor; and they’ll fit in splendidly with a beach, or a tropical, theme.  Furthermore, you can use them as creatively as you like, as you’re not bound by any rules.  For instance, there’s no law that says that arbors, trellises, and pergolas can be covered only with flowers.  No-o!  You can drape them with fish netting that’s filled with shells and sea glass, or hang starfish, and multi-colored (fake) fish from them.

Place potted flowers into upside-down beach hats, old beach bags, and pails, and use them as planters.  Then, for a nice, finishing touch, push some little, plastic shovels into the soil, just far enough so that they’ll stand at a slight angle.

If you’ve managed to acquire any bar or restaurant memorabilia, such as menus, glasses, signs (chairs, tables, kitchen sinks), or anything else, by whatever means (I know nothink! I see nothink!), incorporate them as well.  Not only will they look great on your outdoor dining table or patio bar set, but they’ll be sure to spark some interesting conversations and stories (like the ones about how you got them!).  Top off your outdoor tables with cheery patio umbrellas, and use beach umbrellas or market umbrellas in other spots, to provide more shade – and atmosphere.

When it comes to finding outdoor furniture, you’ll have another wealth of choices.  Wicker patio furniture with outdoor furniture cushions in bold patterns or stripes, and some wicker accent tables, will really complement the beach theme.  To make things even more festive, you can add some polywood Adirondack chairs and ottomans, in various colors.

Naturally, lighting is important, too; and there are dozens of fun styles and types available.  You can string your garden structures with twinkle lights, put torches around your patio and yard, set citronella candles on picnic tables, and use outdoor table lamps, lanterns, pendant lights, tree lights, solar lights, and decorative post caps.

So, how can you find all of these wonderful outdoor décor items?  Just do a little surfing on the ‘net, of course!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Every year, millions of people get married outdoors.  Some take their vows in their own backyards, as they stand in beautifully-decorated gazebos, or beneath arbors or pergolas, while others choose public places, such as parks or beaches.  No matter where the ceremonies are held, however, those who are planning outdoor weddings must be prepared for every eventuality.

For example, I once attended an outdoor wedding in Minnesota, during the second week of October.  Naturally, when I first heard of it, I was worried that the event could be ruined by cold temperatures, rain, or, considering the location, even an early snow.  Instead, there was a freak heat wave, and it was 94º on the big day!

Now, even in August, that would have been a bit uncomfortable; but it wouldn’t have been the nightmare that it was for the out-of-towners who had packed for chilly weather.  So, if your ceremony is going to be outside, stay abreast of weather conditions, and e-mail your local forecast to long-distance guests a few days in advance.

Remember, their comfort is key to the success of your event; and, aside from the weather, seating is one of the most crucial considerations.  For the actual ceremony, of course, you’ll probably have to rent some wood outdoor folding chairs.  If you want to dress them up, you can use ribbons, or, for a more formal look, go to any event planner and get some of those white outdoor furniture covers that are designed to slip right over the chairs.

Afterward, during the period when people will be mingling, make sure that they will find patio chairs, garden benches, outdoor sofas, settees, porch swings, and porch gliders, in all areas where they are welcome to wander.  Don’t leave anyone without a place to sit.

Wind is another thing that can blow your plans; and it can kick into high gear on any day of the year.  Therefore, it’s best to avoid light fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, for bridal, and bridal party, gowns.  Likewise, long trains and veils may prove to be injudicious selections if it really gets gusty.  You should also plan for wind when you’re getting your hair done for the occasion.

Of course, even more substantial materials will be tossed around in very high winds; so, for good measure, you may want to use fishing weights, which can be spray-painted to match any color, to hold down veils, dresses, and tablecloths.  You can also use the weights on ribbons, and attach them to place cards, to keep them where they belong; or put the cards into decorative photo frames, which will be your favors.  Moreover, be sure that the patio umbrellas on your outdoor dining tables and picnic tables are held down firmly with heavy umbrella stands.

Indeed, there’s an endless list of details to tend to, in order to be certain that your outdoor wedding will go off without a hitch.  Uh, I’d better make that, in order to be certain that everything will go smoothly.  After all, if there’s not a hitch, it won’t actually be a wedding!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

When you’re having an outdoor wedding in your backyard, there are, of course, many things to worry about, besides the insects that are waiting to crash the affair.  During every step of the planning stage, the comfort of your guests must be your paramount concern.  Then, after each detail is painstakingly worked out, and you think that you’ve got everything covered, go back to the beginning, and make arrangements for the unexpected.

As I’ve said before, even if you’re having a simple cookout, it’s essential that you supply everything that anyone could possibly need, before you sit down at the picnic table.  Well, that’s nothing, compared to the magnitude of preparedness that is required for an outdoor wedding.

Naturally, it’s absolutely necessary to have some sort of shelter.  If you own a gazebo, you already have the ideal setting for the ceremony.  Undoubtedly, it’s picturesque on its own; so it will be utterly spectacular when it’s decorated for the wedding.  However, unless you have a very large gazebo, or a backyard pavilion, you’ll have to rent a tent for the reception; and make sure that it is sturdy enough to endure heavy winds, and that it has thick, weighted sides.

You can also have an indoor room set up for guests, in case the weather really gets nasty.  Decorate an enclosed patio or porch, including your patio chairs, gliders, chaise lounges, accent tables, and planters, with ribbons and/or streamers in the wedding theme colors.

Of course, providing cover is crucial, even if the weather is magnificent, as too much sun can become unbearable (and there’s enough fainting at weddings as it is!).  To begin with, make sure that it won’t be glaring in people’s eyes during the ceremony.  If you’re going to be standing under an arbor or a pergola, position the seats on the side of it that will have the sun at their backs.  It’s also a good idea to use wood outdoor folding chairs, as metal can get very hot.

As for the reception, have patio umbrellas for all of your outdoor dining tables.  Large, free-standing cantilever umbrellas, or commercial market umbrellas, with heavy umbrella stands, are also great for use over food and beverage tables, outdoor bars, and garden benches.

Another way to protect guests from the sun and heat is to have sunscreen available for people who forget to bring their own.  In extremely hot weather, consider renting some large, electric fans for the tents; and if your gazebo is equipped with outdoor ceiling fans, don’t forget to turn them on.  To keep everyone cool from the start, you may even want to print your programs on decorative fans, and have your ushers pass out cold bottles of water to the guests as they arrive.

After all, it’s better to have your ushers pass out water, than to have your guests pass out!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

I truly believe that any garden is enhanced by an outdoor living space.  A simple seating group or even a dining area will allow you to enjoy your garden as much as you work in it.  After all, having a place to spend more time in the fruits of your labor will only lend to your overall enjoyment.  Sure, the sweet smell and exciting sights of your blooms and plants while walking along your garden path are certainly enchanting.  But, imagine sitting in it while reading a book, while sharing coffee with friends, while simply thinking about how much you love your garden!

Though, as many people embark to create an outdoor living area, they feel overwhelmed.  Flipping through gardening and home magazines, it would seem everyone would need to be an interior designer with years of experience and unlimited funds in order to craft comfortable seating or dining areas.  Is it possible to achieve relaxed balance?

In reality, it’s much simpler than you might think.  There a few simple planning tricks to keep your spaces even-looking, without seeming sterile.  I’m here to convince you that anyone can!

Start With The Basics: Before considering which historic architect your living space is aiming to exude, try dialing back and thinking about the bare essentials.  What do you want to get out of this space?  A relaxed retreat for just you and perhaps one other person?  An open-air dining area to share meals with big groups all summer long?  Or, are you looking for a more intimate setting to linger over tea and conversation?  Pinpointing these kinds of expectations will allow you to add the details in a much smoother way.  Remember to keep your purpose in mind throughout the entire process.  While picking each piece, ask yourself if it lends to your original intent.  That way, your entire outdoor area will keep a consistent feeling.

Rustic or Refined: Once you’ve decided whether you’re creating a big family living room or a quiet and secluded oasis, you can consider how lavish of a direction you’d like to take.  Many people thrive on the rustic, untreated wood settings.  If using cedar outdoor furniture, you can enjoy the sweet aroma of western red cedar while viewing the beauties of nature.  The natural luster of the wood can reflect the perfect simplicity of a day spent in the garden.  Of course, there’s also something to be said for luxurious outdoor spaces equipped with big patio umbrellas, outdoor furniture cushions, pillows and throws; as well as outdoor ceiling fans and even electric outdoor lighting.  Again, a lot of these decisions will relate back to the first one.  There’s no wow-factor quite like a plush outdoor room, but that also means that you’re likely to spend a bit more money and up the continued work required to maintain it.  If you want to add some amenities, but aren’t looking for over-the-top luxury, just add one or two things that you would find most helpful.  Hate the still air? An outdoor ceiling fan will keep the breeze going.  Worried about the sun? A patio umbrella in a bright color surrounded by more rustic furnishings will create a wonderful space.  Also try simple, unadorned outdoor furniture cushions to keep your back side comfortable without adding needless luxury (unless, of course, you want it!)

Vary the Pieces: While this probably applies more to outdoor living areas than open-air dining spaces, it’s important not to get too stuck on just one type of furniture.  Create a dynamic area by grouping porch gliders with Adirondack Chairs, garden benches with outdoor rocking chairs and unexpected accent tables.  Having a lot of different pieces will not only create interest and start conversation; it will also make it more comfortable for more people.  Some people love to relax in a chaise lounge, while for others a porch swing is the height of relaxation.  Cater to yourself, cater to your guests, and add as much variety in seating options as you can! Often, you can get all different kinds of outdoor furniture with a common thread—like a heart shape cut into the back or a similar line in the legs.

Add Color: Besides adding variety, the best way to make your living or dining area reflect you and look fantastic is to add color.  The ways to do this are nearly endless.  Some people choose to use their fabrics to create comfortable pairings of natural wood and coordinating colors. I would suggest having two or three colors in mind, before you embark on the fabrics.  Also remember not to overdo the patterns.  Stripes on your outdoor furniture cushions, plaid pillows, a flowered throw blanket, and a block-print patio umbrella is likely to be a bit overwhelming.  A no-fail strategy is to pick one area to highlight a pattern, and keep everything else solid colors.  Another great way to add color is to use paint.  This will allow you to make a wonderfully bright and unexpected space, or you can simply use a well placed lime green accent table, to draw the eyes around the entire space.  Imagine a porch with white wicker outdoor furniture, with muted blue outdoor furniture cushions paired with a matching blue porch swing off to the side.  The coordination of color will allow the entire porch to hold together as one living space.  Deciding on your colors and pattern placements before going into the project will ease some of those overwhelming choices, though.  So think about which garden hues make you most excited about being out in nature.

Make it Functional: Even the most lavish outdoor living area can still be extremely functional.  As I’m sure you’ve considered, designing a room completely exposed to the elements can create some decorating pitfalls.  Two big tips I would give come right down to the tables.  First, consider your tables!  Whether you use several accent and side tables, or one big coffee table, think about how you’re going to use it.  Personally, I love the outdoor tables that have a little bottom shelf.  It gives me a place to stash magazines or even dirty dishes until I’m ready to come inside.  Having a place to keep your “stuff” while keeping table tops clear makes me feel a bit more at ease.  But, if you’re someone who likes everything right out where you can see it, you should look for nice big table tops with room for all your outdoor helpers.  You might also want to consider storage or deck boxes.  A lot of really nice looking storage and deck boxes are available that can be used as a coffee or side table, or even just set out of the way to remain available for emergency extra seating.  These can hold your pillows, throws, even your furniture cushions.  Of course, it can also hold board games, outdoor dishes, or anything else you’d like to keep outside, but worry about its reaction to harsh elements.   Also, if you’re aiming for a dining area, remember that many outdoor dining sets are foldable.  This will let you simply fold them up and stash them behind your back porch when they’re not in use.

Well! I hope that helped.  Please don’t let another season go by without creating an outdoor living area within or near your garden, simply because the task of decorating another space seems overwhelming.  It’s true, outdoor room design is a bit more complicated than indoor rooms because the options and space constraints are so, well, unrestrictive.  But, relax! Have fun, try different things, and develop a space you can’t wait to use and enjoy by keeping unity while adding variety.