Summer seems to go by faster than almost any other season: the warm nights are getting chillier, there is no longer sunlight for hours after work and those BBQs on the patio are just not as much fun. This is when you know autumn is coming and it’s time to prepare for the cooler weather. The cool weather doesn’t mean you can’t use your outdoor space anymore, you just have to use it a little differently and make sure you have what you need to enjoy the space as long as possible. Here’s what you should do to make sure your patio is ready for fall.
Blankets and Throws
Before the really cold weather gets here, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fall air on your patio. Grab a hot drink – like a tea or apple cider – and curl up under a blanket on your patio. There is almost nothing better than a chilly fall morning, watching the trees turn colours and enjoying crisp fall air.
Add Space Heaters
If you really enjoy hosting dinners or parties with your friends, then this is a tip for you! You can add small space heaters – either electrical or powered by propane – to your outdoor space to ensure you can use it in seasons other than the summer. These heaters give off just enough heat to be able to use the space but not too much that it’s uncomfortable for you and your guests. Depending on the size of your patio you can add more space heaters to accommodate your needs.
Make it Seasonal
If you have a lot of gardens in your backyard then it might be the perfect backdrop for summer entertaining, but what kind of decorating do you do for fall? Finding pumpkins and squash to place around the patio will make it feel more like it fits into a space for the fall. Further, you can add centerpieces filled with reds, oranges and yellows to fit with the season.
Add a Gazebo or Pergola
This addition is a little bigger than something you can do in a day, but if you add some kind of cover that will box in your space it will make it easier to keep heat in (with those space heaters). Having an area where warmth will stay will make it more comfortable so you’ll be able to use the space for multiple seasons.
Fall Accessories
Small updates, like changing up your napkins and plates, along with seasonal centerpieces will make your patio look like it belongs in a magazine. Napkins and placemats are going to be the cheapest, and easiest items to pick out but plates and cups are also a great way to make your space feel more like fall.
Even if summer is your favourite season, that doesn’t mean you can’t use your outdoor space in seasons other than that. Your patio is perfect for entertaining and spending time with friends and family so why not make the most out of what you already have and extend its use with some easy changes and temporary additions.
