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As summer slowly transitions to fall, it’s time to make the most of your outdoor spaces. If you’ve been dreaming of creating a patio paradise at your house but haven’t gotten around to it yet, here’s a quick-start guide to help you turn that dream into a relaxing reality. Get ready for the ultimate patio party!
First, you’re going to need some lighting. That floodlight on the back of the house isn’t going to cut it. Solar lanterns and stakes along pathways is a great place to start. We also love string light for their festive vibe—look for the larger Edison bulbs rather than the tiny Christmas lights. If you’re DIY-minded, you can create battery or solar lanterns using a string of rice lights and a Mason jar! The goal is soft, romantic—even magical—lighting that makes your guests want to linger.
Many patios begin as simple concrete or brick slabs, often with wood or wrought iron railings. Those materials provide a neutral backdrop for pretty much any color palette. Blue and white are traditional beachy colors, while pink and mint green will add a feminine touch. Ideally, pick 2 main colors and another accent color, then base your décor on that palette so the space doesn’t seem haphazard. Bring in texture as well as color with rugs and pillows, wicker or pallet wood, pea gravel or glazed tiles.
A busted old picnic table isn’t gonna cut it. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed in your patio oasis. An outdoor sectional is a great choice, but you can also use individual chairs or benches with storage built in. To encourage conversation, arrange your seating in an L-shaped grouping, or else put two chairs opposite a larger sofa or bench. Don’t forget to provide plenty of places for guests to set their drinks down!
It’s not a party without a little fire! A grill is a must-have for any cookout. Place it far enough from the seating area that guests won’t get overwhelmed with smoke. We love the idea of a complete grilling station that mimics an outdoor kitchen, complete with some extra counterspace and a mini-fridge, but you should at least have an area for food prep and plating near your grill.
An outdoor bar raises your party game to the next level. A drinks station can be as simple as a sturdy outdoor table with an ice bucket, glasses, and a few choice beverages. Give people plenty of space to mix their drinks—and make sure it’s clear where empty bottles and used glasses should go. Instead of a cooler filled with ice and cold bottles, upgrade to a galvanized or enameled tub.
Don’t neglect mother nature when planning your dream patio. Raised beds are easier to care for than more traditional flower beds, and glazed pots in varying sizes make a handsome home for an herb garden. If you need extra privacy, quick growers like poplar or cypress are your best bet. And finally, when it’s time to party, a few vases or bowls of cut flowers will make your guests feel like they’ve been transported to a secret garden or island paradise. Enjoy!
