The end of summer does not have to mean the end of enjoyable times on the patio. Why not freshen up your patio for fall with a new color scheme or new accessories? From planters to fire tables, there are plenty of options available to make your patio a cozy place for family and friends.
Add Color with Fall Plants
Looking for a quick way to add vibrant fall colors to your patio? Try container-grown fall plants. Many flowers are hardy enough to last into November. Chrysanthemums or “mums” bloom in a wide range of colors, including orange, maroon, white and yellow. Purple-leaved ornamental kale looks striking on its own. How about ‘Dolce, Licorice’ coral bells, with its nearly black leaves?
The containers themselves can match the rest of your patio décor. Find planters that have similar colors or textures to your patio furniture, cushions or throw blankets. You can even group similarly colored containers together as an accent.
Enjoy a Crackling Fire
A fire pit has become a favorite patio feature. You don’t have to say goodbye to outdoor entertaining just because the temperatures are dropping. What better way to entertain friends than to make s’mores or just gather around a crackling fire and talk?
If you want to sit by the fire in style, a fire table may be just what you’re looking for. Fire tables can sit close to the ground or stand as high as a coffee table. Choose a table that will coordinate with your patio furniture. Whether round or rectangular, stone or steel, there’s a fire table that fits your patio.
Relax With New Cushions and Throw Blankets
This fall, change things up by replacing the cushions on your patio furniture. It’s time to put away the pastel prints and bring in the deep reds and golds. Look for heavier, textured fabrics to add interest to the décor.
A cozy throw blanket or two will complete the fall furniture makeover. When the temperatures drop, you’ll still be able to enjoy an evening outdoors. Choose colors or fabrics that complement your new cushions. You can even store the blankets in a box or trunk painted in coordinating colors.
Install Ambient Lighting
From lanterns to string lights, outdoor lighting adds a festive fall glow to a patio. You can casually drape string lights over nearby shrubs or trees, or hang them in even, parallel rows over the patio. Then curl up under a throw blanket and enjoy the twinkling lights.
Available in a variety of materials and styles, lanterns create a cozy vibe on those chilly fall evenings. Hang an intricate Moroccan style lantern for a great stand-alone focal point. For a vintage look, line the pathway from your patio with mid-century modern lanterns.
Whether you choose lanterns made of metal, wood or other materials, make sure your outdoor lanterns are weatherproofed. You’ll want to enjoy the flickering glow of candlelight without worrying about rust or mildew.
Arrange Pumpkins and Gourds
Fall décor wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins and gourds, with their eye-catching colors, shapes and sizes. You can place large pumpkins on the patio steps or arrange them among planters. Groups of miniature pumpkins and gourds make attractive seasonal table toppers. Choose a variety of fall colors, or opt for a monochromatic look with white pumpkins.
When accessorizing with pumpkins and gourds remember that they eventually rot. If you want them to last longer, try using artificial fruits instead of the real thing.
Clean and Sweep
Nothing refreshes a patio better than a thorough cleaning. Sweep those leaves out from the corners. You’ll especially want to get rid of dead leaves before they get wet and stain the patio floor.
Dust and grime build up over the summer and make the patio floor and walls look dingy. If you don’t own a power washer, now’s the time to rent one. Give the patio floor and walls a good power washing. Check manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use on your decking materials.
Simple Changes for Fall
There you have it. Summer may be fading fast, but fall is just the beginning of a new patio season. A few simple changes just might make the patio your favorite place to relax this fall.
