Prepping Your Patio for Summer

Making the most of your outdoor space is a must for Canadians after being cooped up indoors all winter.  But with consistently warmer and sunnier days upon us, most backyard patios could benefit from a seasonal spruce-up for upcoming summer entertaining.

I shared some economical ways to perk up your patio space with a few must-have accessories to help turn your patio from drab to delightful with Global Morning News Regina viewers here:

It’s the small, easy updates that can bring personality to your outdoor area, whether through colour, theme or arrangement. It doesn’t take much to make a transformation happen nor does it take a lot of time to shop or even set-up.

Here are some easy to implement tips:

1) Define your space
Setting your space to entertain with an area rug is an easy way to define a large space and make it a little cozier. Look for a rug that is durable, waterproof, stain-resistance, and UV treated to resist fading and outlast long summer days. You can also get incredible value with a rug that is reversible, so it provides two separate looks in one rug.

2) Mood Lighting & Warmth
If you want to entertain into the evening, lighting is also a must. However think about adding intrigue with added mood lighting. Simple touches such as hanging lights and votive lanterns are easy additions; while the go-to citronella can keep the bugs at bay while also remaining fashionable.  Another option to consider is a steel fire pit or bio-fuel table top feature that is safe for use in urban and suburban areas. This can bring the feeling of a cabin escape to your space without leaving the comfort of home or making the 2-3 hour drive.

3) On-trend Colours
Colour and summer go together! Colourful pick-me up pillows are an easy way to integrate brightness, and can be changed out seasonally since they can be found at very affordable prices. Play with fun patterns and prints, and toss them on chairs, benches or even on the floor with a blanket for a picnic-feel or for the kids to have a fashionable seating area.

4) Unique Dishware
Take it up a notch with Pop Art pieces that scream for attention. Plastic dishware is a must for outdoor entertaining – you don’t want to deal with anything breakable, and plastics are easily washable. You can have fun with entertaining pieces such as serving trays, platters and divided organizational pieces. Another must-have is a drink jug – so why not have fun with it and add a pop of colour.  Fun cups for the kids are also an easy go-to to keep them hydrated and happy.

5) Add a patriotic touch
If the colourful, tropical or mod isn’t your style – an easy update and homage to your country is an update with Canadian-style cushions, throws and décor. Rustic style in a true north fashion will certainly be a crowd pleaser and add comfort to your space.

Can you believe *all* these products can be found at Walmart? Of course you can! Walmart has been on-trend with decor both inside and out and they’ve got patio season covered, and then some.