Summer Decorating

Summer Decorating

The buzz right now is designing for the summer and there are a lot of great ideas out there. How I would love to buy all new accessories every year! There are so many beautiful colors and each year the styles change. When I look at decorating my patio for the summer, I start with my basics and then add a few fun and trendy items each year.

To make a patio feel warm and comfortable, we treat decorating the patio like an indoor room. Whether you have a dining table or an outdoor sofa and chairs, a rug helps to ground and define this area. Outdoor rugs are better than ever and they are relatively soft and easy to walk on with bare feet. They can handle the outdoor elements for the summer, can be vacuumed or rinsed off with a hose, and at the end of the summer you just roll them up for storage. It's a perfect way to add softness to your hardscape. I purchased mine from Frontgate and it has lasted for years.

Another great way to add softness is to put up panels of curtains. If you have a patio structure this can be as simple or complex as you want. Put up simple hooks from the hardware store which I leave in permanently and then just attach my panels to them. I get inexpensive white fabric panels from Ikea and take them down at the end of the season. Accent the panels with trendy colors by changing the tie backs or change the tie backs to match themed parties. For example, use rustic rope for a pirate theme or leis for a Hawaiian party. You can use a coordinating fabric to match your rug. Store these during the winter as they can get damp and a little moldy later in the year.

If you don't have a structure to attached curtains, use large umbrellas. These come in so many wonderful colors, but if you have a limited budget and can't change them every year, stick with a neutral like tan or even green. If you can afford it, use several umbrellas and place them around your seating area. Tilting the umbrellas creates a tucked in feeling that you will love so much. Even if you have shade, umbrellas add that special effect that makes you feel comfortable. These too can be put away at the end of the season and used year after year.


Large scale pots with large scale plants are a must. Most of us tend to use all small stuff, but even just a pair of large scale pots with large plants helps define an area, and adds drama.  Living in Southern California, I use big Bird of Paradise placed on either side of my patio area for drama.

Finally, tablecloths. Use tablencloths everywhere. Try basic white tablecloths placed around the BBQ area, the dining set, and even a small one for a little plastic coffee table that sits next to a lounge chair. Tablecloths add softness and instantly makes the outdoor tables feel clean. Even if a guest drops in, I can quickly throw on the tablecloths. White is easy to clean and can be dressed up with table runners and other accessories.

Now that you have your annual basic that don't have to be replaced every year, have fun with the latest trends! These can be added to make your space feel fun and up to date! Try pillows, colorful cloth napkins, lamps and candles, flowers and potted herbs. Well I could just go on forever, but whatever you do... start with the basics and add bright colors and themes to your next outdoor party.


Laurie