Get your patio ready for fall
Think the time for outdoor entertaining is over? Think again!
Summer has come to an end, but don't put away your outdoor furniture quite yet. Extend the season by adding a few fall-friendly accessories and take your patio from summer into fall in a snap. Let Steven Sabados of The Goods show you how.
Summer patio vs. fall patio
A summer patio is all about light, bright and naturally cool fabrics.
In contrast, a fall patio should have a few more layers, a richer colour pallet and a few touches for extra flare and warmth. Here's what you need to do.
Add fall centerpiece and plants
Pick a centerpiece that's based on fall colours. Think orange, red, terracotta or burgundy. Seasonal plants are also a great idea. They can stay outside for another month or so and then you can move indoors during the winter months.
Use fall inspired dinnerware
Try adding richer, thicker textiles for things like your napkins, instead of light linen. Using tea towels as napkins in the fall works great as they tend to be made of a heartier fabric.
Adding small, seasonal accessories is always a good idea. Set the scene with fall themed glasses and plates. Choose colours that will warm up the table.
Warm up
The biggest struggle when entertaining outdoors in the fall is keeping warm. Here are three essentials to keep the chill at bay.
A heat lamp is great all year round. Some of them run on propane.
A small tabletop fireplace is also a good addition as they help keep everyone's hands warm. We put one on either side of the table.
Finally, blankets go a long way with guests. At $15 each they are fairly hefty investment for a set of six. But since blankets are also useful for other occasions you might be more willing to splurge on this patio luxury.
Resource guide:
- Table and chairs
- Patio heat lamp
- Tabletop fireplaces
- Blanket