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Enjoy your outdoor space year-round
Some people believe that the end of summer also marks the last days to enjoy outdoor barbecues, parties, and casual gatherings. However, by adding just a few design elements to your outdoor space, you can extend the beautiful time through the fall months and even into winter. We have come up with 10 easy ways to enjoy your garden throughout the year.
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Warm things up
It’s easy to extend your time outdoors if you just add a heat source near the seating area. Besides warming up chilly guests, a fire is a great place to gather together and sip hot drinks or roast marshmallows. Fixed or portable, consider one of the following ways to warm things up: fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor heaters.
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Add more light
In the fall, it gets dark earlier, so add more lighting and adjust your timers to illuminate your outdoor space. Lighting can be solar and LED, along with other types, such as path lights, stage lights, and string lights.
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Weather-resistant furniture
If you want to enjoy your patio or outdoor space after summer, make sure your patio furniture is weather-resistant. Furniture made from materials like powder-coated steel, teak wood, and polyresin wicker is designed to withstand the elements and last through many seasons. Additionally, cover and bring in cushions and pillows when it rains or snows.
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A grill or outdoor kitchen
They say food tastes better when it’s grilled, and that holds true for any season. Keep the summer grilling going. Layer on a shirt or sweater, add a heater, and change up the menu a bit for more warming dishes, then cook and dine outdoors in the fall and winter.
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Add a hot tub
There’s a reason hot tubs are so popular year-round: because they make you feel cozy, warm, and relaxed at any time of the year. But it feels especially good when the temperatures drop. Whether it’s a solo soak or an impromptu gathering with a few friends after a game or a night out, the hot tub is always there, inviting you outside to soak in a delightful way.
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Increase the fun factor
To make more use of your outdoor space in the fall, winter, and early spring (as long as temperatures are not below freezing), maximize its potential. How? Anything you do to enjoy or relax indoors can be done in the outdoor living space, from games to watching TV to grilling and dining. Some fun ideas include: inviting friends or family over to watch a movie, game, or video on an outdoor TV or computer. Cooking and serving a delicious, hot dinner outside. Grilling a pizza, burgers, or cooking a pot of chili or a hearty soup. Enjoying coffee and s'mores around a fire pit afterward. Playing beer pong, board games, or another outdoor game. If it snows, build a snowman, decorate it, and enjoy hot drinks while admiring your creation. Host a holiday party using both indoor and outdoor spaces. Decorate both areas.
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Make things cozy
Adding heat sources and lighting helps keep you outside, but try to create a more comfortable and warm feeling. To do this, turn your porch or outdoor space into a true outdoor room by adding the comforts you enjoy indoors: cushions, blankets, and throws to share with friends while stargazing or enjoying hot drinks.
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Gardening year-round
Plant seasonal flowers, herbs, and vegetables in containers on your porch, deck, or patio close to your home. You’re more likely to spend time outdoors and get used to the idea of being outside, even if you have to wear a coat and gloves. After finishing your work, come back and enjoy your cozy space.
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Decorate for the seasons and holidays
Weather permitting, decorate and host outdoor parties. Make the transition between indoors and outdoors seamless by adding a little warmth through a fire pit, blankets, and hot drinks. Ensure that the lighting is festive and safe. From there, the events are endless: Halloween parties and activities, like apple bobbing and pumpkin carving. If it’s a party, host a costume contest and outdoor games, while having “photo areas” for guests to take selfies and group photos. For Thanksgiving, use your outdoor and indoor kitchens, then serve the feast on the deck or patio, where it’s fresh and crisp. Depending on where you live, decorate a small live Christmas tree or evergreen with simple, weather-resistant, non-breakable ornaments, provide blankets, and add holiday pillows to extend the outdoor festivities.
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Porch or fencing
If you have a covered porch or gazebo, you’re more likely to be outside when it gets dark and temperatures drop. Outdoor curtains add privacy and keep the chill away, while screens and privacy walls allow you to section off part of the room or outdoor area, temporarily protecting you from the weather elements.