You received a text from some friends who are passing through our great state of Colorado and would like to stop by for a visit! And it is in 30 minutes!  What can you do to spruce up the patio?

Do a quick clean first. Blow off all seating and patio floor with the leaf blower. Start high up and work your way down, ensuring you get as many cobwebs as possible. This will instantly feel clean. Hose down surfaces such as the natural stone floor and house siding. Sweep off all upholstery furniture, but don’t spray it.

Throw your small toss pillows on the outdoor furniture into the dryer with a dryer sheet for five minutes. Instant refresh!

Upon guests' arrival, open patio doors fully to create an indoor-outdoor feel. Grab your portable speaker (make sure it is charged) or crank up your indoor-outdoor speakers and set the mood with music that compliments the visiting crew.

Toss some blankets on the outdoor furniture to create a cozy feel, especially as we approach the Fall, and the temperatures take a 20-degree dip at night. If you have time and it is a chilly Fall evening, use a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace on a low and slow burn.  

Place a tablecloth on your patio table (or portable side table) and set up a drink station with glasses, a pitcher of your favorite beverage, and a small vase with fresh garden sprigs.

Cover and close any outdoor cooking grills and toss a sheet over garden tables. 

 

Bring small lamps outside and place them on a side table or floor to create layers of ambient light. Avoid using your overhead recessed can lighting and opt for soft lighting scattered around at eye level or below. Low lighting will help attract fewer bugs too!

Roll out a rug. If you have a small rug in the mudroom or hallway that is a low pile (not too plush), bring it outside and place it under a seating area for visual interest and a warm underfoot feel.

As we approach Fall, our flowers are signing off for another season! Snip a few perky ones from the garden and place them in bright-colored vases or glasses. Add a sprig or two of lavender and rosemary to keep those pesky bugs away.

Enjoy!