How to Enjoy Your Deck All Year
Who says you can't dine alfresco when the temperature drops?
The air may be getting crisper, but don't go running for your furniture covers just yet! Get the most out of your patio or deck with our three easy strategies for the extending the outdoor season.
1. Get in the Spirit
Design: atelier drome llp
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/outer-patio--photo-id208161
Chunky cozy knits, hot cups of cocoa, and warm autumnal colors just wouldn't be the same in the humid summer air. Like adding layers to a fall outfit, updating your patio allows you savor the changing character of your outdoor space.
Quick updates like warm throw blankets, fresh pillow covers, and seasonal accents (pumpkins or potted mums) make all the difference when outfitting your deck for cooler climes. Opt for fleece, wool, or cashmere blankets to ensure everyone is extra toasty. For a charmingly fall feel, choose hues that mimic the changing foliage—reds, oranges, yellows, and deep umbers—to bring the season right to your doorstep.
Tip! With no bugs, and no sunscreen needed, fall may actually be the best time to dine outdoors. Add blankets to every chair, and deck your table with plenty of candles to set the scene.
2. Make it Cozy
Design: Paula Ables Interiors
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/patio--photo-id108611
If your deck isn't already enclosed, curb the wind with an awning, canopy, pergola, or curtains. Not only will these additions provide you respite from the cold in the fall and winter, but will also provide shade in the warmer. (They also happen to be quite stylish additions!)
Still feeling the chill? Consider an outdoor heater or fireplace. These affordable additions can warm up large areas in a short amount of time, making them perfect for small spaces.
Tip! Choose outdoor furniture that comes with cushions to add warmth when the mercury drops, and pull seating arrangements closer together. You'll create a sense of intimacy among your guests as well as enable a single heat source to warm your whole group.
3. Make it a Destination
Design: Boxhill Designs
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/aa133-10--photo-id146983
Don't lament the loss of summer—embrace all the possibilities of fall and winter! Set up a cold-weather-only activity on your deck to get everyone outdoors.
Fire pits are particularly good conversation hubs—a warm beacon for friends to create memories or the whole family to roast s'mores and snacks. Hot tubs, too, are a great way to get people together. Watching the leaves or snow fall becomes magical when basking in its steaming water.
Tip! With earlier sunsets, set the mood with candles and string lighting. It'll also help keep your space safe, making it easier to navigate dark or slick decks.
