Try these tips for extending patio season into fall
From hot days to cool, windy nights, the signs are all here: summer is slipping into fall.
As nights get darker and chillier earlier, it gets trickier to plan outdoor evening entertaining. Yet busier backto-school and workdays often mean backyard, balcony or patio time is limited to nights.
Although it’s nice enough to sit outside, a touch of warmth and comfort are often necessities rather than luxuries, especially as the season goes on.
These ideas will keep you toasty and cosy on chilly autumn nights so you and your guests can savour time under the stars.
LIGHTING
Sundown comes early, so adding additional lighting to your outdoor space makes sense. Whether it be candlelight or artificial, lighting can create a mood that’s more welcoming.
Look for LED light bulbs and lighting systems that can be controlled by your smartphone. Change the colour of the lights in your garden, brighten walkways and create safer entrances all with the flick of a button.
Love the look of candlelight but not the maintenance of wax candles? Try LED candles that look like the real thing (the good ones are actually made of wax for a realistic look and smell). They, too, can be put on timers and controlled from your smartphone.
Lighting placement is key. Keep brightest lights in corners and near doorways for better illumination and safety. Your softest, dimmest light should be nearest your seating area and in the middle of a table to instantly create a soft, romantic mood — after all, everyone looks better by soft candlelight, whether inside or out.
WARMTH
Taking the chill off the fall breeze will help prolong your precious outdoor time. Add some heat to balconies and terraces with outdoor heaters.
In larger yards and spaces, bring in an outdoor wood fire pit (check with your municipality to see if wood burning is allowed) or make a larger, more permanent investment with the addition of a built-in fireplace fuelled by wood, gas or electric.
Imagine s’mores and peppermint hot chocolate around an outdoor fire all through the winter — how après-ski!
Bylaws don’t allow a wood fire? Try a gas-fuelled fire table. There are so many styles and shapes to choose from, plus you get an instant flame and no cleanup of ashes, all at the touch of a button. They offer some warmth (although not as much as wood), and they give the gather-round-the-fire vibe that helps extend the party into the wee hours.
GET COSY
Creating a cosy environment during chilly nights is easy with the addition of throws, rugs and pillows to snuggle into. Bring out some pillows and blankets from inside or simply wrap yourself in a sleeping bag for a romantic snuggle under the stars.
Extra-warm layers like polar fleece or synthetic quilted fabrics make great slipcovers over outdoor summer furniture, giving an instant comfy look and feel. Be sure to use fabrics that can withstand damp nights if left outside when not in use.
I also recommend hanging curtains on porches and balconies. It’s a great way to partially block those chilly breezes while creating privacy, too. Add an outdoor rug for softness and to create a barrier from dampness underfoot.
Want to add some designer touches to your fall outdoor spaces? Try colour co-ordinating your cosy space and, for those that may not have brought an extra layer, offer up a basket of large-sized cardigans and hoodies to ensure everyone stays warm as the temps drop later into the night.
THREE COOL-WEATHER ENTERTAINING IDEAS
• Layer on a flannel onesie, tuque and scarf for an evening sleepover-themed party outside.
• Load your laptop with a fireplace video and have it playing outside.
• Hot drinks in Thermoses and toasty snacks from the grill will keep tummies warm, too.