Staying warm on your patio

Staying toasty outdoors when temperatures drop is easy when you’ve got the right equipment

If you spent much of the summer happily ensconced on your patio — working, eating, entertaining — you might be missing the space now that temperatures have fallen and you’ve gone back indoors. Why not extend the life of your outdoor oasis with a few genius warming devices? All are a far cry from the industrial offerings from years ago. Today’s have chic, stylish looks and top-notch efficiency. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits top the list of most popular outdoor features. But there are plenty of other products that can warm you up during the colder months. If you’ve got teens, remind them that wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants will keep them (and their friends) warmer on a cold patio than shorts and a Tshirt will. Now take a look at how to stay toasty outdoors:

1. Fire pit

Whether it’s built-in or portable, wood-burning or gas, fire pits are the must-have design feature for many people. It’s not hard to see why: They provide warmth and light but also are a place to cook, invite friends and relax. They come in attractive designs and price ranges, and many are DIY projects. S’mores, anyone?

2. Heater

You can get portable heaters that run on propane, electricity or gas. They work better and are safer than models from the past and come in many configurations, sizes and styles to complement different décors. Heaters can be set on the floor or a table, while others are meant to hang on a wall. Depending on the size, they cover anywhere from five feet up to 200 feet.

3. Fire table

At first glance, this looks like an attractive coffee table — if a coffee table had a hidden propane tank inside. It creates a more sophisticated look for the patio year-round: In cold temps, use it to warm yourself and

guests; in warmer weather, leave the cover on and it’s simply a cof fee table.

4. Fireplace

Wood-burning or gas, a fireplace adds a comforting ambiance to your outdoor space. You don’t even need a large area because fireplaces come in various sizes to accommodate whatever square footage you’ve got.

5. Rug

Another simple solution to warming up a patio: Place a cozy rug over a cold concrete or stone floor. No one should be walking around barefoot when it’s cold, but if someone has exposed feet, have a basket of thermal socks on hand.

6. Blanket

As low-tech as it can get— this is really “no tech” — standard or electric blankets are immediate body-warmers. Fleece and thick knits are two of the best materials to bundle up with. Add a few fluffy pillows and don’t be surprised if guests start snoozing.

GETTY IMAGES Keeping warm outside when the weather cools of f can be as easy as wrapping up in a cozy blanket.