Use patio accessories to create a welcoming site

Create a private space to soothe and calm yourself as you relax in the arms of nature

Furniture Should Be Comfortable

No matter what style of patio furniture you prefer, whether it is wicker, rattan, metal, or wood, the number one criteria should be comfort. You are creating a retreat from the responsibilities and cares of the day. Furniture you can sink into and relax will be the magnet that draws you to this outdoor haven.

As with any other room, furniture should be arranged for conversation and convenience. Try to arrange your furniture at a comfortable distance for conversation. Allow traffic to flow around and not through the conversation area. Arrange small tables near each seat for the placing of food, drinks, books, etc.

Cushions soften the seat and prevent your legs from digging into the chair. Down and fiber filled cushions are softer and more comfortable. However, they will compress with use. Foam cushions retain their shape, but since they don't have the give of fiberfill, they are harder and less comfortable. As of yet there is no perfect filling for cushions. When making choices, it is a matter of personal preference and practicality.

The cushions will most likely be the most colorful focal point on your patio. Choose you color, style, and pattern carefully as these will set the mood for your patio decorating scheme.

Plants are important patio accessories

Part of the enjoyment of patio living is the proximity of nature and growing plants. The rustle of leaves and the scent of flowers wafting on the breeze immediately brings a sense of calm and relaxation.

Container gardening is ideal for patios. Not only do you have the coolness and scents of various plants and flowers, but there is an added bonus of beautiful containers. There is no end to the size, style, and color of containers available today. Plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, cement; take your pick. If you can't find what you want, terra cotta pots can be painted, stenciled, decoupaged in any manner you please.

Interesting containers are:

• Large tin watering cans
• Antique milk cans
• Half whiskey barrels
• Stone Urns or Baskets
• Black Iron Kettles
• Hanging Bird Houses
• Large Mexican Pottery Urns
• Lobster Traps
• Antique Tin Food Cans
• Small Wheelbarrows
• Teapots, teacups, and coffee mugs
• Cheap aluminum buckets spray painted to resemble copper

Don't underestimate the wonderful scents that come from ground covers planted among your patio stones. These please the eye while adding a wonderful aroma to the atmosphere. They can also be planted on bankings and under trees to making mowing and maintainance easier.

Statuary blends into a patio naturally

At one time statuary was limited to gardens of the rich and famous. Thanks to modern technology and manufacturing methods, a wide variety of garden statuary is now available to be used as patio accessories. Whether you prefer large formal statues of Greek goddesses, or small whimsical frogs and turtles, statuary tucked in between your plants create interest and add to the enjoyment of your patio area.

Look for patio accessories that create sounds

Hearing is one of the senses that should not be ignored as you choose patio accessories.

What is more cooling, soothing, and restful than the sound of running water? Whether you have a large patio or a small corner of the yard, there is a water fountain that is just the right size for your area. Besides the therapeutic benefits of the fountain, it also creates "white noise" to drown out street sounds or conversation from neighbors who live close by.

Along with fountains, wind chimes also create peaceful sounds. The tinkle of glass, the chime of metal, and the knocking of bamboo are just a few of the relaxing sounds you can surround yourself with. Take time to visit gift and garden shops and acquaint yourself with these wonderful patio accessories. You may find just the right sound you don't want to live without.

Bird houses and feeders are also used as patio accessories. Hang birdhouses and hummingbird feeders to encourage our feathered friends to visit and bring along their cheerful songs.

Lighting is also a patio accessory

Daytime or evening, take time during various times to check out the lighting.

Watch the sun to see if your furniture is positioned correctly. If you use your patio mostly when you get home from work, make sure the chairs are facing away from the west. Nothing is more irritating then having to constantly squint while trying to relax after a long day.

If you don't have much room for arranging patio furniture to catch the sun correctly, decorative screens can help control the sun as they can be moved as needed.

If you like to lay out on a chaise lounge and get a suntan, don't position your chair so that you constantly have to move it away from tree shadows. Make your patio as convenient and comfortable as you possibly can make it.

For evening, soft, romantic lighting is ideal for patios.A few ideas for evening lighting are:

• White Christmas lights strung among the shrubbery
• Grapevine balls with white lights inside placed strategically in the trees
• Japanese lanterns hung along the roofline
• Solar walkway lights placed along the edges of paths
• Wall scones can be attached to the house wall
• Candles are always a good choice and citronella candles have the added advantage of repelling insects
• If you have overhead lighting, be sure a dimmer is installed to keep that soft ambiance

Table settings are also patio accessories

Along with your cushions, your table settings add much to the style and color of your patio decorating scheme. These can be changed easily to match your mood and the occasion. Colorful plastic for informal family and children's events is ideal. On the other hand, don't hesitate to bring out the crystal, china, and silver for a champagne anniversary dinner with your spouse.

One of my web visitors sent in this comment that I'd like to share with you with her permission:

"I have used my patio for date nite with my husband when the kids were little. I strung white Christmas lights, got a Country music CD and a bucket with ice and beer and some snacks together on the patio. After we put the kids to bed, we went outside and did some country western beer hall type dancing. We had fun, saved money, and all his “pick up lines” worked! "

A great idea and a perfect use for your private patio space. Look for special times and special ways to make use of your patio area. With a little thought and your special creativity, you may come to think of this as one of your favorite places to spend your free time.

How can you make use of your patio for "special events"?

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