13 Simple Ways to Get Your Patio Party-Ready

Abigail Sawyer | 29 Mar 2022 | Seasonal Trends

The temperature is warming up, which means it's time to grab a drink and head to the patio. Before throwing the next backyard party of the season, here are 13 simple ways to make your deck, backyard, or patio inviting and comfortable.

1. Power Wash the Deck

Get your deck clean and mildew-free with a good power washing. On wood decks, always wash in the same direction as the grain with cold water to prevent tearing in the wood fibers.

man power washing deck

2. Plant a Citrus Tree

Give your patio a Mediterranean feel with an easy-to-care-for citrus tree. It'll add some color to your space and give you citrus for cocktails within arm's reach!

citrus tree

3. Keep Away Mosquitoes with Lemongrass

Tall sculptural lemongrass looks gorgeous in pots flanking a door, and contains citronella, so it's a natural mosquito repellant!

lemongrass

4. Keep Sun at Bay with Outdoor Shades

Keep guests cool and comfortable with outdoor shades that block sun, but still allow breezes to flow through. They’re also the perfect solution when you want to add some privacy, but aren’t ready to take the party inside.

We even carry heavy duty outdoor shades that will hold up to the elements and are available with convenient features like a motorized lift.

outdoor shades

5. Clean Patio Furniture

Make sure your chaise lounges aren’t covered in grime from last year. Wrought iron, aluminum, and plastic furniture can be cleaned with a soft brush, dish soap, and water. For teak and wicker use oil-based soap instead.

outdoor furniture

6. Hang Some String Lights

Make your backyard dreamy and inviting with a few strands of outdoor lights hung overhead.

string lights

7. Create an Outdoor Bar

Use furniture you already have (or make this great cart!) to create an easy-access drink station right on the patio.

outdoor bar

Photo via The House of Wood.

8. Keep Guests Entertained with Yard Games

All you need is some inexpensive lumber and paint to make giant outdoor versions of your favorite games like JengaScrabbleYahtzee and dominoes. Your friends will never want to stop playing!

woman playing game in yard

Photo and tutorials via Lemon Thistle.

9. Freshen up the Flowerbeds

Grab a few flats of flowers from Home Depot and give your flowerbeds a makeover!

man planting flowers

10. Make Flower Pot Centerpieces

If you have flowers leftover, create some simple centerpieces with a few blooms in terra cotta pots. Some sculptural succulents in a decorative bowl are another easy variation that will bring some color to your table.

succulents

11. Add Color with Outdoor Pillows

Can't afford new patio furniture or cushions? Liven up the look on a budget by throwing on some colorful outdoor pillows.

colorful outdoor pillows

12. Add Extra Seating

Give guests plenty of places to sit and mingle with poufs, ceramic garden stools, or even tree stumps.

patio with outdoor furniture

Photo via Oracle Fox.

13. Light a Fire

Whether you’ve got a freestanding fire pit or made your own, the warm glow never fails to bring people together.

firepit in backyard

Have it Made in the Shade!

Want a cool and comfortable patio? Order patio sun shades now to get them in time for summer!

Need help ordering? Speak with a Blinds.com designer at 800-505-1905, live chat or email.

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  • About Author

    Abigail Sawyer is the Manager of Social Media Marketing for Blinds.com. She's a home improvement junkie who is currently restoring a 1972 cottage with the help of her husband and goldendoodle, Biscuit. Walking in the footsteps of Martha Stewart, she’s happiest when she’s crafting or whipping up a new recipe; although nothing beats curling up with a good book and some Girl Scout Cookies. Follow her on twitter + instagram at @whatabigailsaw