Prep Your Patio for Fall With These Backyard Tips

When you have an entertaining space in your backyard, it’s absolutely essential that you take advantage of the perfect Autumn weather. Embrace the bonfire as the main entertainment. Roll your bar cart outside for golden apple cocktails. Keep your blue cardigan by the door so you can easily move your party outdoors on a whim. And for goodness sake, please style your backyard and patio for the occasion. Take a look at these 12 tips that will help you prep your patio for the best Fall shindig of the season. It will make your backyard the hangout of choice for the whole neighborhood.

fall-porch-welcome

Chalkboards are very handy decor to have for any part of your home, but especially for outdoor decor since they can get wet without consequences. Use yours to display a favorite Autumn quote or the menu for your outdoor dinner party. (via Love of Family and Home)

wood-fall-large-planter-with-pumpkin

Don’t leave your planters brown and boring this season. Fill them with colorful mums and other Fall features that will bring any space to life. From your front porch to your patio, everyone will be asking your advice for their planters at home. (via Creative Cain Cabin)

lighted-backyard-decor

In the Fall, you do have to think about the fact that it gets dark earlier in the evening. So while you have the light of the fire, you can make your backyard even more magical with a few sets of twinkle lights. String them up on swings, bushes, your privacy fence, whatever you can hang them on.

fall-outdoor-hosting-party

With such beautiful cool weather, it makes sense to serve dinner on the patio before you light the bonfire. Make sure you have a table outside to style with leaves and Fall florals for the occasion. (via Style Me Pretty)

fall-window-box

Don’t forget about your window boxes! With a couple pumpkins and two or three pots of mums, your window boxes can be the most festive boxes on the block. (via Pretty Pink Tulips)

bonfire-haybale-hospitality

Maybe you’re wondering how to create a rustic bonfire retreat in your backyard. Invest in a couple hay bales for the Fall and let them serve as seating around your fire pit. You can use the straw to prep your flower beds for winter later.

outdoor-fake-candles

I used to think fake candles looked… well, fake. But there’s some seriously great brands out there that make faux pillar candles look like the real thing! So you don’t need to worry about any leaves catching fire or a blanket fringe getting too close. (via French Country Cottage)

fall-basket-with-blankets

Speaking of blanket fringes, a good host or hostess make sure their guests are comfortable during the evening. Since you’re outside, keep a basket handy with several throw blankets for those who lean towards the chilly side. (via Colin Cowie Weddings)

leafy-string-lights

String lights are a must for any patio, especially in the Fall. If you keep yours up year round, liven up the strand by attaching some silk leaves in Autumn shades. Then if the Fall breezes whisk them away over time, no hearts will be broken. (via Oh My! Creative)

outdoor-fall-bar-design

If you don’t have an outdoor bar cart now, you definitely should add one for Autumn. It provides a lovely little space to add some Fall decorating on your patio or deck and serves as a hosting perk. (via Dear Lillie)

fall-leaves-lanterns

Sometimes the best decorating comes from sprucing up a year round piece. Since they’ve been on trend, you probably have a lantern or two on your porch or patio. So fill them with leaves and berries to give them some Autumn cheer. (via Time With Thea)

outdoor-fall-linens

Just for fun, add some tartan patterns to your outdoor decor this year. We’re talking throw pillows and blankets and cushions. Bonus points if you can find burlap cushions as well. (via StoneGable)