Inexpensive Ways to Add Pizazz to your Outdoor Patio

Hello World!  I'm pleased to introduce you to Rachael Jones who is a blogger for 
DIY Mother.  Today she is sharing with us inexpensive ways to add pizazz to our outdoor patio.  Take it away Rachael.

Now that summer is in full swing, it's time to spruce up your outdoor patio. The warm summer sun tempts even the most dedicated homebody into venturing out into the warm rays for some much needed fun. What better way to celebrate the coming of the season than host a gathering of your closest friends and neighbors on your outdoor patio? 

No one has unlimited finances, however, and transforming the patio into the center of the party is possible even for the most budget-conscious of individuals. If you’re searching for ways you can add pizazz to your patio, and finally have that brunch or cook out you always wished for, here are just a few ways to help you accomplish your goals.

Patio Furniture

The easiest way to improve the ambience of the patio is by getting new or additional furniture. While this will usually be your biggest expense, that doesn't mean it needs to break the bank! The most efficient selection, and the easiest to clean, is buying plastic tables and chairs. Plastic furniture is lightweight and easy to rearrange, allowing you the flexibility to cater to almost any gathering, provided your patio is large enough. 

If plastic isn't your style, then there are some very affordable wood and glass combinations that will add a touch of class and dignity to your outdoor spread. The glass is easy enough to wipe down once the festivities draw to a close, and it serves the dual benefit of impressing your guests with the refinement of the furniture itself. You can even take things one step further by adding outdoor pillows to your arrangement, providing your guests additional comfort with products meant to withstand the elements.

Added Ambiance

To add some variation to the stark appearance of your patio, be sure and add some green plant life. This inexpensive option maximizes your creative freedom and provides you with a nice, inviting area to entertain your friends and family. You can choose the “less is more” approach by adding a few green plants in certain places around the patio. You can also choose to be a little more flamboyant and purchase flowers to pot to plant around the patio space. Deep, vivid colors are often the most noticeable, and getting plants that give off a pleasant aroma is a definite plus that will leave your guests raving about your patio.

For that added touch of unique festivity, add decorations to your space! Create a theme for your get-together if you wish, and decorate accordingly. Throw a Hawaiian party and drape a few leis around the patio, and outfit your barbeque or outdoor bar with some grass skirts. A great way to really boost the atmosphere is to buy tiki torches and surround your patio with them. This option will not only add to your party atmosphere, but will also provide a nice ambient light after sunset. To really maximize your benefits, you can purchase torches that also double as a form of insect repellent, providing you with the perfect bug-free experience.

Go with one of these options to really spice up your patio and ready it for all of those summer nights of fun and relaxation. Or go all out and combine all three to create the ultimate party scene. Regardless of what direction you choose to take, allow yourself the opportunity to spruce up that boring old patio and save a few bucks. After all, the one thing you'll be spending a lot of, is fun-filled time with your friends on your new party patio!

Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother, where women aren’t afraid to use power tools in a dress. 

Thank you, Rachael for all of the great tips.  I definitely need to spruce up my patio, more like clean it up.  Thanks everyone for popping in for a visit and welcoming Rachael.  Have a pretty rest of the day and remember to be kind to one another!  Fear Not!

Toodles,
Kathryn