Everyone loves a Summer barbecue out on the patio. What isn’t there to love about fun in the sun with some delicious food, great company and barrels of laughter? Whilst most people make full use of their patio in the warmer months, there is often a tendency for outdoor areas to be used less and less when the weather starts to cool off. Well, it’s time to change that! Today, we’re here to tell you why your patio shouldn’t just be used for the summer months and how you can make full use of it even as the sun starts to make itself more sparse. Read on to find out more!
- Pay Attention To Design
One of the first steps to maximising the potential of your patio all year long is to pay attention to your patio design. Good design and vibrant colours are some of the best ways to add a splash of life to your patio even in the dreariest of conditions. Consider adding colourful potted plants to your patio, along with outdoor furniture covers that bring a splash of vibrancy to your space. Having a more inviting space in the colder months is a fantastic way to encourage yourself to enjoy some time on your patio, cosied up with a blanket and a steaming mug of hot cocoa!
- Invest in Heating Elements
When the weather starts to cool down, it is important that you make up for it by investing in a heat source for your patio. You can do this with outdoor gas or electric patio heating, an outdoor fireplace or even a wood-fired oven where you and your family can grill up some tantalising pizzas to chow down on in the colder months. Keeping your outdoor patio area warm when it is brisk outside makes it much more inviting, and increases the chances of you utilising it all year round. If using a fireplace, don’t forget to use a chimney balloon which will help block cold draughts when your fireplace is not in use.
- It’s Time To Roast Some Marshmallows!
Nothing speaks of comfort more than gathering around a fire and enjoying some roasted marshmallows on a skewer. If space constraints aren’t a limit, why not go camping in your own backyard? Fire pits are some of the most popular additions to patios in recent times and are available in various shapes, sizes and varieties. This is something the children will absolutely love, as it adds a touch of magic and excitement to a cold winter night. Gather some tents, sleeping bags, pillows and throws to keep everyone warm as you sing songs around a fire pit, roast marshmallows and devour as many s’mores as humanly possible!
- Select The Appropriate Cold Weather Furniture
Whilst plastic chairs and cement benches work a charm in Summer, chances are they’ll be far too cold to sit on during the colder months. This is why you should consider picking season-appropriate furniture for your patio. In the colder months, we recommend focusing on upholstered cushions, fluffy pillows, large scatters and poufs on the floor which offer affordable insulated seating for all your guests. You can even carry your indoor sofa outside if you don’t have a covered patio where you can leave your outdoor couch, allowing your family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors whilst keeping warm and toasty at the same time!
- Add A Cooking and Entertaining Area
To create a truly versatile patio that you can use all year round, why not add a cooking and entertaining area? A built-in barbecue or outdoor kitchen is a fantastic way for you to whip up some delicious warm meals in your backyard that are sure to warm your tummy. Many people also love to include a bar area in the patio where you can have a drink or two with your friends in the great outdoors. Want to go all out? You could even add a television to your outdoor area where everyone can cosy up to warm bowls of popcorn and enjoy a flick or two on the weekends.
And there you have it, some ingenious ways in which you can fully maximise the use of your patio even when the temperature starts to dip. We hope that this article has inspired you to enjoy your patio all year round and not just for the summer months.
