A patio offers a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors while still getting a sense of home.  Believe it or not, the decor that you choose for the patio is just as important as that which you choose for the interior of your home.  Granted, you will be spending more time indoors than out, but you cannot make a cake without decorating it with icing.  Think of your patio as the icing on the cake and, as such, you have to put a lot of thought into the finishing touches.

Have A Seat

When most people are on the patio, they enjoy sitting, having a sip of their favorite drink, relaxing and enjoying the view.  Therefore, comfortable seating is a must.  Whether it’s just you or you are entertaining a small gathering of family and friends for lunch, it’s important that you have the right type of seating.

While some patio furniture is designed of sturdy plastic, the more decorative approach is to feature that with wicker, authentic wood or even iron detailing.  Of course, if you have a style that will also accommodate cushions, add them for a little extra comfort.

Create A Patio Garden

Creating a miniature garden on your patio is fun and easy.  You can purchase potted plants or, if you’re up to the task of planting, you can purchase the seeds yourself.  A traditional patio garden features plenty of color, which means your choice of flowers is essential.  Guests will see these every time they visit your home, so make sure that the combination and selection that you choose are complimentary to your home and patio style.

Attract Birds & Butterflies

Did you know that your choice of plants and decor can greatly improve your ability to attract wildlife?  Everyone loves to see birds and butterflies, but not everyone knows how to make their home an inviting place for our fluttering friends.  One way of doing this is by choosing the types of flowers that they love, which you can learn all about from your local gardening center or nursery.  Bird feeders, water features and plenty of color are often all that’s needed to invite some of nature’s most beautiful creatures onto your patio.

Create A Fantastic Fountain

If you really want to make your patio perfect, consider adding a water feature.  One of the most popular ways of doing this is with a portable water fountain, which can be found at many retailers and/or home improvement stores.  These affordable decorations are designed to pump water in a way that not only offers a pleasing trickling sound, but also to create the illusion of a genuine fountain.