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How many summers have gone by where you’ve looked out at your patio, thought “I really must sort that out,” and then done absolutely nothing about it?
A well-prepared patio makes a huge difference; not just aesthetically, but to how relaxed you feel when guests arrive. Nobody wants to be frantically sweeping when the doorbell goes.
The good news is it doesn’t have to be a massive project. A bit of elbow grease and a few smart updates can transform your outdoor space into somewhere you’re proud to entertain.
How to prep your patio for summer: step by step
Here’s a handy guide to getting your outdoor space looking its best before the summer entertaining season kicks off properly.
1. Tackle the clutter first
Before you tackle anything, clear the clutter. It’s hard to see what you’re working with when there are random plant pots, old toys, and a mystery bag of compost taking up space.
Go through everything and be fairly ruthless. Is it in good enough condition to stay? If the answer is no, it’s time to rehome, recycle, or bin it.
Garden storage solutions like a smart storage box or a small shed can be a godsend if you’re short on space.
2. Give everything a good clean
The patio surface itself is usually the starting point. Sweep off all the debris first, then get scrubbing. A pressure washer is brilliant for patios; if you don’t own one, they’re very easy to hire, or you could borrow one from a neighbour. A stiff brush and warm soapy water works well for smaller areas or as a follow-up treatment.
Garden furniture probably needs some attention too. Wipe down metal and rattan pieces with warm soapy water. For wooden furniture, check whether it needs treating; a good outdoor wood oil or stain can work wonders on tired-looking timber. Don’t forget to clean underneath cushions and inside any storage sections to banish hidden mildew.
Pots and planters are often overlooked during a cleanup, but grimy containers can really let down an otherwise smart display. A quick scrub can make a big difference.
The barbecue deserves its own moment of attention too. For a charcoal barbecue, remove all the ash and scrub the grates with a wire brush and warm soapy water. For a gas barbecue, do the same with the grates, then check the burner holes are clear, wash the drip tray, and check the gas connections. Check it’s working properly before your guests arrive.
3. Add some accessories
This is the fun bit. Accessories can turn a clean, functional patio into a space with real personality and warmth.
Outdoor cushions and throws are an easy way to add colour, texture, and comfort. Cushions with removable, washable covers are your best bet for outdoors. A coordinating throw draped over the back of a chair adds a lovely touch, and it’s also practical on cooler evenings.
An outdoor rug can completely transform the feel of a patio. It zones the space, softens hard surfaces, and if you choose the right one, can add a gorgeous pop of pattern or colour. Look for rugs specifically designed for outdoor use as they’re made to handle moisture and UV exposure.
Decorative touches matter more than you might think. A lantern or two, a decorative planter, a pretty tray on the table – these small details are what your guests will notice and comment on. Garden centres, supermarkets, and even charity shops can be goldmines for outdoor accessories.
4. Update your dining set
If your outdoor dining furniture has seen better days, this is an investment that will make a big impact. Old, mismatched, or uncomfortable seating can really undermine an otherwise lovely outdoor space, and when you’re hosting you want everyone to be comfortable enough to linger.
I’ve recently upgraded our outdoor dining furniture to the Outsunny 5-piece Garden Dining Set (pictured above) and it’s working really well on our compact patio. It seats four, which means it can comfortably accommodate family dinners and small gatherings without overwhelming the space.
The square tempered glass tabletop is sleek and modern-looking, and being tempered glass it’s reassuringly strong and safe. The chairs have a distinctive handwoven rope design on the sides and backs which gives the set a contemporary, slightly boutique feel. It’s the kind of outdoor furniture that looks like it costs a lot more than it does.
I particularly love the space-saving design. The backrests fold down flat, which means you can tuck all four chairs neatly underneath the table when they’re not in use. If you have a smaller patio or you share your outdoor space with kids, this is a brilliant practical feature.
The steel frames are powder-coated for durability, the texteline seats are breathable and dry quickly after rain, and the dark grey goes with pretty much everything. At £325, it’s great value for a set that looks this smart.
5. Add container plants for colour and texture
Nothing brings a patio to life quite like plants. With containers you can move things around, change the display each season, and tailor everything to your space and style.
For summer pots, some of my absolute favourites are:
- Pelargoniums (geraniums): flower for months and don’t mind a bit of neglect.
- Petunias: brilliant for trailing over the edges of pots and hanging baskets.
- Lavender: beautiful and wonderfully scented, but also brilliant for pollinators.
- Osteospermum (African daisies): daisy-like blooms in gorgeous warm tones, very easy to care for.
- Agapanthus: perfect for making a statement in a large pot.
For loads more ideas, have a read of my post on summer plants for pots.
When it comes to arranging your pots, try grouping them in odd numbers (threes and fives work beautifully), vary the heights, and think about a colour palette rather than buying whatever catches your eye.
6. Create a focal point
Every great outdoor space has something that draws the eye. A focal point anchors the space and gives it a sense of intention and design.
A water feature is a great choice if you have space and budget. Even a small feature can create a lovely sense of calm.
A fire pit extends the season dramatically, allowing you to host garden parties well into autumn.
A statement planter with a striking plant or arrangement makes a good focal point. Position it near your seating or at the end of a path for extra impact
A sculpture or decorative feature can work beautifully too, depending on your style.
7. Think about shade
A summer patio without shade is a recipe for everyone sitting indoors by 2pm. Before you start inviting people over, do a quick audit of your shade situation.
Check your parasol: inspect it for mould, mildew, fading, or damage. If it’s seen better days, replacing it is well worth it. Make sure the base is heavy enough to keep it secure in a breeze too.
If you don’t have a parasol, consider whether a cantilever parasol might suit your space better. These can be positioned off to the side without a base sitting in the middle of the table. Even a simple shade sail can be really effective.
If you entertain regularly, a garden awning or pergola is worth considering. Outsunny have lots of outdoor shade products if you’re looking for inspiration.
8. Set the mood with lighting
If you’re only going to do one thing beyond the basics, make it lighting. The right outdoor lighting is transformative. Here are the main types to consider and what each one does for your space:
Fairy lights / festoon lights: strung between posts, along a fence, or wound through a pergola, fairy lights create a warm, magical atmosphere that photographs beautifully and flatters everyone.
Lanterns and candlelight: a mix of pillar candles in hurricane lanterns and tea lights in glass holders dotted around the table creates a gorgeous atmosphere for outdoor dining. Use citronella candles for the added bonus of keeping insects at bay.
Festoon-style bulb strings: slightly different to fairy lights, these use Edison-style bulbs that give a warmer, more industrial-chic vibe. They’re perfect for a more grown-up aesthetic.
Path and step lights: as well as looking nice, low-level lighting along paths and steps is important for safety. Solar-powered stake lights are easy to install and do a great job.
Wall lights and spotlights: if your outdoor space can accommodate wall-mounted lights they’re probably worth the investment. They provide good functional lighting and can also be used to highlight planting or features.
Ready for summer!
There you have it: everything you need to prep your patio for summer entertaining. Whether you tackle it all at once or chip away at it bit by bit, the end result is a space you’ll genuinely love spending time in.
Happy entertaining!
Outsunny provided the 5-piece Garden Dining Set for this article. All comments and opinions are honest and genuine.
Catherine
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