Fall has officially arrived. Gone are the days of laying out in the sun on the beach – now it’s time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and embrace the gorgeous fall foliage. Certainly, you may not be hanging outside in a pair of shorts anymore, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to sit on your back patio and enjoy the cool, crisp temperatures the new season has to offer.

Just like the seasonal transition means changing up your wardrobe, now’s the perfect time to put away the outdoor summer decor and transition to new and improved accessories and furniture. Consider the following tips for preparing your patio for fall:

Clean up your furniture
You made excellent use of the umbrellas and furniture cushions during the summer, but it’s time to put them away and set something up with more seasonally appropriate patterns. Clean your summer pieces and store them away for the following year. Grab some new cushions that follow a fall color scheme. You may even consider investing in new pieces of furniture that satisfy the fall vibe you’re going for.

Bring out the fall decor
Nothing screams autumn like a few pieces of seasonal decor. Hit up your local vendors market or get in touch with a crafty friend who can make you unique, cheerful decorations that emphasize your love for fall. Remember: You can always start with Halloween decorations and change things up again at the beginning of November, or you can stick to neutral seasonal decor that lasts from September until December.

Make cozy and and inviting touches
What’s the best thing about having a patio? It doesn’t only have to be reserved for summer – it can come in handy during spring and fall, too. Entertaining into the chilly months of autumn is feasible, you just have to prepare the space properly.

The closer winter creeps, the shorter the days are going to get. That means you need to have proper lighting to keep the space well lit when you want to hang outside after a long day at work. Beyond new fixtures, you may consider making an arrangement of candles to light the space, which also adds a layer of comfort.

Speaking of making things more cozy, now’s a great time to think about moves that can ensure your family and friends stay comfortable outside, even when it gets cold. A beautiful outdoor space heater is a stylish and energy-efficient way to keep your guests warm. For a more classic touch, a fire pit is ideal for staying warm and cozy during the fall.

Staying comfortable is the true theme of outdoor living during the fall. Take things to the next level by investing in blankets and pillows to throw over your patio furniture, so your family and friends don’t have an excuse to go inside.

If you’re still not sure how to make these adjustments on your own, you may consider professional assistance. A personal decorator from Decorating Den Interiors can help you transition to fall decor seamlessly. He or she will come to your home for a free consultation to evaluate your space and provide tips and insight based on your patio, personal preferences, style and ideas. From there, you’ll collaborate and come up with the ideal layout of your dreams.

Don’t wait until the last minute to fix up your patio – winter will be here before you know it! Contact your local design consultant from Decorating Den Interiors today.