How to: Pizzazz Your Patio on a Budget

An oft-neglected area of the house is the patio. When the weather’s just right, a balcony/porch/patio becomes another room. And it doesn’t matter the size of the space or budget—it’s easy to Pizzazz Your Patio! (Don’t you just kinda love the word “pizzazz?” It has 4 z’s! When do you get to use 4 z’s, other than Zzzzzz?) Click pic to learn more about each item.

• Think of your space: what you'd like to include to make your patio comfortable, your budget, your style, and your needs. Will it just be a seating area? Or will there be dining in this space? How many people will, on average, be sitting there?
• Let’s start with the basics: first, you’ll need somewhere to sit. Even if it’s just one chair, you can find a chair cheaply. Thrift store & Craiglist finds can easily be spruced up with paint. Other options: an outdoor couch, bean bag, rocking chair, hammock (I have one on my tiny patio but take down for entertaining), beach chair, or porch swing.
• Next, you might want a table, ottoman, or something to set down a nice, cool drink. Bistro sets are so cute and perfect for small areas. Wooden TV trays can be used as small tables in a pinch. Add a cute tray to hold/serve drinks--an excellent way to add color too.

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s start accessorizing! What colors do you envision for your patio? Click the pic for more info.

• Pillows add punch to chairs and can be purchased for so cheap! Wanna make them yourself? Here is a link to no sew cushions.
• An outdoor rug also adds some color and comfort to a space.
• Add a bit of greenery to your patio. In the inspiration pic above, check out the balcony rail garden or even a tiny matchbox garden.
• Living in the city, the only birds I see are pigeons. But I'm smitten by the idea of a bird feeder and the two shown above can be made for only a few dollars each! So easy. 
• Candles, lanterns, and string lights add ambiance when the party continues into night. These solar lights in a jar can be made with materials from the Dollar Store!
• Bring the beach or lake to you with a water feature.
• Optional accessories: grill (many apartments allow a gas grill), fire pit, tiki torches, colorful napkins or place mats, a cooler to hold ice/drinks, or a drink dispenser.

Remember, to keep things on a budget, try to use objects with more than one function: an ottoman can be a seat or mini table. If the ottoman opens up, use as extra storage or line with a clean trash bag full of ice for an instant cooler. A charcoal grill can be used as a fire pit. Use a candle that also serves to ward off mosquitoes (try citronella or peppermint). And just because it's on your patio doesn't mean it has to stay there year-round. I often bring objects from inside, outside for entertaining/relaxing.

Need more inspiration?

• From Martha Stewart: 26 ideas for patios.
• Here are 35 ideas for outdoor lighting. I've used the shells-as-candles idea for my Pool Party.
• Feel crafty? How about 20 ideas for outdoor projects?
• You need some cocktails for your patio. Check out my recipes here.
• Here's my guide to dining al fresco.
• Make your own beachfront retreat.
• Or a portable sunshade.