April 10, 2024
Spring is here – are you ready?
And, Summer is right around the corner! The weather is warming up, flowers are beginning to bloom, and people are getting ready to spend more time outdoors. If you have a patio, screened in porch or even just a front porch, spring is the perfect time to prepare for outdoor entertaining! Whether you’re looking to create a space for big parties and family gatherings or just want your own personal oasis to relax and enjoy the fresh air, there are plenty of things you can do to get your outside space ready for the spring. Here are some items to check off your list and get your home set up for a season of fun that can take you right through the fall.
First off : Helpful Hint…
Before we get started: You may want to wait until the pollen is done if you are in the South. Or, you just decorate in yellow. Yellow everything. IYKYK.
An actual photo of North Carolina During Pollen Season. Clean It Off as Part of your Spring Checklist
Do Some Spring Cleaning & Maintenance
- The first step in preparing your patio for the season is to do some spring cleaning. Start by removing debris, such as leaves and twigs, and sweep the area with a broom. Use a pressure washer or garden hose to wash away any dirt, grime, or pollen that has built up. Don’t forget areas such as gutters and windows. If you aren’t up to those tasks, hiring someone is definitely worth it.
- To have a comfortable, clean place to relax outside, bring out your outdoor furniture and give it a quick wash so you’re ready to go. Mild detergent and water will usually get the job done. If you have covers over your furniture, you should be in pretty good shape. Make sure no six- or eight-legged friends have made a home under the covers, dust and wipe or vacuum them off and you should be ready. If you need (and if allowed) you may even be able to toss in the washer. Follow manufacturer directions and most likely hang to dry.
Cleaning off Outdoor Furniture is Easy if It is Covered. Always Follow Manufacturers Directions but usually mild detergent and a low pressure hose will get the job done. (He must be happy thinking about the steak he will be grill out here later.)
- Definitely Wipe down fans and lights, windows and columns or railing. Anything that needs a coat of paint? Now is the time.
- If you haven’t kept your grill up over the winter, now is the time. You do not want to wait for a cook out to realize something isn’t working, you are out of propane or something decided to turn it into a condo for a warm, winter retreat. Regardless of the temperature, most people are not willing to eat any type of cooked rodent.
- Replace any light bulbs that are out, make sure your batteries are replaced in things like remotes for ceiling fans and that you replace any lost miscellaneous items such as coasters or pillows that have gone missing over the dreary gray months.
- If you see nests in dryer vents, cobwebs in your lights or corners of the columns , weeds in your patio stone or a lose shutter – fix it. A little elbow grease goes a long way on all of this.
Don’t forget to grab a duster with a long handle to make this task easier. Cobwebs and the debris that builds up over the winter is an easy one to mark off the spring list with the right tools.
Add Some Color so you are Ready to celebrate Spring with a Splash!
Spring is all about color, so why not add some to your patio? You can do this by adding vibrant cushions and pillows to your patio furniture, planting colorful flowers in pots, or even adding a new outdoor rug. You do not have to spend a ton. Places like Target, Grandin Road and Homegoods usually have great choices and if your family of little ones, four legged ones and friends that can’t seem to keep the mustard ON the dog are going to be frequent users, we would actually advise AGAINST it. Throw in a few additional pops in citronella candles, a cozy washable blanket and you will never want to go back inside. There are places to invest: a grill, quality furniture, lighting.
Outdoor pillows are not it. We do a lot with our virtual design plans for this season, offering a lot of fun ideas to give your space a new look with decor that is your style and not going to cut into your cookout budget!
Enjoy the vibrant colors and fun patterns that come with outdoor cushions and pillows. Why should nature get to have all the fun of bold colors this season? We say rock that bright pink and orange and be the fun house this year!
A recent virtual designed space. Simple, serene and selected from items that are in stock and easy to obtain at fair prices. You get the look of a custom designed space just in time for the warmer days!
Get Creative with Lighting
While the days are getting longer, you’ll want to keep your outdoor space looking attractive even after dark – this is where great lighting comes in and sadly sparklers, shooting stars and fireflies just aren’t enough. (We wish!) Adding creative lighting to your patio can create a magical atmosphere in the evenings. String lights, lanterns, and candles are all great options that will bring the most out of your patio. You may also consider installing (possibly solar if no power source) lights in your garden or walkway for added safety and ambiance.
It’s fun to be the house everyone wants to hang out at!
If you have an outside entertaining area, have it stocked and ready for spur of the moment entertaining, even if it is just take out! You might be the place that all the tweens come to for Friday nights or maybe it’s cocktails at sunset. A Random pool party after summer camp or bonfire is what summers are made for. Whatever your jam is, be ready.
Make a list.
Seriously. I love making lists. If you know me, you know this. Anyway, this is what you will want to write down:
- Fun plates
- Napkins (I love ones that follow my theme. And are disposable. And are made from recyclable stuff. then I don’t feel bad.)
- Plastic drink ware in fun colors and patterns. If you plan on serving alcohol AND have kiddos around, have at least two patterns to keep the mix ups nil. The plastic stops breakage from causing injuries on surfaces such as cement or stone when accidents happen.
- Colorful cutlery on hand, sorted in a fun basket. I hate watching people rifle through my clean forks looking for a spoon. Gross.
- A tray or multiple trays to carry it all out on and for easy clean up afterward is great to have at the ready.
- A few small waste containers with liners. Maybe mark them so people know what is for cans/bottles and what is for food. It’s backyard so casual is expected and guests don’t mind doing a bit of the work themselves. (If they do, don’t invite those people back. I’ll give you that one for free.)
- If you are serving cold beverages or have litle ones around, you have to check out these ice molds from Tovolo. I saw the mermaid ones and am running to grab some for summer. (They actually have a ton of options, don’t feel limited to mermaids. I saw UGA Bulldogs, golf balls, diamonds, baseballs. Please note- I am not endorsed, paid or profit from this. I tell you simply because I think they are great!)
- Washable throws in your colors or patterns. Homegoods, Target or Kirklands are great for these. I want to throw mine in the washer and dryer . Keep a basket full and make sure guests know they are available if nights get chilly.
Additional Areas to Think of for The List
- If you have a water feature y0u will need a billion beach towels. Seriously. Keep an eye out for fun ones on sale and keep a basket of clean and a basket of dirty. It is not uncommon for guests to use 3 or 4 towels in one day especially if they get out for meals or lose the one they started with.
- Think about what you would want at spur of the moment. Sunscreen and bug spray, right? Pick up a few of each and keep on hand. It is so much easier to say “come on over after work, we have everything you need here.” and that is the definition of why you will be the place to be. Plus, your space is the best in the neighborhood.
A Signature Style – Even If It Changes Every Season.
Pick a theme: even if your theme is no theme. Lemons, watermelons and pineapples are fun! Pool floaties can be cute or maybe you are more of a traditional blue and white stripe kind of home. Whatever your look, go for it and remember : it’s headed toward summer time so keep it fun!
Colorful Plates and serving ware can bring fun to any meal or party. Tuesday night pizza after the ball game? Sure! Brunch on Sunday? Definitely. Chinese after a long week? You bet. Toss in some fun napkins, disposable silverware and fun soda or seltzers and it becomes a celebration. Easy cleanup, a festive feel and non-breakable all equal winners in our book.
A bar cart can be a great solution for entertaining – big parties or family movie night. Don’t get caught up on the word “bar.” It can be a workhorse – think dessert bar, appetizers, s’mores station, movie night concession stand, you get the idea. Ensure you have a lot of colorful dishes, bottles, napkins or candy boxes for that fun color pop but put this often overlooked item to work!
Upgrade Your Furniture
If your patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear, spring is a good time to consider an upgrade. There are plenty of options available, from simple and discreet to high-end and luxurious. Look for furniture that is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. We carry a ton of outdoor lines, where you want custom everything or quick ship. One of our favorite lines currently is from Lexington, called La Jolla. This is just a beautiful line and has something for everyspace- dining, sectionals and swivel chairs. You can pick out from many Sunbrella fabrics and you will get years of use out of them.
Is your space in need of an update? Quality Outdoor furniture is a good investment that will withstand the heat and sun and look beautiful for years to come .
Your Space May Just Need An Update
Maybe you may just want a quick design for the space to get a refresh and it is ready with just a few answers from you-virtually- and delivered right to your door. We can do that. Our virtual design program offers some really fun options and are just a click away – We seldom offer custom for this service which can have it’s advantages, namely the investment and the timeline.
If your space needs to be refreshed but you are thinking more of an update with style vs a full remodel, our virtual design may be exactly what you need.
Upgrade the Entire Space – You won’t regret it!
There are easy ways to throw shade. Hollywood does it all the time. In our case, though, we are thinking more along the lines of an umbrella or a pergola, to make your patio more comfortable on sunny days. However, never one to back away from a challenge – or the smell of resh cut lumber – if you do not have a roof or enclosure, we can build it. Our team at Sutton Place Homes can create a space that compliments your home, is functional for your life style and will be perfectly customized to your taste.
Is it worth the investment?
The dollars and time is definitely a bigger investment. We think it is worth it for a few reasons. Directly behind kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor spaces are high on the list of what people fall in love with . First of all, if you do it well, you can get a lot of extra livable space and it is rare that we hear of anyone adding on a gorgeous outdoor area and not getting a wow factor. Even if you plan to sell in the future, you will see an emotional pull for buyers because your home is set apart for the rest of the houses they see. (We are not realtors, nor do we play one on TV. But, we do know homes. And, people. And, dogs, for that matter. But, I digress. )
Please Note:
Now is the time to get started , though, to get you are ready for summer vacation. Literally, today. Pick up the phone and call. Because this one takes a bit longer than a weekend. We are pretty sure you will be happy you invested in this space though as you will want to spend all summer long out there . And, fall. Perhaps you will put a Christmas tree up in there. I did.
Regardless of your style, spending time outside with your friends and family or even a good book is the perfect way to enjoy your spring and summer, even fall. We can help you create a space , build and furnish it so you can get outside and make some memories. Fall in love with the outdoors all over again.
Regardless of your style, spending time outside with your friends and family or even a good book is the perfect way to enjoy your spring and summer, even fall. We can help you create a space , build and furnish it so you can get outside and make some memories. Fall in love with the outdoors all over again.
Regardless of your style, spending time outside with your friends and family or even a good book is the perfect way to enjoy your spring and summer, even fall. We can help you create a space , build and furnish it so you can get outside and make some memories. Fall in love with the outdoors all over again.
Getting Ready for Spring Can Be Fun!
Getting your outside spaces ready for spring doesn’t have to be all work. Make a plan, pick up some good food, enlist the help of the family, kick up some fun music and think about all the fun you will have. You can create a beautiful and inviting space that you and whoever you wish to share it with will love spending time in all season long.
No matter who you spend time with, get outside and love your space!
Happy spring!
Creatively Yours,
Andrea and Kimberly
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