“Summer in the city” – not just yet but hopefully soon. After this year’s long winter, summer can’t come too early. I can’t wait to be outdoors, go swimming and have lots of ice cream. One of the most important places during summer –apart from the swimming pool– will be the patio or balcony. You will spend a lot of time there—chatting, reading and relaxing. But after a long winter the patio isn’t in good shape at all.

Here are some tips how you get your patio or balcony summer-ready.

First of all, a thorough cleaning might be necessary to get rid of the marks autumn and winter have left— leaves and filth. The best way to do it is using a broom. If a broom isn’t sufficient, a steam cleaner could be helpful, too.

As you spend a lot of time outside you’ll need proper furniture. The size and shape of your furniture depend on what you want to do on your patio—having dinner parties or just tea time. For dinner parties a rectangular dining table that seats at least 6 people is essential. If you choose a wooden table, make sure that you varnish it to protect it from the weather. Don’t forget garden chair cushions that make wooden chairs much more comfortable. A round rattan table and rattan chairs are just perfect for two people.

Plants and flowers turn your patio or balcony easily in a luscious jungle. Here it is important that you choose the right plants in terms of sun and shade. Strawberry and tomato plants are an additional highlight for a green patio.

Adequate decorations like a glass hurricane lamp, hanging lanterns or a chimney provide a nice atmosphere for long summer nights. If you have enough space, set up a hammock and let relaxation reach the next level…

Did you know?

In ancient China and India, fireflies were captured in transparent or semi-transparent containers that were used as lanterns. As this was obviously just a short-term solution, fire torches were more prevalent.

-Manuela

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