Bring the outdoors in. Or take the indoors out. Or just meet in the middle.

Until a few years ago, I always thought of the patio as a place to barbeque and sometimes eat, but only when you had friends over. As a family I do not recall eating a meal at our patio set, yet I always made sure we had one available... just in case. I even had place mats and/or table cloths on the table just to be decorator chic. Of course before we could actually sit at the table to eat, the napery would have to be scrubbed to remove all of the dust and dirt from being out in the elements for months at a time. So maybe that's why we never ate outside on our patio. It was way too much work.

Everyone's thinking changed about outdoor eating when someone, obviously a genius, came up with the idea of incorporating the outdoors with the indoors, or visa versa. Their idea was to make the experience of walking outside feel like you were still inside. And in California it works most of the year.

During the dead heat of summer though it is like an oven on our patio. The air just sits there and even the misting system has little effect. To that point; last summer it was so hot on our patio that it melted two of the large candles I placed in metal hanging containers. The containers originally held mossy stuff for plants and yet my eyes stripped that all away allowing me to envision them as candle holders. When I came up with the idea, I really didn't think we'd light the candles because of the chance of fire. I really only wanted the suggestion of the ambiance the candles offer. It worked too, because they did look really great.... that is until the first summer heatwave. Now both candles are melted into the metal of the container and unless and until it gets as hot as it was last summer, they'll stay that way.

Okay, so all decorating ideas don't have to go as badly as mind did. To prove it, I did an internet search and found other ideas that are probably already tested for hot weather melting:

Fill your patio with plants and flowers. Use various mediums: ceramic pots, tiered plant stands or hanging planters. Choose luscious green plants and vibrant flowers that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight or shade they will receive.


Paint the concrete to create a marble or brick effect, or use stencils to create your own unique design. If painting isn't for you, lay down a colorful, oversized outdoor rug.

Add or replace patio furniture. Find a cute little bistro table and chairs set or a wooden glider for those lazy summer evenings. Choose pieces depending on how you intend to use your patio.

String up Christmas lights or specialty shaped lights to add a dramatic flare to your patio space. Or suspend a few hanging lanterns from the porch overhang for an instant exotic touch.

Accessorize your space with a serene fountain or a warm and inviting chiminea.

Section off your patio with a trellis and plant box filled with a climbing plant. This will give you a private nook as a seating area or a place to hang a hammock.

• Get creative with your plant holders. Look for unusual items that you can use either to hold a potted plant or to actually plant something in, such as an old boot.

Extend the life of patio furniture that you already have by painting it or adding new cushions. Give it a new look to match the theme you have chosen for your patio.

There are thousands of ideas to be found that can help you get started on making your patio area your own personal oasis. And as you can see from some of the photos, your patio does not have to be covered, nor do you need to have it look like a Mediterranean show place. Personally, I prefer functional and homey to an eleborate setting. Really you should take some time to look at photos of decorated patios and I'm sure you'll come up with something that's right for you to bring the outdoors in, or take the indoors out, or maybe just to meet in the middle.