10 best patio decor and accessories

Believe it or not, you've survived winter and it's finally time to hit the deck and enjoy a long-awaited summer. Many Canadians enjoy the season best al fresco: outside on the patio, surrounded by delicious summer eats and the company of friends and family. So, how do you approach patio decor and create an outdoor oasis that everyone will want to visit this summer? A dash of planning and well chosen patio accessories are all you need.

Michael Vuksta, vice president at President's Choice Home, reveals what's hot this season for outdoor entertaining. "This season, it's all about bringing the comforts of indoors to outdoor living and entertaining," says Vuksta. "It's about creating outdoor rooms that are both stylish and comfortable."

Function and style for your outdoor room
For convenience, Vuksta suggests keeping things simple by preparing your barbecue in advance with tools you'd normally keep on hand in the kitchen. "For example, warmers on the barbecue mean no running in and out to keep food warm," he says. To keep things stylish, he suggests beautifully patterned and coloured melamine and acrylic, which have the look and feel of ceramics, with the added convenience of being unbreakable. And of course, outfitting your patio with furniture made from water-repellant fabrics is key to ensuring your furniture enjoys a long life.

Caring for your patio furniture
Most new outdoor fabrics are completely weather- and sun-resistant, says Vuksta, so the colours won't fade and the furniture will stand up to both heat and rain and everything in between.

Keeping your patio furniture clean should be easy work and proper storage helps to preserve your finds. "Most cushions and pillows can be spot cleaned with mild soap solutions and water," says Vuksta. "While the cushions and pillows can remain outside throughout the season, it is recommended they be covered and properly stored during wet weather and during winter."

9 dos and don'ts for patio furniture and decor
Michael Vuksta dishes up nine dos and don'ts for preparing the perfect patio.

Do:
- Go for timeless designs
- Buy pieces that will hold up to the elements
- Buy what you love
- Mix materials for visual interest; try natural fibers, glass and fabrics
- Create rooms outdoors

Don't:
- Buy just for looks. Keep comfort in mind, too.
- Assume that a higher price equals better quality
- Be afraid to go for colour
- Feel that your decor inside needs to match outside. If your indoor style is traditional, the outdoors can be modern.

Before you start shopping, find out what's on trend for 2008 summer patio decor and accessories. According to Vuksta, green and turquoise are the season's hottest colours so take a look at the following accessories that'll turn your patio into the season's hot spot.