Summer 2009 trends and 7 dos and don'ts for your prettiest patio decor

Sunny blue skies, days spent outdoors on the patio, tall cold drinks in hand, beautiful summer colours everywhere and maybe the smell of barbecued delights lingering in the air. Summer's arrival sounds good, doesn't it?

As you prepare to enjoy this season of outdoor living, find out to turn your patio into a retreat you'll never want to leave. Natalie Jikerjian, spokesperson for Winners reveals the hottest patio decor trends for spring and summer 2009. Ready to take a vacation in your own backyard? Jikerjian gives you the inside scoop on creating an outdoor oasis.

Homemakers.com: What's hot in patio decor for summer 2009?
Natalie Jikerjian: Eye-popping patterns and intricate textures abound in summer's homage to Marrakech style.

High-back privacy chairs and layered kilim rugs create an outdoor oasis for those who want to feel like they're vacationing in their own backyards. For those with a more minimalist style, hotel terraces are the ultimate inspirations for cool patio decor. Outdoor daybeds in grey resin wicker and stainless steel water fountains create the ultimate contemporary urban escapes.

HM.com: What colours will we be seeing a lot of?
NJ: For outdoor furniture, grey wicker has emerged as the new black. It's a great neutral that can be easily enhanced with various colours like fig and aqua.

But similar to dressing in grey, the muted hue needs metallic and shiny accents to ensure it's not looking dull or drab. When paired with greenery and metallic finishes, grey resin wicker will make any patio feel posh.

...The gentle glow of the lantern provides the ultimate ambiance for al fresco dining and lounging.

We're seeing a trend towards multiple candles in lanterns as well as groupings of different styles/finishes for outdoor spaces.

From wooden caged lanterns to pocket-watch style finishes, you can spend hours outdoors admiring these bright ideas!

7 dos and don'ts for dressing up your patio for summer
Jikerjian suggests clever ways to dress your patio in style this season:

-Don't forget to entertain with fine plastics when hosting children. These summer pieces are fun and whimsical for all ages.