Patio season is here, and I’ve gotta say - it feels glorious - particularly given the ongoing pandemic uncertainty and shelter-in-place orders. Nothing like being stuck in the house for weeks on end to make you crave a patio refresh, wouldn’t you say?! So, grab a fresh lemonade, plop a big sunhat on your head, and head outside - with this list of patio must haves, you’ll be ready to soak up every bit of summer from now until October (fingers crossed)!

1. Swings 2. Lighting 3. Potted Plants 4. Mirror 5. Hutch

NO. 1 SWINGS

Is there anything more relaxing than sitting on your porch in a swing and gently swaying back and forth? The only thing you need to make it complete is your fave summer cocktail in hand. If you're on the hunt for something ultra comfortable this season (especially since we're all at home more than ever these days), adding one of these is definitely the way to go.

NO. 2 LIGHTING

I swear I bring up patio lighting on the blog every year - and for good reason. It's such a simple and inexpensive addition to your space, but has HUGE impact. Up your ambiance game this season by layering string cafe lights with candles, lanterns, and even tiki torches - together, they'll make your backyard feel like the ultimate retreat.

NO. 3 POTTED PLANTS

Staring at a blank yard and wishing the previous owners had been pro gardeners? You're not alone! But don't fret - you can still get a gorgeous infusion of greenery with a few strategically-placed potted plants. To get the most bang for your buck (and to cover more space), go for something larger than you'd normally choose - like a tree. The height and fullness will make an immediate impact, guaranteed.

NO. 4 MIRROR

The secret to nailing patio style is to make the space a continuation of the indoors. Not sure how to do it? Start with a mounted mirror - the reflection of natural light makes the space appear larger, and while there are a ton of styles to choose from, a material with an "outdoor" vibe like wood or wicker will make it feel perfectly balanced between the two realms.

NO. 5 HUTCH

A hutch is one of the best investments you can make for your patio. It makes hosting guests a cinch with plenty of space for drinks and appetizers, and as a bonus, it can double up as a potting bench during those non-hosting times. After all, when it comes to patios, space isn't always infinite, so anything that's both functional and beautiful is a winner in my book.

What are your at-home summer plans this year? Are you an avid gardener? Got a few exterior DIY projects to tackle? Or are you content sitting with a stack of novels under the shade of an umbrella? Though travel plans may be on hold this year, we can certainly all still make amazing memories - and having a beautiful patio to enjoy it all from makes it that much better. Cheers to outdoor activities - may you enjoy every second of this sun-soaked season!