Longer, warmer days are best spent on the patio, whether you’re working on your tan with a lemonade (or classic cocktail) in hand or hosting dinners alfresco. Transforming your space into an outdoor entertainment oasis for summer or fall doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming thanks to a few design savvy tricks. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite outdoor decor ideas to help you create your ultimate patio bar or outdoor entertaining space.

IKEA
1 / 10
Work with the size of your space
If your balcony is on the cozy side, there are many small-space outdoor dining options that stray away from bulky tables and chairs. Try a piece with multipurpose use, such as a storage bench to maximize seating options, and keep blankets on hand for when the temperature dips. Invest in a one-and-done piece with built-in cushions or get creative by adding colourful pillows to a simple wooden bench like this outdoor storage bench.
ÄPPLARÖ Storage Bench, IKEA, $129.
ÄPPLARÖ Storage Bench, IKEA, $129.

Amazon
2 / 10
Put your bar on wheels
If you’re serving drinks while you’re entertaining outside, having all of your cocktail-making essentials handy can take your balcony bar set-up to the next level. However, not every outdoor area has the space to park a bar cart permanently outside.
A fun solution? A bar cart on wheels makes it easy to take your cocktail essentials from the kitchen to the patio. Add luxury to your space with a bright indoor-outdoor cart (which can also double as a plant stand when you’re not entertaining) or refurbish a thrifted piece with a bright new paint job and some vintage glassware.
Indoor or Outdoor Folding Metal Rolling Serving Cart, Amazon, $132.
A fun solution? A bar cart on wheels makes it easy to take your cocktail essentials from the kitchen to the patio. Add luxury to your space with a bright indoor-outdoor cart (which can also double as a plant stand when you’re not entertaining) or refurbish a thrifted piece with a bright new paint job and some vintage glassware.
Indoor or Outdoor Folding Metal Rolling Serving Cart, Amazon, $132.

Amazon
3 / 10
Create mood lighting
String lights remain a must-have for creating a soft, ambient glow and festive atmosphere for your balcony or outdoor space. Use small bulbs to wrap around banisters or create a twinkling centrepiece, and larger solar powered bulbs to sting across your patio or balcony.
LE LED String Lights, Amazon, $23.
LE LED String Lights, Amazon, $23.

Indigo
4 / 10
Bring on the greenery
Adding plants instantly lifts the mood in any space and makes things feel more festive. Create a bold accent wall any time of year using artificial ivy garland, or scatter potted plants around the deck. The stand-alone planter pictured here would be perfect for a balcony herb garden for a pop of charm in your outdoor space.
Rectangular Planter With Stand, Indigo, $66.
Rectangular Planter With Stand, Indigo, $66.

Amazon
5 / 10
Think vertically
Don't have the floor space for a planter, but want to keep your balcony entertaining space looking and feeling fresh? Customize your square footage by thinking outside the box. Create a vertical garden by stacking planters or hanging them from the wall or ceiling.
Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter, Amazon, $
Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter, Amazon, $

Views
6 / 10
Try a balcony bar
Need a place to rest your drink, or work outside or enjoy a meal al fresco — but don't have a lot space on your balcony? Skip the patio table for a balcony bar like these space-saving foldable balcony bars from Views, which are uniquely designed to maximize space without sacrificing function. Opt for sleek bar stools that can be tucked underneath.
Acacia Balcony Bar, Views, $296.
Acacia Balcony Bar, Views, $296.

Amazon
7 / 10
Add ethereal elements
Does your outdoor or patio space feel too open? Or are mosquitoes a constant distraction from your outdoor relaxation time? Create a whimsical vibe and added privacy with a canopy (just make sure it's designed to be used outdoors). A breezy canopy also keeps the bugs out — a win-win!
Canopy Netting Mesh for Indoor/Outdoors, Amazon, $19.
Canopy Netting Mesh for Indoor/Outdoors, Amazon, $19.
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Indigo
8 / 10
Opt for cozy seating
Mix and match your seating using versatile lounge pillows and ottomans. A jute ottoman like the one pictured here is great for additional seating or as a stacked to create a chic side table — the versatile piece can be used outdoors in covered areas, making it ideal for balcony bar and entertaining areas.
Square Pouf Ottoman, Jute, Indigo, $83.
Square Pouf Ottoman, Jute, Indigo, $83.

Indigo
9 / 10
Embrace colourful dinnerware
For outdoor-ready entertaining, reach for colourful dinnerware to brighten the table. Retro-inspired plates like the dinner plate pictured here are perfect for celebrating your daily aperitivo with friends.
OUI Bamboo Dinner Plate, Indigo, $6.
OUI Bamboo Dinner Plate, Indigo, $6.
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Amazon
10 / 10
Borrow indoor design elements
It’s amazing what an outdoor rug can do to revamp a space and make it that much comfier. When we're entertaining, our balconies become an extension of our living space, and adding a fun rug to a hard floor instantly creates a stylish base. Try a bold design to create a focal point to your balcony or opt for something more neutral — just be sure the rug is made for the outdoors.
nuLOOM Braided Lefebvre Indoor/Outdoor Accent Rug, 2' x 3', Charcoal, Amazon, $50.
nuLOOM Braided Lefebvre Indoor/Outdoor Accent Rug, 2' x 3', Charcoal, Amazon, $50.
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