One morning you peep out of the window to see the violet and yellow crocuses trying to put their heads up and you know that the spring is here. You feel elated. You see a flinch pecking at the birdseed you have left for them. You walk into the patio, but find it to be little too chilly. You wish you had outdoor heaters to keep you warm and cozy. You have always thought of decorating your patio, but you wanted it to be unique and could never come up with any exclusive idea…

Well, it is not only your problem; many other homemakers too just cannot make up their mind on the ideal patio décor. While it is not possible for us to give details here, we can provide a broad outline. You have to fill up the details. You can start with a focal point and start working from there. That can be a water fountain or a mural on the wall. If your kind of climate permits, it can also be a big aquarium full of sturdy goldfish. Alternately, you can centre your patio on a theme.

However, in every case, you need to consider your local climatic condition first. Neither the fountains nor the aquariums can stand freezing temperature and if the weather is freezing all the time, you should give up the idea and concentrate on murals instead. The focal point in that case, can be statues or collection of interesting knickknacks too. Rummage through your attic, dollar stores and thrift shops for them. However, even while you are deciding on such matters, you can safely buy a set of wicker patio furniture because such furniture not only goes with all kinds of themes and settings but also are made weather resistant these days.

Contrary to what many people think, natural wicker is not at all meant for outdoor use. They are prone to decay if they are left out in the sun and rain for some time. Therefore, it is always prudent to buy synthetic wicker furniture when you buy them for your patio. They will look especially nice if you decide to have a tropical or an Asian setting. Remember to buy plenty of brightly colored outdoor cushions to create a cheerful mood.

An outdoor cushion is quite different from its indoor variety. Apart from being comfortable, they must be fade resistant and waterproof. Such cushions are made from acrylic blended fabric with an open cell structure and have several layers of polyester fillings. If the cushion becomes wet, this type of fabric will allow the water to flow out easily and polyester layers will allow proper airflow. It will then quickly dry up from inside.

Therefore, start your patio decoration by purchasing a set of wicker patio furniture. Outdoor heaters too should be included in your purchase list because North America falls primarily in the temperate zone and the climate remains chilly, if not freezing almost nine months out of twelve. In places where the winter is too long you can surround your sitting area with suitable plants potted in planters, so that you can put them under a covered area when its start snowing heavily. Talk to your local nursery about it.

The patio umbrellas should be in your purchase list next. If the patio is big enough to be divided into an eating and a sitting area, you will need two of them at least. Buy patio umbrellas, even if yours is a cold country because a carefully selected umbrella not only saves you from UV rays of the sun, but also from light precipitation. Some have lights incorporated in them for use at night. However, if you can make alternate arrangements for lights, so much is the better.

Let us now surmise what we have been talking about:
• Select a focal point and develop the theme around it.
• Take the climatic condition of your place into consideration before deciding the theme or even the focal point.
• If the winter is too long and too severe, have plants potted in planters for easy mobility.
• You can buy wicker patio furniture made from synthetic fiber without any qualms because they are not only weatherproof, but also go with most of the themes.
• Cushions should also be weather resistant.
• Choose patio umbrellas that blend with the surrounding and match the chair cushions.
• Decide how much area you want covered before you decide on the outdoor heaters. Each has a separate heating capacity.
• Do not be afraid to experiment or else you can never the patio of your dream.