Hanging on to summer: Enjoy your autumn patio

Yes, I'm still hanging on to summer for dear dear life. In fact, these cooler evenings bring new elements and exciting opportunities to our outdoor rooms.

Just as we have changed up our indoor décor to perfectly reflect the season, we need to change up the exterior spaces. I removed my silk palm fronds and have replaced them with maple branches that are more fitting to September. I have also refilled my planters with potted mums (the perfect fall floral).

Before we get to the pretty side of redecorating the patio, we need to be practical and warm up the space - literally. It was only a few years ago when the only folks who had patio heaters were the big restaurants and lounges, but today we can all have a propane patio heater or two on the deck to keep us warm and cosy. Patio heaters are available in tabletop or full heights and also in a variety of finishes, such as bronze, black, nickel or stainless. The centralized cylindrical heating zone on some models, such as the Bernzomatic, can heat an area up to one hundred square feet. Heaters work on refillable propane bottles or you can have your contractor run you a permanent gas line for your heater or heaters.

Inside and out, fireplaces create heat and ambience. There are some exciting new propane tabletop firepits now available. Or, you may consider having a gas or an electric fireplace installed on the patio. Conversely, you can go au naturel and build yourself a true firepit, but then you'd need to chop wood — personally I prefer the flick of a switch. Whether wood, gas or electric, having a fireplace installed outside is a surefire way (sorry couldn't refuse the pun) to ensure you enjoy your deck well into fall. Of course, you'll also want to include plenty of candle power on all your exterior horizontal surfaces.

Speaking of ambience, you need music to complete the set. I have the Axiom Algonquin Speakers, which are sealed against rain, snow, ice and pests. The sound is fabulous and the speakers themselves are available in a variety of colours. You can even paint them yourself. (I love this feature.) For around three hundred dollars outdoor speakers are a "sound investment" (sorry, once again I just couldn't resist).

Now, no romantic fall evening spent sipping red wine on the patio is complete without sexy cotton throws. Be sure to have an ample supply available ? one per guest. I love the Rubbermaid deck boxes for waterproof storage and easy access just where you need it. You can also buy all sorts of fabulous organizing gadgets, dividers and accessories for inside your deck box. I have several — one for the boat supplies, one for the gardening supplies and one for patio living — this one is stocked with stacks of throws, extra wine glasses, candles and matches.

Be sure to have an ample supply of cotton throws available ? one per guest.

With all the new products available for extending our summers, we can just about party on the patio all year round.