With Memorial Day right around the corner, now is the time to spruce up your outdoor spaces to get ready for summer entertaining. Whether you have a three season porch, outdoor living room, patio or balcony, you’ll probably need to do some prep now for outdoor living.

Start by taking inventory of your existing outdoor furniture.  Is it in good shape and just needs a cleaning?  If so, a quick spray of water and wipe down with mild detergent (like dish soap) will probably do the trick.

Has the paint chipped or rusted?  You can do some basic spiffing up with a quick sand and recoating of matching paint.  Some spray paints are formulated to stop rust and don’t require extensive sanding.

How do the cushions look?  Changing cushions on outdoor chairs and seating is a simple, inexpensive way to revive your patio furniture.  Indoor/outdoor fabrics have come a long way in recent years. Now is the time of year to find readymade cushions at the national chains and local stores. If you know your measurements, look online for replacement cushions as another option.

Adding an indoor/outdoor rug to your outdoor space will make it feel more like an outdoor room. Like indoor/outdoor fabrics, these rugs come in tons of colors and pattern to match most any style.

As a finishing touch, create interesting planters filled with flowering annuals and herbs to spruce up your space. Find a flower box, pot or container that works with your outdoor furniture and fill it with plants that compliment your color scheme.