As the weather warms up and you shift from indoor cocktail parties to outdoor barbecues, tidying up your space outside becomes a top priority. Whether you’re looking to make just a few adjustments or are in need of a major turnaround, use these tips to get your outdoor space in order this spring.

Retouch the deck

Over the course of a harsh winter, your deck is naturally going to get a few nicks and bruises. Though it may seem hardly noticeable from day to day, the gradual wear and tear has likely taken a toll. To restore the liveliness of your deck, have it pressure washed and refinished. Whether you decide to make it a solo project or hire someone to do it, you’ll give yourself some space to enjoy your time with friends and family outside.

Carve out shady spots

While enjoying time out in the sun is a staple of springtime, having some space to relax in the shade is just as important. If you’re lacking natural shade from trees and bushes, consider crafting out shady spots in your yard. Outdoor umbrellas, pergolas, and canopies are all great options.

Create some privacy

If your yard is left exposed to neighbors or if it is facing a busy road, making your space more private can be easily achieved in a number of ways. Most commonly, a high wooden fence will easily do the trick to create that added bit of seclusion. If you have a big, open yard and prefer a more natural look, having greenery planted will certainly add some privacy to your space. There are a few ways to go about this. Hedges, for example, have been adding privacy to outdoor spaces for centuries, and still continue to do so. However, a lot of work and patience is necessary to grow and maintain them, so be mindful of the labor necessary before making the investment.

Lighten up the night

Don’t let a sunset send your party inside. Install some exterior lights to make it easy to spend time outside in the night time. Investing in torches or an outdoor fireplace can be a great way to provide light and naturally keep bugs from bothering you. You could also invest in some solar powered lights to brighten walking paths, and try accenting your deck or pergola with string lights to keep things illuminated.

Update your furniture

If you’ve been using the same furniture outside for a while, it might be time to look at some new pieces. Though designed to be outside, your patio furniture has likely had to withstand a lot of wear and tear over the years and might be more damaged than you realize. Try to keep an eye out for things that need to be replaced, or at least restored, before having guests over.