The Uplift is a monthly series in which our Style & Trends Editor Charlotte Olby uncovers the best decor to bring joy to your home. She consults our experts and picks through thousands of pieces from the biggest designers and retailers to bring you the very best.
It might be September, but there's no need to retreat indoors quite yet. With the right garden upgrades, you can extend the outdoor season well into autumn.
'As we transition from summer to fall, there’s still time to make the most of the last of the longer evenings with outdoor dining, but sometimes these spaces need a few tweaks to ensure a cozy atmosphere,' says Emily Moorman, Paint and Color editor at H&G.
From firepits that add both warmth and ambiance to comfortable seating that invites you to linger longer, think cozy layers, added warmth, and mood lighting to create an extension of your home al fresco. Here's everything our editors have their eye on to help us all spend some more time outside in late summer.
Fall Outdoor Buys To Shop Now
Early September is actually a great time to invest in new patio furniture for next summer, as the end-of-season discounts hit. I'm eyeing up this lounger from Serena & Lily for cozy Fall evenings outdoors - you can simply grab it by the rope handle and chuck it indoors if it starts to rain.
'A fire pit creates a cozy atmosphere and extends your evening spent outdoors,' advises Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton. 'I still use mine in the summer but it really comes into its own at the start of fall when you want to make the most of the still light evenings but the temperature starts to drop.'
'Even as we draw towards the end of summer, I still like to eat outside as much as possible,' says Kitchens and Bathrooms editor Molly Malsom. 'An oversized tablecloth like this one not only ties the tablescape together, but the extra fabric doubles up as a bit of a blanket, keeping legs warm as we eat.'
'At the start of summer, I noticed a beautiful striped pillow in Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes’ backyard,' says Megan Slack, H&G's Head of Celebrity. 'Now, as we start the transition to fall, I still can’t stop thinking about it. As if the stripe pattern (in a classic navy and white colorway) isn't enough, this piece from Anthropologie features a ruffled edge that ensures it is too beautiful enough to be left outside.'
Obviously the evenings start to get dark come Fall so decking out your garden paths, planters, and patio with fairy and festoon lights are a great way to ensure it still feels well-lit and cozy. Personally, I love these firework style lights.
'This outdoor rug from McGee & Co would work perfectly to create a snug al fresco dining space, and once fall comes around, you can bring it inside your home for year-long use,' says Emily Moorman.
'Every time I dine outside at a restaurant with modern table lamps, I always remark on how ambient the space feels – yet I never thought of recreating that aura at home until now,' adds Megan. 'Perfect for the longer nights, these lamps are as good-looking as they are practical, and I’m hoping they’ll bring a restaurant-style mood to my yard (I just can’t promise my food will be as good).'
'The end of summer is all about replacing bright and colorful hues with ones that nod subtly to the autumnal season,' adds Emily. 'I love these floral napkins from McGee & Co which would make for the perfect transitional addition to your end-of-summer table decor ideas.'
'I continue to host alfresco way into the fall. I just get the fire pit lit and pull out blankets for when it starts to get a bit chilly,' adds Hebe. 'I also like to switch out my outdoor table decor too. In the summer it's all about light linens but as fall approaches heavier fabrics in warm colors seem more seasonal.'
I don't have the space for a full fire pit on my patio, so Solo Stove is a great solution. Smoke-free, this durable tabletop fire pit not only comes in myriad of lovely colors but can sit atop the table while you entertain. I'm obsessed.
'An outdoor rug is an easy way to make your dining area cozier while adding a stylish touch,' adds Molly. 'This woven design features a beautiful mix of blue hues in a playful pattern – it will feel right at home in an al fresco setting.
'I host my family outdoors way into the fall,' says Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens. 'No matter what the time of year hosting always starts and ends with Persian tea. We are suckers for beautiful teapots, especially glass ones. This pumpkin shaped one has stolen my heart and is perfect for my family as there are lots of little kids who will enjoy it.'
Ensuring you can spend a little longer outside now the weather is starting to change, and the nights are getting darker, you want to make your outdoor area feel as comfortable and welcoming as your living room. The right accessories, as chosen by our expert editors, can turn a chilly fall evening into a delightful one.
