The air is warm, the sun is shining… I walk out onto the patio to enjoy a beautiful spring evening and realize the winter has worn the outdoors. This is not the relaxing, peaceful space I envisioned enjoying for the next few months. This is the time of year I thrive on. I wait through months of cold, snow and rain to enjoy my summer nights. So, I survey the scene and decide what I need to do to make this my own relaxing oasis or the perfect patio to host a party.

Lifestyle guru, Susie Coelho (host of HGTV’s “Outer Spaces’’ and best- selling author of “Everyday Styling’’ and “Styling for Entertaining’’), recently shared her ideas on outdoor entertaining. “When you’re outdoors, it really lifts your spirits. Guests aren’t confined, so they tend to be more extroverted, energized and invigorated. Fresh air, sunlight, flowers and the irresistible scent of food on the grill create a mood and an environment like no other. And best of all, anyone can do it, regardless of budget, time and space constraints.”

Whether I am alone or have some friends to visit, we need a clean place to sit and relax. Unpacking the patio furniture is the first step. Patio furniture can get dirty, paint can chip, stain can fade and cushions can trap debris. Grab your favorite Carribean Mist product and start cleaning up the filth and grim of winter. Baking soda and water is a great home remedy that works great on lawn furniture cushions. If you need to, freshen the paint or stain of the furniture. Aesthetically, this can make a big difference. Don’t forget to clean the cobwebs out of the umbrella so you can enjoy the outdoors in the shade.

Next take a look at the lawn and flowerbeds. Cut and trim the lawn, pull weeds and freshen up mulch. If you have the room, pick some annual flowers and plant to add color to the area!

Clean the grill and fill the propane tank (there’s nothing worse then getting all excited about burgers on the grill when you find that your tank ran out half way through cooking… Yes, this bit of advice is from personal experience!

Take a good look at the windows of your home. Clean the windows inside and out. Pay special attention to sills and frames for winter and spring dirt. If your screens are dirty, remove them and rinse them with the hose. If they have a tear or a rip, now is the time to replace and repair before the flies and mosquitoes make their way in. If you have a sliding screen door, purchase a screen saver where your kids or dogs may push the screen on a daily basis to help prevent a new rip throughout the summer.

Now you have fresh landscaping, furniture and screens! Consider now how you can add some accent pieces to your party ready patio. Candles, lanterns, tiki torches, and outdoor fireplaces all add warmth. Consider solutions that are bug preventative while adding a little friendly ambiance.

Finished? Stand back, admire your work, grab an iced tea and invite some friends over to enjoy your perfect patio for the summer! I know I surely have a place to relax and entertain that I can be proud of!