Whether you have an old-fashioned screened porch, a patch of wooden deck or lawn, a patio by the pool, or a balcony in a highrise condo, you have the basic requirements for a summer of "al fresco" (outdoor) living.

Blame our long, cold winters, but at the first sign that warm weather is here, Canadians rush to move ourselves - hammocks, chairs, tables... even fully equipped kitchens - to the great outdoors. Take some time to plan your outdoor living space this summer - and you'll find that you're spending more time - and better time - enjoying the brief summer season.

First, take a look at what you've got, and consider when and how you will be spending your time outdoors. If you're working away from home most days, pay special attention to how your outdoor living space can be used for morning breakfasts and evening meals and relaxing. Got a crew of kids enjoying a summer at home? Remember that you'll need to accommodate their needs during the hottest part of the day. At a minimum, you'll want a) a place to share an outdoor meal, and b) a comfortable place to relax.

To plan for comfort on hot days, consider how you'll get shade. If you're lucky enough to have a mature tree or two, be sure to take advantage of the cool shade you've got at your disposal. It's not just the shade that cools; a mature tree draws cool moisture from deep in the ground and expires it into the surrounding air. If you don't have natural shade, you'll need to find some - under a covered porch or pergola, for example - or create some - with umbrellas, or some kind of canopy.

For living outdoors in the evening, you'll need to think about some soft lighting to enable you to enjoy your night under the stars. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like: Chinese lanterns, hurricane lamps, candelabra hanging from a branch, or just a row of tealights in jam jars. For no-fuss, all-summer lighting, drape strands of electric fairy lights in trees or around doorways and put the switch on a timer. Every evening, these lights will be an open invitation to head outdoors. And don't let mosquitoes drive you indoors. If you don't have a screened porch, then make use of citronella candles - placed generously around your living space just before twilight.

Al fresco meals are part of summer life. Even a morning coffee tastes better outdoors. So don't limit yourself to the standard "burgers on the barbie"; plan some weekend brunches and candlelit dinners. To make it easy to prepare and enjoy your meal, set up your outdoor living space with an extra sidetable to hold plates, cutlery and extra serving dishes. The same space might work as a bar for drinks. Find a good container - like a large galvanized tub - to fill with ice and beverages. If you don't have a chafing dish, start looking for one; they're great for keeping your entrees warm when dining outdoors. And don't forget a few heat-proof serving trays for transporting food to the table.

To maximize your enjoyment of your summer space, go beyond the basics and decorate your outdoor living area as you would any other room in the house: decide on a theme, select colours, consider accessories. You don't need to have the standard patio furniture set. Walk around your house and yard taking stock of what you've already got to work with. A few tired chairs and an old kitchen table from your student days? Get out the paint. You could create a whimsical setting inspired by either Beatrix Potter or Picasso. Or mix garage sale finds with an exotic shawl and Moroccan lanterns for an eastern theme. Love a modern, stripped-down aesthetic? Look for inexpensive aluminum chairs and industrial-style tables and shelving units. Add a hit of colour, or keep it neutral with aluminum trays of pea gravel and neat pots of clipped turfgrass as a centerpiece. Be sure that your outdoor living space includes a spot for utter relaxation: a hammock strung between two trees, or perhaps a few comfortable Muskoka chairs with broad arms to hold a drink. Or a sling chair that's slouchy enough to snooze in. While some choices are dictated by conviviality, this decision should be strictly for comfort!

Setting up your outdoor living space is like adding an extension to the house; it adds a whole new dimension to your lifestyle, and a whole new opportunity to enjoy your home. There's a reason why, at our favourite restaurants, the patio tables always fill up first - especially in the evening. We love to live outdoors. With a little planning, this summer, you can live "al fresco" every day...at home.

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