As summer winds down, our hot afternoons spent on the patio with a glass of chilled white wine tend to get fewer and farther between. With crisper days and evenings ahead, it's time to browse fall decorating ideas. Ready to enjoy a cup of cider on the patio? Transform your backyard into an autumn-inspired escape with these six fall patio ideas.

1. Gather Around the Fire Pit

Don’t let cooler temps keep you from spending time in your backyard. Turn up the heat in your outdoor space with a new fire pit. There are so many different types of fire pits to choose from. If you want a portable option that you can bring out occasionally, consider a propane or wood-burning fire pit. For a more permanent option, choose a natural gas fire pit. Add some throw pillows to your patio chairs, and you’ll have the perfect evening setup for enjoying a glass of wine or roasting marshmallows with your family.

2. Get Cozy With Fall-Inspired Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are essential to adding style and design to any outdoor seating arrangement. Look for deeper hues like mustard, gold, cocoa, ochre, and rust to create a fall-inspired palette. Texture is another key element to creating a fall ambience. Include velvets, fringe, faux leather, and wool for added warmth and comfort.

3. Add an Area Rug to Your Patio

Roll out an area rug to define your outdoor dining area in a new color, pattern, or material than you'd typically gravitate toward in the summer. Since weather can be unpredictable, look for outdoor rugs made of polypropylene or polyester to ensure your choice is weatherproof and easy to clean if any spills occur. Keep your colors on the muted side and try out an oversized pattern for size – we love large stripes, chevron, geometric patterns, and Southwestern-inspired designs for a fall patio scene.

4. Decorate With a Fall-Inspired Centerpiece

Another quick change you can make post–Labor Day is adding a new centerpiece to your patio table. This fall, you'll see dried grasses, wheat-toned florals, and soft sage greens are trending. Choose a sturdy vase to keep your fall florals in; we suggest a ceramic, stone, or terracotta option.

Pro tip:

Get more faux plant inspo with our 6 Effortless Ideas for Decorating With Fake Plants.

5. Create Ambience

Complement fall’s moodier attitude and aesthetic by illuminating your outdoor dining area with candlelight. Set out a cluster of large candles to cast a cozy glow. Use weighty candle holders to keep your lights pinned to the table during a breezy night. Opt for tapered candles in candlesticks to create an organic shadowy effect. Or get creative by using a couple of metal or rattan lanterns to make a statement with your candles.

6. Bring Indoor Decor Outside

Treat your backyard seating area like you would your living room and add some indoor decor pieces to add your personal touch to the space. Don’t leave your coffee table bare; decorate with faux flowers in a statement vase and pair them with a decorative tray or a sculptural figurine. Add more table space with a statement side table for added color, texture, and a convenient spot to place your drink.

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