Summer - Fancy some patio ideas?

Sunglasses on, sunscreen applied, glass of sangria in hand: finally, patio season is open! We've put together a few tips for you to make the most of it.

Secret whispers

As we all know, friendly gatherings are a time to catch up on the latest gossip. To stay away from curious ears and prying eyes, put a trellis around your terrace and hang climbing plants on it. Not only will it allow you to tell your stories discreetly, but it will also make your deck look greener!

Lights

Have you ever ended happy hour in time for the supposed end of happy hour? Come on! Avoid getting stuck in the dark by installing lights on your patio right now! Festive lights on trellises, small globes hanging from the roof, lanterns and candles for a warm atmosphere: anything goes, as long as it's bright!

Comfort

Patio season is rather short-lived in Quebec. To take full advantage of it, it's best to make yourself comfortable. Cushions, poufs and large chairs―perfect for napping!—will contribute to making each moment a pleasant one. One of our little secrets? Add blankets for chillier evenings. Not only will they be comforting, they'll make outdoor hangouts last longer!

Music

Music is an essential ingredient for a successful atmosphere. It sets the tone for an event: dance music, ambiance music, theme music... You can create your own playlist or select one of the thousands of existing lists on the Internet.

Friends

Let's face it: this whole cozy setup is just an excuse to spend time with friends! A few glasses, a large pitcher, a serving tray and a bucket to keep drinks cold are must-haves for a successful evening. Oh, and our sangria recipe can also help get the party started!

Ingredients

• The juice of 3 oranges
• The juice of 1 lemon
• 750 ml (1 bottle) of your choice of rosé wine
• 500 mL (2 cups) of a lemon-lime carbonated beverage
• 60 mL (¼ cup) of brandy

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher with ice, then garnish with colorful fruit, such as citrus slices, watermelon pieces or summer berries. Add fresh herbs like mint or basil. You can also make a non-alcoholic version, omitting the rosé wine and brandy. This will give you a refreshing lemonade.

Don't forget to clean surfaces with Hertel’s Pomegranate-Mango All-Purpose Disinfectant Spray for a fresh and exotic scent! It's the perfect product, especially if your guests arrive unexpectedly. It's so effective, it barely requires any effort!

Enjoy the patio… and the gossip!