As the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis is known for its diverse seasons, each offering its unique charm. Since the pandemic, many St. Louis homeowners have transformed their outdoor spaces into their own personal oasis, maximizing their time outdoors. As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall, your outdoor deck becomes a versatile space to continue enjoying these changing seasons. Here are eight fun ways you can make the most of your outdoor deck from the end of summer and through the fall season in St. Louis.
1. Dining Outdoors
Nothing says summer and fall in St. Louis like eating outdoors. From pool parties to barbecues to picnics, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and have some fun with loved ones. Let your deck serve as the command center for the entertainment. Set up the tables for people to sit around as they laugh and share memories. Put out all the food buffet-style to create serving stations.
Roll out your traveling bar and host a fun night of trivia or games. Eat, sip, and be merry outdoors all summer and autumn long!
2. Spruce It Up with Plants
Don’t have time for a vacation this year? Bring the vacation to your deck. Transform your deck into a green space bursting with beautiful plants. Add potted plants or hanging baskets to your deck to create the vibe of a mini getaway. Choose native Missouri plants that can withstand the late August summer heat.
Decorate with beautiful flowers, like the yellow Missouri evening primrose, the various vibrant hues of lantana, or the cool, greenish purple tones of prickly pear cactus. As the fall sweeps into St. Louis, the temperatures may drop at night. Instead of bringing your plants indoors, start decorating with native Missouri flowers and plants that are hardy in cooler temperatures.
Spruce up your outdoor deck with the white trumpet petals of foxglove penstemon, the tropical vibes of the pinkish purple fameflower, or get festive with the fire orange hues of the late-blooming Autumn phoenix.
3. Get Festive for the Season
Speaking of getting festive, get your deck into the spirit of the season so you stay in spirit all season long! Say goodbye to summer with one last vacation to the beach. Create a beach-themed deck with nautical elements to celebrate the end of summer in style.
Decorate your deck according to the holidays and themes that happen between the end of summer and beginning of autumn. For example, you could go for a patriotic theme for Labor Day in September with red, white, and blue decor.
As the calendar turns towards the end of the year, get your deck spooked up! Carve pumpkins to sit on the steps. Add wooden accents that give your deck a rustic vibe. Swap out cushions with flannel patterns. Little touches go a long way!
4. Light It Up
Create an ambiance by adding lighting to your deck. Plus, with a little extra light, you can continue to use your deck even after the sun goes down! There are many options for lighting your deck. Many homeowners enjoy the farm-feel vibe of string lights. If you have little ones, you can transform your deck into a glow-in-the-dark party with colorful rope lights.
For functionality, you may want to install in-deck lights or stairway lighting. These options are helpful in preventing falls in the dark.
Overhead fixtures, such as pendant lights or chandeliers, can be a beautiful addition to a covered deck or pergola. They provide ample light and can be a statement piece in your outdoor living space.
If you want some protection on your property or visibility in the yard, consider installing a spotlight that overlooks your deck. Remember, installing permanent lighting fixtures often involves electrical work, so it’s recommended to hire a professional contractor to ensure safe and proper installation.
5. Outdoor Movie Nights
As August rolls on and we head into September, nothing feels cozier than cuddling with the family under blankets while watching movies outdoors. Enjoy each other’s company with quality time outside by turning your deck into a movie theatre.
An outdoor movie night can be a magical experience, and your deck is the perfect venue. In summer, set up a projector and screen, pull out some comfy chairs, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a family favorite under the stars.
As fall approaches, add some fluffy blankets and hot drinks to keep everyone cozy while you enjoy the show. Maybe get the fire pit going off of the deck and craft up some s’mores while drinking apple cider!
6. Bird Watching
Missouri birds get very active this time of the year, as they start to hunker down or prepare to leave for the winter. St. Louis is home to a variety of bird species that change with the seasons. Set up a bird feeder on or near your deck and enjoy the sight of colorful summer visitors like the Northern Cardinal or the American Goldfinch.
In the fall, you might spot migrating species like the Red-tailed Hawk or the Cedar Waxwing. Grab a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook, and turn your deck into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
7. Get Your Sweat On!
If you enjoy working out, why not take advantage of the fresh air and set up a small exercise area on your deck? In the summer, you can do yoga or pilates in the early morning when it’s cooler.
When fall arrives, you might find it’s the perfect temperature for a mid-day workout. Remember to store your equipment inside or under a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements!
8. Get Inspired and In Tune with Your Artistic Side
This time of the year is truly captivating. The wildlife is busy, plants are in bloom, leaves are starting to turn. There are so many reasons to feel inspired. Try something new and explore your creativity. Set up an easel and try painting the scenery. If painting isn’t your thing, maybe try sketching some trees or your kids playing in the yard.
Photography is another excellent way to explore your artistic side. Try to capture the unique elements of summer and fall, like the play of sunlight through the leaves or the vibrant colors of autumn. You can experiment with different angles and lighting to create interesting compositions!
Want to get your deck ready for some summer and fall fun? Make sure you hire a licensed contractor in St. Louis. They will ensure that your deck is the best shape for hosting, and prepared to handle the elements all year long. Contact Mosby to create the deck and outdoor space of your dreams.