Alas, Labor Day weekend is past history which portends the end of summer and begins the school year and football season. Summer was late arriving for this Seattle interior designer and I’m clinging to outdoor living opportunities by adapting my outdoor space. Below find some tips for enjoying outdoor patios with shorter days, cooler evenings and pumpkin-inspired colors.

Six Tips to Extend Your Outdoor Spaces in Autumn

• Take a cue from nature’s fall foliage - select pillows, throws, candles and other accessories in orange hues.
• Punch up the table with accent colors like plum and russet red for napkins and placemats-two colors are fine.
• Consider adding a placemat with pattern and fall colors to the mix: stripes, seasonal patterns with leaves are readily available.
• Gather pine cones to use as accessories in baskets and bowls. Rinse, dry and spray paint if you’re adventurous.
• Fire pits and heaters extend the outdoor entertaining so guests can linger.
• Plan an al fresco potluck dinner or a wine tasting party with friends and neighbors.