High/low: Pretty summer patio

Can you tell the difference?

High: $5,198

1 Steel and glass Malta Lanterns in Silver Finish, Pottery Barn, $34 US each (small), and $49 US each (medium). 2 Eight-light Retro Café String Lights with iron cages, The Home Depot, $40 each. 3 Parklane powder-coated aluminum armchair and sofa in Driftwood with foam-filled Sunbrella cushions in Heritage Granite, InsideOut Patio, $949 (armchair), $2,199 (sofa). 4 Outdoor polyfilled polyester Moravian Star Toss Cushions, CB2, $62 each. 5 Double-knit cotton Tempo Throw, CB2, $100. 6 Innit galvanized steel Sidechair in Black with woven vinyl cord seat in Blue, Innit, $430. 7 Resin Madison Planters (used as table bases) in Caviar Black, 16", and 20", Sheridan Nurseries, $120 (16”), $180 (20”). 8 Polypropylene Cane Grid Rug in Capri, 8' x 10', Pier 1 Imports, $820. 9 Acrylic Abbott Throw in Apricot Brandy, Pottery Barn, $39 US. 10 GlucksteinHome outdoor polyfilled cotton Zig Zag Toss Cushion, Hudson’s Bay, $40.

Low: $1,595

1 Hometrends chrome-finished steel and glass Lanterns, Walmart, $25 each (small), and $35 (medium). 2 Ten-light Clear Café String Lights, The Home Depot, $20 each. 3 Canvas FSC-certified eucalyptus Modena Armchair and Loveseat with polyfilled polyester cushions, Canadian Tire, $350 (armchair), $650 (loveseat). 4 Outdoor polyfilled polyester Toss Cushions, HomeSense, $25 each. 5 Grey and white cotton Throw, HomeSense, $30. 6 Enamelled steel and plastic Sidechair in Blue, Studio Pazo, $150. 7 Round clay fibre composite Stacey Planters (used as table bases), 18" and 22", Jysk, $50 (18”), $60 (22”). 8 Reversible plastic Cayaan Rugs in Blue, 5' x 8', Jysk, $35 each. 9 Coral acrylic Throw, HomeSense, $40. 10 Beynac outdoor polyfilled polyester Toss Cushion, Jysk, $20.

Must-have a seat

Of course a pop of colour is nice in an outdoor space, but what will really impress you (and any guests that try this fun chair) is how comfortable it is! It's a must-add piece this summer. HIGH: Innit galvanized steel Sidechair in Black with woven vinyl cord seat in Blue, Innit, $430. LOW: Enamelled steel and plastic Sidechair in Blue, Studio Pazo, $150.

DIY side table

Put away your glue gun; no need to bust out that screwdriver. This DIY is as easy as pie. All you need to make these outdoor side tables are some oversized planters and a couple of circular trays (we painted ours white for a sophisticated monochromatic look). Place the trays atop the planters, and you’re done! The removable tops can be used to graciously serve guests some refreshments, while the interiors are perfect for hiding extra toss cushions and throws. HIGH: Resin Madison Planters (used as table bases) in Caviar Black, 16", and 20", Sheridan Nurseries, $120 (16”), $180 (20”). LOW: Round clay fibre composite Stacey Planters (used as table bases), 18" and 22", Jysk, $50 (18”), $60 (22”).

Care tactics

Though it’s more resilient than its indoor counterpart, outdoor fabric is vulnerable to all manner of mess. Keep it clean by brushing off surface dirt regularly. If you spill, act fast: Blot (never rub) the liquid off and then spot clean by spraying with a solution of warm water and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry. HIGH: Parklane powder-coated aluminum armchair and sofa in Driftwood with foam-filled Sunbrella cushions in Heritage Granite, InsideOut Patio, $949 (armchair), $2,199 (sofa). LOW: Canvas FSC-certified eucalyptus Modena Armchair and Loveseat with polyfilled polyester cushions, Canadian Tire, $350 (armchair), $650 (loveseat).

Toss it here

Everyone loves a good toss cushion, but they'll really love these patterened cushions that make the couch pop with only a black and white graphic pattern. HIGH: GlucksteinHome outdoor polyfilled cotton Zig Zag Toss Cushion, Hudson’s Bay, $40. LOW: Beynac outdoor polyfilled polyester Toss Cushion, Jysk, $20.

Lie like a rug

Next time you’re entertaining outdoors, fool guests into thinking they’re lounging in your living room by laying out comforts like an outdoor rug and toss cushions. HIGH: Polypropylene Cane Grid Rug in Capri, 8' x 10', Pier 1 Imports, $820. LOW: Reversible plastic Cayaan Rugs in Blue, 5' x 8', Jysk, $35 each.

Ice bucket challenge

Think outside the bucket when creating a beverage station. Why not use a pretty planter filled with ice to keep bevvies cool under the sun? HIGH and LOW: Black faceted planeter (used as ice bucket), HomeSense, price varies.

Step up to the plate

Melamine plates deliver the durability of plastic without sacrificing the texture, pattern and colour variations of ceramic and stoneware. HIGH and LOW: Melamine plate, Pottery Barn, price varies.

Cozy on a summer night

Nothing is better than watching the sun set and seeing the stars come out on a summer night. Be prepared to get cozy for the long-haul with a throw blanket - perfectly matching your decor and nightly plans. HIGH: Acrylic Abbott Throw in Apricot Brandy, Pottery Barn, $39 US. LOW: Coral acrylic Throw, HomeSense, $40.

Twinkle, twinkle

String lights are out and lanterns are in! Home decorators have been loving lantern lighting for a while and it's finally being brough outside - and on a string! Enjoy a night of cards with friends or a book on the couch all summer. HIGH: Steel and glass Malta Lanterns in Silver Finish, Pottery Barn, $34 US each (small), and $49 US each (medium). LOW: Hometrends chrome-finished steel and glass Lanterns, Walmart, $25 each (small), and $35 (medium).