BY AMANDA BLOYE, FW Writer

With hot summer days and hotter summer nights upon us, many individuals are looking to their backyards, decks, balconies and patios with dreams of something more. With visions of wrought iron patio sets and decadent gardens
dancing through their heads, Fashion Weekly is here to offer you, our readers, a go-to decorating guide for any outdoor living space.
Elegant Evenings
If a luxurious outdoor living environment is what you seek than cast iron and precious metals should be at the top of your list. D.O.T Patio and Home offers many cast and metal sets with pieces ranging from tea tables, chairs and loungers to party bars and full dining tables. Sets we like are the Elizabeth and Real Weave collections. Pieces in the Elizabeth collection are simple with intricately woven cast iron designs are range in price from $98 for a 21” side table to $995 for a full party bar. The Real Weave collection offers a similar level of elegance with a combinationof “classic design and simple beauty mixed with practicality. Pieces in this collection range from $94 for a 21” side table to $1450 for a rectangular 46” by 120” table or an oval 70” by 100” table.
When accenting these spaces a great way to go is to keep your eye on the gold. Pillows, tablecloths and seat cushions offer comfort while still maintaining an acceptable level of elegance. If the thought of all-gold accents frightens you
try crème fabrics with gold patterns or designs to compliment your personal style. Another great way to add evening elegance is to strategically place candles throughout your patio. Side tables, the dining table and even coffee tables allow perfect opportunities for romantic lighting. If your patio is beside a pool or hot tub, floating candles can also aid
homeowners in setting the perfect summer dining mood.
Catering to a Crowd
If a balcony or small patio is the space you have to work with worry not because a smaller space doesn’t mean a sacrifice in outdoor style. A petite space to entertain allows for a more intimate atmosphere and a great chance to
experiment with your individual taste. One way to decorate this type of area is to place a wicker love seat or couch in the area along with an accenting coffee table or side tables. If space permits an additional couch could be placed across from the original for a greater amount of seating and group conversation. D.O.T offers a great collection, Colonial, which allows individuals to customize the amount of seats, offered in their “couch” setting. With two corner chairs on either end, at a cost of $275, and the side chairs in the middle, $175 each, seating can be added or removed as guests come and go.
Balcony Bistro
If you don’t have the space for a couchtype setting a great avenue to explore is the bistro setting. D.O.T’s Olympia and Cypress bistro allow the elegance of cast iron of precious metal furniture to intertwine with the simplicity of a smaller living space to bring you the ultimate in comfort and luxury. A great accent to this type of space is candles or tea lights to help create ambiance and give you the authentic Parisian experience. Another great way to go is to accent your bistro table with an elaborate vase filled with the beauty of fresh flowers of your choice.
The important thing to remember when decorating any outdoor space is to keep your ownpersonal style at the top of your list. Know the space you have to work with and don’t worry about accenting right away. A great way to go is
to start with the table and chairs as the signature piece and work your way around it to find a look you love. For great ideas on styles and possible pieces visit Dot Canada at www.dotcanada. com or Toronto Patio Furniture at www. torontopatiofurniture.com.