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A good rule of thumb for patios is to treat them like you would an indoor space. (More on what that means in a moment.) With summer, comes the need for outdoor entertaining, and the patio or deck is the obvious place to make party-central. Take the space you’ve got, add a little DIY and Done—Walmart’s one-stop-shop for all things outdoor improvement—and you just added practical square footage to your home.

Here are a few ideas to help create an outdoor space that rivals anything inside.

Get a larger rug than you think you need

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Stripe Area Rug, Walmart ($14)
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Small rugs optically shrink a space, so when in doubt, go big. Look for products made from hardy, weather-resistant materials that can be washed or hosed down after entertaining, like this green striped option. 

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Geometric Outdoor Patio Rug, Walmart ($40)
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Or you could throw your outdoor sitting area a curve by adding a graphic round rug.

Accommodate, accommodate, accommodate

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Stainless Steel Chair Set, Walmart ($154)
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Make sure everyone gets a seat so you’re not dragging your best dining chairs outside at your next function. Having a few of these teal stainless steel chairs will get the job done. 

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Outdoor Accent Pillow Set, Walmart ($25)
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Accent your seating with functional pillows. Your guests will appreciate the extra lumbar support, or you can toss them on the outdoor rug for a casual Moroccan vibe.

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Don’t skimp on the surfaces

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Retro Metal Side Table, Walmart ($38)
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Outdoor side tables hold drinks, appetizers, and paperback novels—you can never have too many surfaces when you’re entertaining.

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Outdoor Side Table, Walmart ($100)
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Liven up a tired outdoor setting with this sunny side table by the Novogratz.

Create ambience

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Steel BBQ Grill Fire Pit Bowl, Walmart ($42)
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Every room needs a focal point—it could be a mantle, a large painting, a large sculpture—and your patio is no exception. A fire is a superb attraction, drawing guests to huddle closer, hypnotized by the flames. People are a lot more like moths than you’d think.

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Adjustable Flame Penta Glass Votive , Walmart ($11)
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Speaking of fire, lighting is important indoor and out, especially once the sun sets. A good tip for chic gatherings: keep the lighting low. It makes everyone look softer and less spooky. 

See more outdoor ideas: Summery Porches We Can’t Stop Pinning Don’t Let the Name Fool You: “Mullet Homes” Are Drop-Dead Gorgeous The High-Impact Trick That’ll Make Any Home Stand Out