Spring is here, and what better place to celebrate nature’s annual awakening than outside on your patio or deck? It’s just the spot to host an it’s-finally-spring party (or even to chill solo with a cocktail and a good book). But all deck décor is not created equal, so before you gather friends and family and kick off the outdoor season, take the time to piece together a welcoming retreat with some help from these tips.

Keep your décor colorful, your food and drinks convenient, and strive for a good balance of shady and sunny areas (with plenty of relaxing seating). Then you can kick back and bask in the spring-ready glory of your outdoor space.

Our Let’s Lounge Alfresco: The Outdoor Living Room and Let’s Toast Spring: The Outdoor Cocktail Party Boutiques open Wednesday, March 27, at 3PM ET.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

Do you have any favorite outdoor cocktail party recipes? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, and be sure to check out our Food & Entertaining column every Wednesday.

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Even if you are still salting the porch steps, the first day of spring is just eight days away, which means it’s time to pack away the puffer coats and start ordering iced coffee. (If we think warm thoughts, the weather will follow.) But, don’t do anything drastic. There is a method to transitioning into the sunny season – it has been studied, tested, and proven effective – and it’s broken down here, in three steps.

1. Clean House
Hibernation time is over. Let the sunlight stream in and spruce up the homestead with colorful throw pillows, white linens, and fresh flowers on every side table. The Stylishly Lived-In Home Boutiques open Wednesday, March 13, at 3PM, and our Clear the Clutter: Chic Storage Essentials Boutique opens Friday, March 22, at 3PM.

2. Throw a Party
Celebrating egg-hunting season, opening the back patio, or thanking Big Brother for that extra hour of sunlight – whatever the occasion, everyone likes a party. So, deck the tables with gourmet goodies and send out the e-invites. Our Here Comes the Easter Bunny: Gourmet Goodies Boutique opens Wednesday, March 13, at 11AM.

3. Book a Trip
Big kids need spring break, too. We’re thinking – white sand beaches. Our Grecian Getaway: Santorini, Mykonos, & Ios Boutique opens Tuesday, March 12, at 11AM.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Have any getting-ready-for-spring tips? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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