We have a 20x20 sized patio.what can we put back there in place of a patio table & umbrella?

Question

we have an umbrella very similar to this one.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07180699000P

but since we do not use our wrought iron patio table and chairs alot what can we put in place of that? i was thinking to keep the umbrella and get like a glider chair, etc...? if we have guests we need some type of table stil, but overall i was looking at getting something which is more comfortable for us when we want to use it. we live in WI so our summers are very short.

Answer 1

I used a big palm with the leaves spread out with tiny white lights on them.  You can use large square pots and use spanish moss or colored rocks to cover the dirt (spanish moss will help with keeping moisture trapped in).  Or, buy several different heights of palms with different colored pots to match/compliment the patio/house colors and do the same.  If you don't want to have to worry about live plants, you can go to Lowes or Home Depot and get fake ones with lights already on them (they come in a box with three of them in there).  Then put in your glider, or better yet a couple of white rocking chairs so you can rock at your speed and not your partners.  You can always bring the plants in during the winter, and the same with the rockers.

Answer 2

You could use benches and side tables for convienience. Sort of like an outdoor livingroom. Only you know how much you use it and how often you have guests over.