Autumn: It’s the quintessential season for throwing outdoor parties. The air is cooler, the turning leaves make for the best views, and (hello!) it’s football season. But if your outdoor patio space is less than exciting, it can put a bit of a damper on the party.

Don’t let a drab outdoor area keep you from hosting the best events this season. With some easy DIY tips, you can turn that outdoor space into something your friends and family will be begging to see.

First Things First: Repair Your Deck

If your deck looks like it hasn’t been touched in decades, consider this your first DIY project on the road to a better outdoor patio. Rotting wood is a safety hazard, and you don’t want to have to worry about anyone getting nasty splinters in their feet. There are plenty of videos that will help show you how to properly replace rotten wood.

Is the wood not rotting but just looking a little drab? Consider giving it a good wash and stain. You’ll be surprised by how different your outdoor patio will look just by completing this task.

If You Have an Outdoor Fireplace, Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint

During those colder days in autumn, a patio can truly benefit from an outdoor fireplace. Plus, it gives off a comfy vibe your guests will enjoy. If you already have an outdoor fireplace, but it’s looking a bit outdated, you can spruce it up yourself for a fraction of what a professional would charge.

Companies like Brick-Anew sell paint that is specifically designed for brick, so there’s no need to completely replace your fireplace when all it really needs is a good painting job.

Breathe Life into Your Space by Adding Some Plants

Visit your nearest independent home improvement store’s lawn and garden department and pick out your favorite shrubbery. Hang some ferns or plant your favorite flowers in a large flower pot. Or, if you’re feeling super crafty, you can turn to Pinterest for some ideas on how to create your own flower pots.

If you weren’t born with a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance flowers for you to choose from. Or you can skip the plants altogether and fill your outdoor space with interesting trinkets from antique stores instead.

Give Your Guests Something Comfy to Sit On

Finding furniture for your outdoor space doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Before you shell out money on expensive patio furniture, check your local thrift store or antique stores first.

Can’t find matching chairs? No problem—mismatched is in style. But if you’re really worried about it looking bad, buy some matching seat cushions or visit Pinterest to learn how to repurpose those thrift store chairs.

Redecorating your outdoor space doesn’t have to be a major hassle. Get your friends to help and turn it into a day project. Then, when you’re all finished, grab a cold drink, take a seat and enjoy the fruits of your labor.