(NC) Warmer weather means the beginning of social season and inviting friends and family into your home. Whether you're hosting a small get-together in your condo or a large party celebrating a long weekend in your cottage, here's how to prepare your space for company.

Restore outdoor living areas. No matter how proud we Canadians are of braving our freezing winters, nothing brings us outside quite like pleasant temperatures and some sun. No matter how small your outdoor space is, guests are sure to love any well-cared for area. Get your balcony or deck in top shape by cleaning debris, washing windows, trimming plants or grass, and hosing down patio furniture.

Go bold and bright. Once it's clean, complete your outdoor living area with cheerful accents in bright colours. You can achieve amazing atmosphere with romantic and mysterious outdoor lights. String Brooklyn lights around the veranda or a tree, or add Moroccan lamps for a beautiful space that glows at night.

Add a summery motif. Create serious cottage-chic vibes inside with rustic materials like wicker and rope, along with decorative elements in pale blues and farmhouse whites. Alternatively, bring the beach home using glass vases filled with seashells or sand and photos from your favourite summer vacations in crisp white frames.

Find functional window treatments. Set the scene for any occasion with intelligent shades that simplify your life. Smart technology meets stunning design in Hunter Douglas window treatments with the PowerView Motorization feature, which allows you to move your window treatments to the exact position you want and control them using your smartphone or tablet. You can even schedule your window treatments to coordinate with local sunrise and sunset timing.

Finish with gorgeous greenery. Plants and flowers are the perfect finishing touches inside and out. Daisies, marigolds, dahlias and lilies around your home will brighten up everyone's day and stay in bloom all summer long.

www.newscanada.com