How to Decorate Courtyards

Go outside and assess the size and shape of the courtyard you are decorating. Courtyards tend to be small, paved areas with limited flowerbeds and plenty of walking space. Find out where the sun falls into the space during the day, and in the evening, look to see where the sun sets.

Draw a rough diagram of the courtyard and mark on it the main features, such as the location of table and chairs, shape of flowerbeds, entry and exit points, and any ponds or statues. Also mark the location of any nearby electrical outlets.

Determine if any of the areas will need additional decorations or cover-up before your event. These will include blank open spaces, dark corners, entry and exit points, and around the rim of the flowerbeds, particularly if there are dull or dying plants. Highlight these areas on the paper by thickening lines or making asterisks.

Choose a theme for the courtyard space. Matching decorations according to color, country or style will give the courtyard a more sophisticated look, and can also help you keep your decoration shopping trip on-track. Look in outdoor or gardening magazines for inspiration.

Add lighting to the space, choosing fittings that match your theme. For example, use Chinese lanterns, fairy lights or spot lights depending on the look you want to achieve. Placing fairy lights around a gate or on a lantern hanging over a water feature enhances the atmosphere.

Hang a wind-chime from a tree or from the corner of an object, such as a table umbrella, corner of a building, or entrance gate. Use wood or metal, depending on the sound you prefer to hear.

Include decorations to suit children or adults, depending on who frequents the courtyard. For example, pick out small animal-shaped chairs for children, or use bar stools around high table for adults to enjoy an afternoon drink outside.

Put ornaments around the flowerbeds, such as gnomes or figurines. This can add interest to what otherwise might be mundane areas, and lends an artistic element and extra dimension to the space.

Continue to follow your diagram to choose things to fit into the spaces. Try to keep the courtyard clutter-free by creating levels: hang some things from higher places, and put other decorations on the ground.