When it comes to making use of a small outdoor space, it's best to start with the basics. A bistro set, with a small table and a couple of chairs, is perfect for an alfresco wine and dine. As an added bonus, most bistro sets fold for quick storage.

Last week I talked about design dilemmas common with the quintessential rectangular urban yard, and space (or should I say, lack thereof), is usually at the top of the list. From inspiration to DIY's, tips on products available on the market and where to source them — this post will surely have you dreaming up new ways to best utilize a small footprint in the garden.

We used to have this one family on our apartment block, who, in all kinds of weather, you would find playing out front: mom, dad, and their two daughters. Not out back of our building, where there are trees and grass and picnic tables, but out front, where there is an ugly parking lot and a shriveled, sad attempt at a garden. Why were they out there? What was with that?

I have the tiniest balcony that barely fits a café table and chairs for dining a deux. It currently needs a reprieve from the IKEA chairs that have seen a few too many seasons, and I hope to refresh it over the next month and post the before and after. In my quest to update my balcony, I've been doing a little research — take a look at some inspiring spaces that I found for al fresco dining.

Black and white stripes pack a bold punch, which is great, because summer is no time to be subdued and demure. Go for it with this striped furniture and decor for the outdoors.

Wattle fencing originated in England and was traditionally woven with willow or hazel branches. However, it can incorporate a variety of twigs, reeds, or branches you find outdoors (namely oak, elder, hornbeam and ash). 

When I think of Spring I think of blue skies and warm breezes. Unfortunately, right now there are actually more grey skies and cold gusts. For now, I'll gaze upon this collection of blue outdoor chairs and live in the Springtime of my dreams.

If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space where you live, now is a great time to start thinking about planting a vegetable garden. Cheap, sustainable and just good fun, gardening is great for everyone. 

As any city renter will tell you, any amount of outdoor space in an urban environment is a boon. While some are lucky enough to have their own private patio or, in rare cases, a whole yard, most outdoor spaces come with neighbors attached.