Written by Jane Blanchard  

A patio can serve as a focal point for a backyard and act as an outdoor gathering place. While surrounding buildings and trees can provide visual interest, a patio often gets overlooked in the decorating department since most people see it as a functional place to grill out or relax outdoors. Whether it's a large area with table and chairs or a small area with standing room only, here are five ways to spruce up a patio and bring color into the area.