Instead of packing up your patio furniture right after Labor Day as some people do, there are a few simple things you can do to maximize your outdoor enjoyment.

* Add Lighting
As the days get shorter you'll need to add outdoor lighting so you can spend time on your deck or patio enjoying the crisp fall air well into the evening. Determine which areas of your deck need brighter lighting, and which to downplay with softer light. Place candles, lanterns or outdoor lamps on tables or consider low-voltage landscape lighting, which is both energy-efficient and affordable.

* Add Warmth
Because along with the shorter days will come cooler temperatures, you'll need a source of heat too, and may want to invest in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Many manufacturers now offer self contained fireplaces and fire pits you can set up on a deck or patio. These offer not only warmth and coziness, but a place to roast marshmallows and cook outdoor meals as well. While most are wood burning, some operate on gas and can share the fuel line with other outdoor appliances.

* Protect Outdoor Living Space from the Elements
It would also be a good idea to protect your outdoor living space from the elements with the addition of a retractable awning. These protective coverings instantly create a relaxing mood that can be easily extended over the deck when needed, then rolled away when not in use with the push of a button.

"Retractable awnings are one of the most versatile additions you can put on a home. They offer shade from the sun, shelter from light rain and falling leaves and the ability to prevent harmful ultraviolet light from shining into your home and fading furniture and carpeting, all while at the same time giving your home's exterior a distinct look," says Larry Bedosky of Durasol Awnings, a New York-based business that manufactures custom-made motorized retractable awning products.

His company's SunShelter Series, for example, comes in a wide variety of style options with over 200 vibrant 100-percent acrylic fabric colors and patterns to compliment any décor. They can be mounted on virtually any flat surface or even on a roof when limited mounting height is available. An optional drop valance allows a section of fabric to be lowered from the front bar, providing additional solar protection from early morning and late afternoon sun.

If you live in a windy region, an optional wind or motion sensor is available that allows awnings to automatically retract when wind speeds reach a predetermined level, preventing awning damage. For those who live in hot climates, a sensor can be added to allow for automatic operation determined by the sun's strength.

Bedosky points out that one of the best things about retractable awnings is that they are maintenance free. "When winter does finally arrive, all you have to do is push a button, watch them roll up and walk away," he says.

By taking the time to update your outdoor living space now, you'll be able to enjoy your time outdoors significantly longer than you did last year. If Mother Nature goes easy on us, you may still be out there enjoying the space after the first flakes fly.