Patio Swings: Decorating with Memories

Adding warm, atmospheric details to my house has been one of those things I always want to do, but never seem to find the time. So far, a framed painting here and a flower pot there have been the extent of my decorating know-how. My husband often has better ideas for our new, almost bare house than I do. Daydreaming and reminiscing at my desk the other day, I suddenly realized our next important home furniture addition: a patio swing.

As a young child, I used to stay at my grandparents' home frequently, and their patio swing was a very important part of what made their house a home. We have multiple group photos of our family posing around that patio swing. Its rusty metal frame with remnants of red paint attested to its age and importance. The patio swing seat was wooden, and the green paint had worn off with weather's abuse and our frequent use.

Situated by the patio picnic table, this well-loved patio swing would accommodate my grandma's frequent visitors. One guest, with his mustache and long hair, actually brought his guitar to serenade us while sitting in that patio swing.

The patio swing sat right in front of an enormous mock orange shrub, which towered over the top, and white flower petals would fall on the swing during the summer. When watermelon was served, my brother and I would sit comfortably in the patio swing, our feet in the air and unable to touch the ground, and we would hold seed-spitting contests.

My grandma had several beds of flowers at her country home. While she worked on those in the yard, the neighbor kids, my brothers, and I would all play tag. That patio swing was always home base. When the snow came, my grandpa dutifully unhooked the patio swing from its stand to store it for the winter.

Wherever I have gone, patio swings have been a source of comfort and a center for entertainment throughout the years. While researching various options, I have found wooden patio swings, which look homey and comfortable. These swings tend to look traditional, much like my grandma's worn green swing.

No matter which patio swing I find, I will be glad to know that my children and grandchildren will have the same fond memories. A patio swing will be just the start of bringing warm memories from my childhood into my own home. My next endeavor for a cozy atmosphere may just be an impressive mock orange shrub.

~ Marie Underwood