Sweep the deck, sweep it clean, and sweep it so no dust can be seen!

For those lucky enough to have a deck, they know it can be an asset to any home. A deck can provide additional living space; a place to relax, entertain and eat meals.

The way you decide to adorn your deck can make owning one even more enjoyable and inviting. Here are some decorating tips you can use to deck out your deck. If you do not have a deck, do not worry; you can always try some of these ideas on a patio, porch or even a section of grass in your backyard.

Add Lights. How about lighting up your deck with light sets? These are sold in a wide range of colors and designs and are similar to Christmas tree lights. The come in many fun shapes and sizes and can add a bit of romance to the entire backyard. If you really want to splurge, try adding lights to a potted plant '- wrap them around the stalk of a potted palm or large tree on the deck. Voila! Instant art.

Use Potted Plants. Another way of jazzing up your deck area is by using plants in unusual containers. Before planting, think about the wide variety of items that will work for container plantings such as old furniture, football helmets, wagons or wheelbarrows, wicker baskets and teapots. Just be sure the container has proper drainage by drilling holes or adding an inch or so of a layer of gravel to the bottom. Plant your container with plants that will complement it. If you do not want to use live flowering plants, how about trying artificial ones? There are some great silk plants out there truly resemble the real thing.

Shop for Furniture. You can also add some pizzazz to your deck area by updating your furniture. This does not necessarily mean go ahead and throw out what you have but just try to dress it up a little. Perhaps add some new seat covers to the chairs or a new umbrella with a pattern for the table. This will brighten it up and make it more inviting and comfortable. If you do want to purchase new furniture, there is plenty to choose from including wicker and wrought iron.

Add Accessories. Usually the deck has some wall surface because they are usually built onto the house, so this is an opportunity to decorate it with such items as flowers, wicker baskets to hold items, wooden plaques or even birdhouses.

Here is a list of other items to try on your deck:

• Welcome mats
• Wind chimes
• Sea shells (these can be used as ashtrays)
• Drift wood
• Pretty rocks
• Candles (don't forget citronella to keep the bugs away)
• Wicker baskets to hold small gardening tools or snips of herbs and flowers
• Vases or other containers full of flowers and/or herbs

Remember, even if you live in a warm sunny climate, there is the occasional rain shower so don't want to store books and magazines or any other items that might be ruined or faded by the sun's harsh rays on an uncovered deck. If your deck has a roof, you have a lot more options like sprucing up the area with pillows, throws, games and furniture that won't fade or get ruined by the occasional rain drop, salty air or dust storm.

Creating a unique deck area can help make your time spent outside much more enjoyable and definitely, a more interesting place to entertain.