Spring is creeping near, which means it’s almost time to invite everyone you know over to that tiny semblance of a garden we call a New York City backyard. (Or terrace, or rooftop … or fire escape, as the case may be.)

Even the tiniest of outdoor spaces can be worthy of entertaining, especially when spruced up with lively accents and pretty potted plants.

Here are 10 compact, cheerful and unexpected home furnishings that will help turn the saddest urban pocket into an al fresco paradise. Make this the year you sweep out the old leaves and string up the fairy lights.