Make the Most of Summer with Outdoor Living

Make the most of the beautiful weather by creating an inviting outdoor living space that caters to entertaining friends, sharing meals with loved ones, keeping the kids happy, and providing a haven for your furry companions.

• Furnish for Flexibility: Tailor your furniture choices to how you plan to use your space. A bistro set with comfy cushions is perfect for intimate gatherings, while a sectional sofa and fire pit create a lounge area for larger groups. Wicker, aluminum, or teak furniture options offer durability against the elements.
• Sun Smart Sheltering: Beat the heat with shade solutions. Large or market umbrellas offer protection, while awnings or pergolas provide more permanent cover. Plant strategically placed trees for natural shade that enhances your yard’s aesthetics.
• Blooming and Buzzing: Introduce pops of color and life with potted plants and flowering shrubs. A butterfly garden with native blooms will attract beautiful pollinators, adding another dimension to your outdoor space.

Let’s Eat Outside!

Your outdoor space is the perfect place to host unforgettable summer gatherings. Here are some ideas to get the fun started:

• Brunch Bunch: Start your day with a leisurely brunch outdoors. Whip a batch of fluffy pancakes or waffles, or serve savory egg casseroles and breakfast burritos. Remember the mimosas!
• Alfresco Feasts: Eat outdoors whenever possible. Salads bursting with fresh summer produce, grilled fish tacos, and chilled gazpacho are all perfect for hot-weather dining.
• Market Fresh Feasts: Visit your local farmers market to find fresh, seasonal ingredients for delicious outdoor meals.
• Picnic Perfection: Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit salad, and refreshing drinks for a delightful picnic in the park. Include a frisbee or a ball for some post-lunch fun.
• The Great Grill Out: Fire up the grill for classic burgers and hot dogs, or get adventurous with kebabs, grilled pizzas, or smoky ribs. Prepare a variety of marinated meats, veggie skewers, and fresh summer salads. Remember the buns and condiments!
• Pizza Under the Stars: Set up a pizza oven or invest in a portable pizza stone for your grill. Let your guests create their pizzas with various toppings – a fun and interactive meal for all ages!
• Global Tapas Night: Create a grazing table with various international finger foods. Skewers with grilled meats and veggies, mini quiches, summer rolls, and fresh fruit with a honey yogurt dip are all crowd-pleasers.
• Backyard BBQ Bliss: Potluck Perfection: Host a potluck where each guest brings a dish to share. A potluck is a fantastic way to sample a variety of cuisines and lighten the load on the host.
• Music Magic: Create a summer playlist filled with upbeat tunes or chill vibes to set the mood for your gathering.

Keeping the Kids Cool and Occupied

• Sprinkler Showdown: Set up a sprinkler or a kiddie pool to keep the little ones cool and entertained for hours.
• Slip and Slide Extravaganza: Invest in a heavy-duty tarp and turn your backyard into a slip-and-slide paradise. Add a sprinkler or hose at the top for extra refreshing fun.
• Backyard Obstacle Course: Get creative and build an obstacle course using hula hoops, jump ropes, tunnels made from blankets, and other household items.
• Giant Bubbles Galore: A giant bubble solution is a recipe for giggles and entertainment. Kids will love chasing and popping the enormous, iridescent spheres. Make a giant bubble solution with a little dish soap, glycerin, and water. Provide large bubble wands, and let the kids chase and pop giant bubbles all afternoon.
• Sidewalk Art Sensation: Turn your driveway or sidewalk into a giant canvas with buckets of colored chalk. Sidewalk chalk offers a mess-free artistic outlet to keep kids busy for ages.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Hide small toys or treats around the yard and have the kids embark on a discovery adventure.
• Lawn Game League: Classic games like cornhole, frisbee, or badminton provide hours of entertainment for guests of all ages. Set up a giant Jenga game or a ladder toss tournament for a more relaxed vibe.
• Backyard Playhouse: Pitch a tent or create a fort using blankets and pillows for imaginative play.
• Kiddie Campout: Pitch a tent in the backyard and let the kids enjoy a night of outdoor camping fun. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit (with adult supervision, of course!), tell spooky stories, and gaze at the stars.
• Movie Night Magic: Project a movie onto a sheet on a clothesline or the side of your house. Cozy with blankets, popcorn, and snacks for an unforgettable summer soirée under the stars.

Don’t Forget About Your Furry Friends

Our furry companions deserve to enjoy the outdoors, too! Here are some ways to keep your pets cool and comfortable:

• Provide Plenty of Shade and Water: Ensure your pet can access a shady area to escape the sun’s rays. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets to stay hydrated. Create a shaded area with a comfy pet bed where they can escape the sun. For energetic pups, set up a kiddie pool or a small sprinkler for them to splash in.
• Shady Playtime: Schedule during the more excellent parts of the day, early morning or evening. Avoid walking on hot pavement, as it can burn their paws. Invest in a pair of pet-cooling booties for added protection.
• Frozen Treats: Freeze some chicken broth or plain yogurt in a Kong toy for your pet to lick. This will keep them cool and entertained. Whip up some frozen dog treats using bananas, peanut butter, and yogurt. Freeze them in ice cube trays or Kong toys for a refreshing summer snack.
• Leashed Adventures: Enjoy the fresh air with your furry companion by taking them for evening walks or hikes. Before venturing out, be sure to check leash laws and pet restrictions in your area.

Ambiance After Dark

Transform your outdoor space into a magical nighttime retreat with:

• Twinkling Lights: String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered fairy lights cast a warm and inviting glow.
• Flickering Flames: A fire pit or citronella torches provide ambiance and warmth on cooler summer evenings.
• Nature’s Touch: Outdoor candles (with proper safety precautions) add a touch of serenity.

Extra Touches for Summer Bliss

• Privacy Matters: If you want some privacy in a close-knit neighborhood, consider adding privacy screens or planting tall shrubs or hedges around the perimeter of your outdoor space.
• Bug Be Gone: Citronella candles, tiki torches, or bug-repellent plants like citronella grass or marigolds can help deter pesky insects.
• Storage Solutions: Designate a weatherproof storage bin or container to keep outdoor cushions, throws, and pool toys organized when not in use.

By incorporating these ideas, your outdoor space can become a hub for summer fun, relaxation, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, step outside, soak up the sunshine, and turn your backyard into your summer oasis!