It’s that time of the year again, folks. The sweet, sultry summer air is here, bringing with it the summons of fiery barbecue nights and long, lazy days by the poolside. Sometimes, seeing the after-effects of winter in your backyard might dull the anticipation for the oncoming summer season and its festivities. Are you worried about having an unkempt yard that’ll kill the mood as soon as the guests step in? Well, this article is here for your rescue.
As summer’s balmy afternoons and light evenings make for the ideal outdoor weather to host friends and family, it’s a good idea to start sprucing your backyard for the show! Regardless of the particular event, such as an alfresco brunch or barbeque, proper planning is essential for smooth execution. Follow along these handy tips to ensure your backyard is ready to wow everyone at your next summer party:
1. Take care of the junk
When someone says “spring/summer,” homeowners only hear the word “pending home improvements.” Jokes aside, these seasons make the perfect excuse to clear out and freshen up your garden and backyard. Why? Because winter storms and frost have done their damage, and you must take charge to clean out the left-behind clutter. To get started with the prep work, clean the garbage and weed out the flower beds. Then, clean up stray leaves, twigs, and nettles from pathways, decking, and the patios. Inspect the exterior for any damage and schedule repairs. If you have to replace fences, furniture, and outdoor kitchen doors, do it quickly. Though these tasks involve extensive time and muscle, checking them off the prep list first will allow you to focus on critical matters (hint: sunbathing, duh!).
2. Maintain that landscape
Most homes have plant containers lying around their deck or patio. Before the parties begin, try to fill these containers with fresh, blooming flowers to increase the appeal of your outdoors instantly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any withered or dead blooms and replace them with new plants every once in a while. So, when it’s time to let the guests in, you’ll be confident that only blooming and lively plants welcome them.
3. Trim, tweak and prune that greenery
The plants, shrubs, and flowers are the most prominent features of a yard. And the onset of summer commands you to put your green thumb to work and enhance these beautiful features. Add some colorful garden plants to the beds and add shrubsthat have no off-season for blooming. Similarly, you can spread pots, baskets, and tubs containing flowers throughout the garden. Don’t worry; you don’t need a gardening diploma to get this done. Even simply watering your greenery and following basic instructions can reap remarkable results!
4. Tidy up those pathways and driveways
A home’s curb appeal is one sore sight after months of snow shoveling and accumulated grime. So, try your best to repair such weatherdamage by thoroughly cleaning the pathways and driveway. Also, check for any crumbling spots and mend them ASAP to avoid accidents. If you need to repair or replace the concrete/asbestos, call in the professionals at your earliest.
5. Reserve areas for entertaining
Do you have an entertaining area to accommodate everyone you’ve invited? Well, you better start arranging one. The opportunities here are endless. You can choose an open-air kitchenette or go with a minidining area, complete with mood lighting and vibrant floor cushions.
The key here is to keep the yard’s measurements and style in mind while designing this area. For example, decking remains a classic addition whether your garden is modern or rustic. Alternatively, you can polish up an old deck using some varnish.
Don’t have a spacious garden? No worries. An incredible garden party is still possible. Maximize your current space by adjusting the seating, such as chic seats/benches made from recycled materials or corner sofas. Take inspiration from Pinterest and let your imagination run wild!
6. Set up a bar
Add a little swag to your outdoor party by creating a small beverage station or bar. Besides having a durable surface to avoid spilling your expensive wine, you’ll be less prone to misplacing the bottle opener so often.
7. Prep outdoor furniture
A little neglect and seasonal battering are all that it takes for your furniture to lose its shine. Therefore, you need to prep and revive your outdoor furniture before summer kicks in full swing. Look for any signs of rust, scratches, and nicks on the frames. Spot and eliminate signs of discoloration from the vinyl straps. Ensure all fasteners are tight and there are no rips in the mesh slings.
8. Go old-school with a picnic table and benches
An excellent way to accommodate a large gathering is by building an all-American picnic table surrounded by benches. Doing so will allow everyone to squeeze elbow-to-elbow and get in the spirit of sharing meals. This type of furniture works well in all landscapes and is often seen in parks and backyards. Wouldn’t it be fun, for once, to get off the deck and be on the cool grass?If you’re taking the DIY route, you can easily find online step-by-step instructions for building this masterpiece.
9. Review the barbeque essentials
Before sending the invites, give your barbeque essentials a once-over. People dealing with charcoal grills must dispose of any ashes or other remnants from them. Then, get some soapy water and soak the grate.If some cooking residue remains afterward, try professional cleaners. And lastly, scrub everything nicely using a scourer or barbecue brush.
10. Turn it up with outdoor music and lighting
When the rest of your design comes together, the final step is to set the mood and improve the yard’s ambiance. Kick your party up a notch by incorporating some outdoor lighting and a booming sound system or speakers. Suppose your guests want to chill after an evening dinner party. Then, a tweak of the lighting settings and a lo-fi playlist can accompany them as they relax breathe in the fresh summer night air.
11. Prepare for unpredictable weather
Weather can be quite unpredictable during the summers. Nobody can genuinely enjoy themselves outdoor if it starts pouring. For that reason, it’s best to set up some canopies or pergolas to ensure the weather doesn’t disrupt your ongoing party. The specialty of summer parties is staying outside and basking in the glory of nature. So, it’s best to prepare in case nature starts having mood swings.
Wrapping up
Summertime provides the ideal opportunity for homeowners to flex their hosting skills. And if you want to secure this year’s title of The Best Barbeque Host,take some time to prep and revive your backyard. This article mentioned some helpful tips to guide you through the said process. These involve maintaining the landscape, setting up a bar, and incorporating outdoor lighting. So, go on, follow this guide and make the most of the warm, sunny days and nights ahead.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
