We’ve already focused on getting the inside of your home ready for a cool, carefree season, but summer is about enjoying the sun and those warm, breezy nights! Here is a checklist of ideas for creating memorable outdoor living and entertaining experiences all summer long:
Start with repair work. Inspect for and fix any winter wear and tear that could pose hazards of physical injury, such as splintering or rotting wood, loose or raised nails, cracks in cement, broken flagstones, and so forth. While you’re at it, inspect for—and be sure to clean out and seal—any places that might make ideal nesting spots for wasps, hornets, or other stinging pests.
Get out the hose. Take advantage of lingering cooler days or early evenings for the more physically demanding work of sweeping, pulling weeds, and hosing down, scrubbing, or power-washing patios, decks, balconies, and outdoor furniture. If power-washing, be super careful to read and heed all safety instructions.
Freshen the furniture. Especially if patio furniture winters outside, inspect carefully for signs of rust, rot, structural weakness, loose nails and screws, and address accordingly. Consider re-painting, re-staining, and/or treating for future resistance to rust. Check and treat all cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and other textiles for mold and mildew.
Gear up your grilling game. If you have a gas grill, now is the time to fill propane tanks, clean, and inspect all gas lines and connections, and clean or replace lava stones. There two basic schools of thought on how to best clean grill grates, which we covered in this post a few years back.
Decorate! The most enjoyable outdoor summer spaces borrow ideas from home decorating. For example, there is a whole world of amazing ideas just for decorating fences and outer walls. For inspiration with plants and flower pots, check out Southern Living’s 121 container gardening ideas and ElectroSawHQ‘s 19 Easy-To-Do Ideas for Container Gardening. Consider also using containers to grow fresh veggies and herbs that you can harvest literally when our cooking on your grill. Talk about fresh!
When it comes to placing flowering plants in or around patios, decks, and balconies, do some research first into what blooms and scents are most attractive to biting bugs and stinging creatures such as bees as well as to more welcome visitors such as butterflies and humming birds.
Bear in mind as you decorate that mosquitoes breed rapidly in standing water, so, at all costs, avoid placing open containers that will collect rainwater. Other fun and practical elements to consider when decorating outdoor spaces for summer include: strings of white or colorful twinkling lights; paper lanterns; kerosene or solar-powered torches; a heating element such as a fire pit, propane heater, or chiminea for chilly nights; and lots of colorful pillows, cushions and even a blanket throw or two for max lounging comfort.
