Fran's Home & Family Tips

Fran Swift's blog is a source of homemaking tips and advice for a happy family and a comfortable home.
Tue Jul 14

How to Transform Your Outdoor Space for Almost Nothing

Summer is a great opportunity to unwind outside and take in the balmy evenings that are a relief from the day’s heat. Parties are even more fun in the lower temperatures of the evening hours. It’s a time for everyone to enjoy some time together laughing and having fun. There are unique things you can do tomake your garden area into a perfect party place without spending too much money. Here are some tricks to help you get the most out of the summer evenings to come.

Get the clutter cleaned up. Space is the key here, so take the time to go through the clutter that’s scattered in your yard. A tool rack, a large storage bin, or a cabinet with doors are all perfect ways to hide the clutter and keep what you need nearby. Once the area has been cleared and you have more space to work with, get out the push mower, cut the grass and edge it to create a manicured and professional look. A landscaped yard gives the impression of order and organization and is vital to any party spot.

Now that your space is cleaned up, decide where everyone will sit. If you don’t have patio furniture, consider purchasing some at a garage sale or second-hand store and sprucing it up with some new, soft cushions and repainting with some rust-repelling spray paint. You can get hundreds of dollars-worth of furniture for a small investment and then transform it to look like you bought it from an expensive design store. If you don’t have a shaded top in your yard, consider buying or renting a canopy gazebo to provide shade for your guests. They are like an extra room and have paneled doors that are easy to come in and out of and provide a great area for socializing. They can also serve to keep the flying insects out if you choose to serve the drinks and food inside the garden gazebo.

Everyone’s favorite part of a summer party has to be what’s to eat and drink. Lemonade with strawberry puree ice cubes is a great way to add color, flavor, and pizzazz to regular lemonade. You can also freeze lemonade into cubes and serve it with ice-cold citrus-flavored soda for a tart and tangy variation!

As the night comes in, the flying insects come out, so consider buying the best repellent you can find to extend your night-time fun. They can really eliminate or repel the pesky bugs and improve your outdoor environment for you and your guests. Additionally, if you don’t have one already, you can get something for making a fire outside for less than $200 from a local discount store. Use a search engine to look for classified ads by families who no longer need their outdoor items in good condition, due to a move or remodeling. This is a great way to get something you need for up to 90% less than buying them brand-new from a store. Try putting up some lights outside to make your party really shine!