Summertime, and the backyard is calling! The flowers are bloomin’ and the grass is green …
OK, so the real words to that song are definitely better, but after what felt like an endless—albeit relatively mild—winter, we’re thrilled to turn our focus to tricking out all of our outdoor spaces and getting them party ready. We’ve got a few suggestions for prepping your porch or backyard for whatever summer’s got in store.
Classically Patriotic
I have a deep childhood attachment to the idea of a big bowl of strawberries and blueberries layered with whipped cream around Memorial Day. It’s so quick, easy and festive to make for an impromptu get-together or potluck. If you’re more into turning your fruit into a meal than dessert, try a simple salad composed of spinach, strawberries, blueberries and crumbled goat cheese.
Set your picnic table with a crisp white tablecloth or this cute one with a little pop of color for a sophisticated vibe. Finish off the table with a pitcher of refreshing white sangria, ready to help you cool down and chill out.
Drive-In Chic
Who doesn’t love a backyard movie on a sweet summer night? Set yourself up for cinematic pleasure with some good seating, whether it be comfy lounge chairs or a nice, water-resistant blanket with some floor pillows. No one wants to watch a movie while craning his or her neck and sitting on the lumpy ground.
Snacks are also key! Set up a popcorn bar with different types of specialty popcorn: cheese, herbs and small candies are a good place to get started, or you could give a nod to Memorial Day patriotism by drizzling some popcorn with white chocolate and red and blue sprinkles.
As for the movie screen, there are a few options. You can buy one, construct your own, or simply hang a big bedsheet off the back of your house. Ta-da!
Welcome to the Tiki Bar
You don’t actually have to build a tiki bar to infuse your outdoor space with a little tropical style. Start with the classic tiki torch. Instead of messing with tiki torch oil, give these battery-powered bamboo LED torches a try.
Grill up some marinated pineapple slices, throw together some little ham & Swiss sandwiches in Hawaiian rolls, set out a fruit salad and kick back with a pitcher of your favorite fruity slushy drink. If you don’t have one already, start with a classic piña colada. You can also reference Beachbum Berry’s Total Tiki app to get new drink ideas and recipes right on your phone. Don’t forget the little drink umbrellas!
No matter what theme or scheme you go with, pest avoidance is key, especially this year given the Zika situation. Citronella candles have come such a long way in the past few years. Gone are the days when our options are plastic buckets full of wax that just smells like bug repellent. I bought my first fancy, “upscale” citronella candle at Whole Foods a few years ago, and I’ll never go back. Terrain has a huge selection of beautiful citronella candles that smell less like you’re trying to deter pests and more like you’re enjoying a fancy evening alfresco. I’m itching (see what I did there?) to try this Citronella Eucalyptus hand-poured soy candle.
You’re all set—now get out there and enjoy your summer!
- Photos: Lisa Yoder
2 Comments