1Update with Pops of Bright Color
Darrell Gulin//Getty Images Take your backyard from bland to bright! Dress up your deck, patio, or balcony with a simple display of colorful pots and birdhouses. Choose vibrantly colored flowers that complement the color of the pots. Use acrylic craft paints or spray paint to make inexpensive clay pots any color you like.
SHOP CLAY POTS
2Upcycle Unique Containers
Elva Etienne//Getty Images If your favorite gardening wellies have sprung a leak, don't toss them! Turn them into cute planters that fit well on the steps to your deck or by a sunny back door. This is also a sweet way to upcycle your child's old wellies that have been outgrown.
SHOP RAIN BOOTS
3Build a DIY Window Box
Julie Blanner Why spend all that money on window boxes when they're not difficult to make? These pretty boxes offer a simple, elegant look for any style house.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP WHITE PAINT
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4Install a Fire Pit
DAVID TSAY Heat things up this summer with a fire pit—either one you DIY or purchase. And don't forget to stock up on tons of s'mores fixings!
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5Welcome Hummingbirds to Your Garden
Jena Ardell//Getty Images We promise: It's so worth it! These little gems will make you smile as the zoom by and perform amazing aerial acrobatics! They beat their wings 50 times per minute and need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, so providing them with a feeder helps supplement their diets. You can even make your own nectar for them too.
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6Hang a Tree Swing
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7Add Adirondack Chairs
James Merrell When it comes to lounging around, there's no better place to do it than in an Adirondack chair. That might be why we instantly equate the timeless accessory with summertime. Fill your patio or backyard up with multiple chairs, add some cozy blankets, and you'll be crowned the hostess of the year in no time.
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8Recycle Vintage Tins
DAVID TSAY Trade your go-to terracotta pots and deck your front porch out in a much more original alternative—old potato chip tins. Scour spots like Etsy and eBay to complete your collection, then pot your favorite blooms for the best porch-worthy touch.
SHOP VINTAGE TINS
9Camp Out Under the Stars
BRIAN WOODCOCK This summer just begs for a campout, and why not in your own backyard? It's inexpensive and easy! Map out a designated corner, roll out your sleeping bags, set the mood with string lights, and gather around the fire pit for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Even the grownups will have fun with this idea!
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10Breathe New Life Into Old Pots
11Establish an Outdoor Movie Spot
Stacy Risenmay 12Use an Outdoor Rug to Define a Space
Julie Blanner To make an outdoor space truly livable, you want to make it feel cozy and inviting. Add an outdoor rug to your deck or patio, a couple of throws, and some throw pillows so it will feel just as comfy as your living room sofa.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
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13Shake Up the Neighborhood Lemonade Stand
Fantabulosity With a DIY lemonade stand this well-decorated, you can safely bet your backyard will be the most popular one on the block. Your kiddos can man this adorable station for years to come.
Get the tutorial at Fantabulosity.
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14Plant a Thicket of Shrubs
elenaleonova//Getty Images Need some privacy? Plant a thicket of fast-growing shrubs to screen a view or offer privacy to your deck or patio. Instead of planting one type of plant in a row (which leaves a hole if one suddenly dies!), plant different sizes and types of shrubs in a triangular pattern. It looks more natural and provides better overall coverage anyhow.
Get the tutorial.
SHOP FAST-GROWING SHRUBS
15Hold a High Tea Party
Anjelika Gretskaia//Getty Images Who says dining al fresco has to be all hot dogs and potato salad? Channel your inner royalty and serve a formal tea worthy of the Queen. Bring out the linens and vintage china, because what are you saving it for?
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16Plant Some Edibles
Michel VIARD//Getty Images There's absolutely no reason you can't use at least a little of your backyard to plant easy-to-grow edibles such as greens, cherry tomatoes, or climbing beans. Make the most of your space, and enjoy food fresh from your own mini-farm!
Get the tutorial.
SHOP SEEDS
17Add Elegant Seating
An Oregon Cottage No need to splurge on a pricey French-style backyard bench when you can easily craft your own. Scout out two identical chairs (the prettier, the better!) from thrift stores, remove the seats and replace with a handmade rectangular base.
Get the tutorial at An Oregon Cottage.
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18Make an Outdoor Bed Swing
The Merrythought Has anything ever sounded more divine than an afternoon nap in the beauty of the outdoors? Make this pallet swing bed, and dream on!
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
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19Build a Backyard Bar
Meet the most organized DIY storage unit ever. With more than enough room for outdoor treats and summer beverages, you have no excuse to not take advantage of your backyard space. It can even double as a potting bench!
Get the tutorial at A Burst of Beautiful.
SHOP WOOD SCREWS
20Update Your Outdoor Lighting
Julie Blanner Just like anything else around the house, worn, dated outdoor lights don't make your yard feel homey. If it's been a while since you upgraded your outdoor fixtures, it's probably time for an update!
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
SHOP OUTDOOR LIGHT FIXTURES
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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