IS YOUR HOME READY FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING?

Memorial Day is this Monday–the official start of summer! I feel like it really snuck up on me this year. We are so behind on home projects that I feel like that's all we're going to be doing this weekend. Are you--or better yet--is your backyard ready for summer entertainaing? Here are 5 tips to get your home ready for those summer nights!

REPLACE WORN CUSHIONS: If you've pulled out seat cushions from storage and some are really faded or worn out, go ahead and replace them. Cushions are usually what add pops of color to your outdoor decor and they just won't serve their purpose if they're faded.

FIX BIG LAWN PROBLEMS: If there are any big, glaring dead spots in your lawn or dozens of weeds around, try to get those issues fixed before hosting guests.

AMPLE LIGHTING: Most summer parties start and end well into the night so make sure you have some form of lighting prepared. That could mean lights attached to your patio umbrella, mason jars with tea lights around the deck, candles or even Christmas lights hung up around the perimeter of your yard.

REVIEW YOUR TOOLS/SUPPLIES: Make sure your grill scrub cleaners and other tools are still in good condition and that you even know where they all are. If you have a propane grill, make sure the tank is full. This is also a good time to make sure you have bug spray, sunblock and paper goods, such as plates and cups, stocked.

BUY A NEW GAME: No doubt relaxing and sipping a refreshing drink on the patio is enjoyable, but it's always fun to get a little competitive in the backyard with a game. One of our neighbors set up a badminton set in their backyard last year and it was a blast!

So are you ready to host a summer soiree? What other tips do you have?

Photo Source: Pixabay

Final BBQ Bash

For most, Labor Day weekend marks the last summer weekend to throw a backyard barbecue with friends and family. So, why not put in a little extra effort to make it special. With just a few small ideas, you can have a fun, colorful barbecue party that will commemorate the end of summer. Here is an idea board to get you started thinking about a few decorative ideas to spruce up the backyard and some tips to keep it all running smoothly. There are FREE printables, easy tutorials and recipe included--so read carefully for the full scoop!

Starting at top right:

• Decorate drinks with these easy printable drink stirrers. Download them free here from The Celebration Shoppe, found via LivingLocurto.com.
• If it's a particularly hot day, keep pretty fans available for any guests that might need them. These pretty ones were featured in Country Living.
• Serve drinks in mason or jam jars–great complement to any picnic theme. This photo from Parents magazine.
• Hang paper flowers from trees. This one is easy to make. The complete tutorial can be found at AllYou.com here.
• I love this idea of pre-packaging personal-sized smores for guests, so they can grab a set when they're ready for dessert. Or packaged pretty, you can use them as favors for guests to take. Photo from Overcocktails.com here.
• Use different bold colors to decorate. You don't need to get too fancy. A couple of lanterns and colorful paperware, like these featured in Country Living, with inexpensive flowers will make a summery tablescape.
• Bundle napkins and utensils with pretty scrapbook paper to make it easy for guests to grab dinnerware. Keeping them in a pretty basket will also help to enhance a buffet table. See what Martha Stewart.com used for these napkin rings here.
• Make your food as colorful as your decor. Use tomatoes, pineapple, mango, cilantro to bring color to your BBQ entrees. This Caribbean shrimp kebob recipe can be found here.
• Finally, if you don't have enough seating for your guests, set up "picnic areas" in your backyard so they don't have to plop themselves randomly on the grass. Adding trays and side tables help prevent drinks from falling over and keeping plates steady. Photo source here.