Summer is here — longer days, warm nights, spontaneous hangouts, and weekends that beg for grilling, games, and time outside. Whether you’ve got a small patio, a full backyard, or a cozy front porch, now’s the time to get it ready for the season.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about making your space feel inviting — somewhere you want to hang out, sip a drink, laugh with your people, and soak up every bit of sunshine.
Here’s how to get your outdoor area cleaned up, refreshed, and ready for all the good stuff summer brings.
If your outdoor setup has been sitting through spring storms and pollen showers, it probably needs a little love.
Start with:
Removing cushions and shaking them out
Mixing warm water with dish soap or vinegar
Wiping down all surfaces: chairs, tables, side tables, railings, etc.
Spraying everything off with a hose and letting it dry in the sun
Want to take it a step further?
Throw cushion covers in the wash (if machine-safe)
Add a couple new outdoor pillows or a weather-resistant throw
Set out a tray or basket with sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses
Even a quick clean makes a huge difference in how the space feels. Clean = welcoming.
Nothing kills the mood like a cloud of mosquitoes. Keeping bugs in check makes your space instantly more enjoyable — day or night.
A few smart moves:
Set out fresh citronella candles or coils (check the burn time)
Refill torches or plug in bug zappers if you use them
Plant bug-repelling herbs like lavender, mint, basil, and rosemary
Keep a small “bug station” basket with spray, itch relief, and wipes
This isn’t just about bugs — it’s about creating a space where you want to stay awhile.
Summer means movement — kids running through sprinklers, friends tossing cornhole bags, spontaneous water balloon fights. But it’s a lot more fun when you can actually find the stuff you need.
Here’s how to simplify it:
Go through what you have: toss anything broken or moldy
Give toys and gear a quick rinse or scrub
Use baskets, bins, or crates to sort by category (water play, lawn games, chalk/art)
Store everything in a spot that’s easy to grab-and-go
Even if your crowd is mostly adults, having a few yard games on hand (like bocce, giant Jenga, or a deck of waterproof cards) adds that “let’s stay a little longer” feeling.
Now that it’s clean and organized, it’s time to make your space feel like yours. This is where the vibe comes in — cozy, calm, playful, bright — whatever makes you feel like, “Yes, I want to hang out here.”
Small upgrades that make a big impact:
String lights overhead or along a fence
Add a few planters or pots — herbs, flowers, even tomatoes or strawberries
Set out an outdoor rug to anchor the seating area
Create a drink station with a cooler, a tray of glasses, or a small bar cart
Keep a speaker nearby for your summer playlist
It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy — it just has to feel good.
You’ve put in the work — now enjoy it. This space is more than a backdrop for summer. It’s where you’ll share meals, catch up with friends, watch the kids play, and unwind at the end of a long day.
So light a candle, pour a drink, and settle in.
You’ve created something beautiful — now let it be lived in.
We’ve put together a free printable To-Do List to help you get your outdoor space summer-ready without the overwhelm. It’s got everything you need to clean, organize, and style your space — so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the sunshine.
Click here to download the Outdoor Entertaining Area Prep Checklist
(Free for personal use — print it, pin it, or keep it on your fridge!)
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