When summer arrives to your home you'll want to spruce up your yard and get your porch, deck or patio ready for summer entertaining. We've rounded up some great (and inexpensive) projects to help you welcome summer and start celebrating in style.

 

1. Officially welcome summer

Sometimes what your home really needs to get ready for summer is to officially announce summer with a sign. This project doesn't have to cost a lot; it's easy to make your own sign with recycled wood.

Or try painting a fun sign on a planter or container for your front entrance. You'll be surprised at how much more excited you'll be when you officially welcome the season!

 

2. Create the backyard space you've always wanted

As soon as the weather turns nice we all head for our outdoor space to dine, relax and entertain. Is your porch, deck or patio not exactly what you've dreamed of and need some ideas? This article can help you create the outdoor oasis you've been wanting. Sometimes it's merely a matter of cleaning up the space and doing a bit of home improvement. But you may also want to bring out some elements that make it more relaxing, like plants, a small fountain, shade and colorful objects. 

 

3. Make your own citronella candles

Bugs are no fun during the summer, especially when we're hosting a party. You can purchase citronella candles but did you know you can actually make your own? The nice thing about this DIY is you can control the strength of the scent as well as how it looks.

Go ahead, make some matching citronella candles for your next party and keep those pesky mosquitos away!

 

4. Add outdoor light with tin can luminaries

Even with extended daylight hours, most people like to add outdoor lighting to their backyard patio or front porch. It's easy to hang your Christmas lights or purchase patio lights, but you can easily make tin-can luminaries with cleaned up tin cans, a hammer and nail and maybe a bit of paint. Here's a great article to get you started. 

 

5. Get your outdoor entertaining space clean and ready for summer

This type of project is a necessary one: before using your outdoor space, like your deck or patio, you'll want to get it spruced up for the summer. Here are some tips for cleaning the outdoor grill, cleaning your outdoor furniture, and making sure your space is ready for your summer parties.

 

6. Make a fun seasonal wreath

Wreaths aren't just for the fall and winter holidays. You can easily make your own summer-styled wreath using flowers, cocktail umbrellas or this whimsical garden hose version. It's a fun way to show some summer color on your front door and possibly recycle some garden gear.

 

7. Create one new backyard game this summer

Summer means more time spent outdoors with family and friends. Why not come up with a few new games or ideas for entertainment right in your own backyard? Here are some great ideas that you can make yourself to keep everyone busy and active this summer.

 

8. Transform your fireplace for the season

If you usually use your wood-burning fireplace in the winter, you'll want to clean it out and give it a summer makeover. You can keep it simple by stacking fresh wood or completely transform it into something more in theme with the season. Check out these great summer fireplace decorating ideas.

 

9. Find your signature summer drink

Borrow ideas from the wedding sites, especially ones dedicated to summer weddings. There are the traditional favorites, like fruit infused teas or waters, or something more exotic like summer sangrias. Here's one bridal site to get you started on your signature drink.

 

10. Build a fire pit

Summer nights command a fire pit where we can gather under the stars, maybe roast some marshmallows, and stay warm in the cool night air. Of course, this project requires some heavy lifting as well as a safe place to put it. You'll want to carefully consider the age group of your family too - don't introduce this dangerous element without thinking about the potential hazards. Here's an easy to follow tutorial about how to create your own fire pit.