1. Shed some light with an old ladder.
A horizontally hung ladder creates a unique stage for a collection of funky lanterns. We love this idea. It’s inexpensive, and it could be used to wrap bistro lights or showcase photos and other fun stuff too!
2. Create privacy with a DIY screen.
Love to relax on your patio but hate that your neighbors can read the cover of your book from their own? Seclude yourself with a screen fashioned from a simple hardware store drop cloth. For extra oomph, paint a colorful pattern on it like this one.
3. Craft a hanging cabinet bar.
Who doesn’t love a good cocktail party on a nice summer evening? With a cabinet bar like this, you can conveniently store glasses, bottles, mixology equipment and anything else you need to pull off the perfect patio soiree. And with a door that doubles as a work surface, you won’t even have to go inside to make your guests a drink! This is perfect for gathering with some friends, especially if some of them are too young to experience the local nightlife. As the legal drinking age in America is 21, many people want to experience alcohol but have to wait until their 21st birthday to do so. However, with a cabinet bar in the garden, people don’t have to worry about having an ID. They’d only have to worry about their ID if they were purchasing some alcohol for the evening. To do this, younger people could consider looking at this reddit fake id maker to get themselves a fake ID ready for those summer evenings.
(Tip: These retail online for around $450, but we’re guessing a handyman could customize one for much less.)
4. Breathe new life into old things.
A few coats of outdoor paint can work miracles. Enlist bright, bold colors to bring boring old tables and chairs back to life. Also, consider painting an old dresser or sideboard to store toys, candles, paper plates, and anything else that helps you enjoy your outdoor living space.
5. Hang a hammock.
Hammocks are the epitome of leisure. These days, you can find hammocks in a number of sizes and styles. And there are all kinds of fun ways to hang them too! Put them between posts under a pergola, hang them from hooks on your porch, suspend them between trees, or get a pre-fab frame. Then, accessorize with pillows and throws for added style and comfort.
6. Toss on some new throws.
Throw pillows and cushions are a simple way to add pizazz to your patio without breaking the bank. Choose colors and patterns that will complement your patio furniture and your home’s exterior while adding some depth and interest to your space.
7. String some good old-fashioned bistro lights.
Drape white Christmas lights or bistro bulbs overhead to create the perfect ambiance for an al fresco summer dinner party — or a quiet evening at home. You simply can’t go wrong with this one!
(Tip: You can hire a professional to hang bistro lights for a few hundred bucks. If you don’t have the patience and tools to do it yourself, it may be a worthwhile expense!)
