It’s officially June, and summer has pretty much started in our book! With warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of time outdoors ahead, we thought that it’s the perfect time to talk about all things backyard. Most of us will still be keeping pretty close to home this summer, so it’s the ideal opportunity to get our backyards suited up to become our own little staycation. Summertime is all about easy living, time with family and friends, and taking full advantage of the fact that we can start socializing this year. We are here to offer a few tips on setting the scene for a backyard paradise at home.
Lounge & Relaxation
If we are talking staycation, it is a no-brainer that it’s necessary to provide areas for resting and lounging in the sun. Not only are the sunny spots a must, but it’s also wise to consider areas that get a fair amount of shade, too. You want to create designated hangout zones. A couple of lounge chairs in the sun followed by a shaded seating area provide the best of both worlds. Fireplaces or fire pits are also a great way to draw people together, not to mention these areas can be well-utilized into the evenings and the colder months. We are game for anything that can pull the family away from the TV and brings us outdoors for some quality time!
Outdoor Dining & Entertaining
What is better than going to a hotel or restaurant that has an incredible outdoor patio? Think about trying to recreate these moments of entertainment at your own home. Having an outdoor dining area makes for a great excuse to get friends and the kids together for a barbecue or dinner celebration. Better yet, if you have the space for an outdoor kitchen or bar, your food prep and cleanup can get a whole lot easier, plus you will have more outdoor surface space to wine, dine, and entertain. Some of our favorite nights have been spent with our loved ones under the twinkling stars in our own backyards. It makes the regular day-to-day feel much more special.
Plants & Landscaping
Giving your backyard an upgrade from a standard ole lawn can effectively make your outdoor space feel like you are traveling into a slice of paradise. Consider taking a look at your local nursery and adding native plants from the area in which you live, that way, the plants are guaranteed to adapt to the climate. Not only will this make your yard feel lush and revitalized, but it also can add a layer of privacy and can truly feel like a retreat away from the neighborhood. Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re traveling into a tropic oasis by taking a few small steps outside the backdoor? If landscaping isn’t quite in the budget, think about giving some of your greenery a planter upgrade for a refreshed look and grouping plants in different areas of your backyard. The more plant friends to create a sense of refuge, the better!
Lighting & Decor
Nothing quite creates the ambiance more than the lighting and those finishing touches. Lighting is a great way to initiate a mood and lure you and your guests to gather outdoors. From pendants to string lights, to candlelight at the dinner table, lighting can be used to create an intimate atmosphere made for great conversation and loving memories. Adding the finishing touches, like tabletop goods and small décor pieces, allows for your brunch or dinner party to be memorable and personable.
Speaking of décor, we’ve added some brand new items to South Harlow Home just in time for your summer hosting needs! Take a little scroll below to shop some of our favorite new pieces for tabletop and outdoor.
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