Summertime

Summertime is on the way, with it the promise of more fresh air, more room to move, and more space for entertaining. After months of cold and rain, your patio, yard, or balcony becomes a welcome change of scenery and some simple prep goes a long way. Clear the clutter, get organized, and you'll have an outdoor space ready for whatever the season brings.

Outdoor Summer Cleanup

When you set up your yard or patio for outdoor entertaining, it can feel like you’ve added an extra room to your house! Make it a room people want to spend time in with a quick cleanup:

• Sweep up and hose down paved spaces.

• Wipe down railings, patio tables and chairs.

• Wipe down or wash chair cushions and cushion covers.

• Wind up loose hoses and hang or store them out of harm’s way.

• Gather up gardening tools and store them in a basket or airtight bin.

• Corral loose toys in a ball bin.

If you have grass or plants, consider a one-time seasonal cleanup by a gardener to make your garden feel tidy and well trimmed!

Furnish for Fun

Spending time outdoors is a lot easier and more comfortable when you’ve set up your dining area for comfort and ambience.

• Get out your umbrella and set it up. Looking dusty or dirty from the winter weather? Give it a wash.

• Set up your seating area with easy access to the grill and the house.

• Be ready for insects with citronella candles and matches, a big zapper and/or wasp traps.

• Re-plant outdoor pots with fresh succulents, flowers or veggies.

• Outdoor string lights are an inexpensive way to add instant warmth to any patio or backyard.

A basket with warm blankets for foggy summer evenings can keep outdoor dining cozy!

Fire Up the Grill

Nothing says summer like dinner on the grill! Get ready for outdoor cooking:

• Scrub down the grill.

• Check your propane level and make sure you have a full tank.

• Create a grilling station: an apron, tongs and skewers.

• Create a hosting station: a tray with outdoor dishes, cups, utensils and napkins.

For an extra treat, keep a bag of marshmallows on hand, and be sure to charge your outdoor speaker to enjoy summer tunes.

Making Space for Summer Fun

Your outdoor space doesn’t need to be big, green or fancy to be a place where you enjoy spending time. Just keep it clean, clutter-free and furnished with some essentials and you’ll find yourself taking the seasonal opportunity to relax and entertain outside. Take a deep breath and soak up the sun! You deserve it.

Best,