Planning the Perfect Summer Party: Is Your Yard Ready?
/10 easy steps to help you plan ahead so your summer get-together will be an event to remember.
- If re-vamping your entire yard is too much, divide it into specific areas based on intended use (dining area, bar, rest/pool/play areas). Pick a theme and decorate accordingly.
- Fix any lawn problems.
- If the yard is more than 50% dead, remove grass and start with fresh seed.
- If the damage is due to animals, keep them away and the dead spots should recover. Soak any urine stains with lots of water.
- Brown areas/dry spots can be caused by compacted soil, so aerate annually and adjust sprinklers as necessary. Don't forget to fertilize, too!
- Prune any overgrown shrubs, trees, and flowers
- Decorate with plants in containers, to add color and variety to your space
- Polish off your hardscape with a power washing or scrubbing
- Create mood lighting with all-weather garden torches or a few strands of party lights
- Get your grill ready: Clean the grates, prep the propane, and add outdoor workspace for platters and cooking tools.
- Create an outdoor bar. Don't forget the ice, bottle opener, citrus twists, and other beverage necessities.
- Prep outdoor furniture-- make sure there's plenty of seating!
- Throw in some special touches to transform the look of your outdoor space.
- Convert an unusued driveway into a patio with stone pavers. Use woolly thyme for the mortar, for a more natural look.
- Add a custom fence or arbor topped gate to create a cozy retreat
- Incorporate vibrant table runners or fun dishes onto the table
- Use a colorful rug to create a separate cocktail area where guests can mingle before dinner
- Accessorize with colorful cushions on the outdoor furniture
