The following is a guest post from regular contributor, Angie at Echoes of Laughter.
Hello lovely people! Can you believe that Spring arrived over a month ago already? I hope the weather in your part of the globe is cooperating, because the weather here in our corner is not! Spring is missing and we need to canvas the neighbourhood to see where it went. We have had snow twice this week, with no Spring in sight. Someone please give Spring a road map.
However, that doesn’t stop me from dreaming of sipping my lemonade outside on our deck while reading a summer paperback. I know that in a few weeks, the time will come! Have you given any thought to organizing your outdoor space? I have been looking for inspiration around the web for budget-friendly ways that I can organize my outdoor spaces into usable, functional & pretty spaces. I have come up with a checklist to help you get ready for balmy summer days of getting outside to enjoy the season.
First, let’s talk about function. How would you like your outdoor spaces to function? Are the spaces for dining, relaxing, or hanging out? Once you know the function, then you can work toward the goal of making the space work best for your family. And here’s a checklist to help you get ready.
- Does the space have the furniture and lighting for the activities?
- Decide what needs to be added to make the area function for sitting, cooking, lounging.
- Can you re-purpose furniture/accessories that you already own to meet the space requirements?
- Can you find pieces at budget-friendly sources like Goodwill or yard sales? Make a list!
- If you decide to buy new, set a budget and research to find the perfect BBQ, etc. to fit your needs.
Below is an example of the tired and worn cushions that I decided replace last year.
Now you have a plan to get ready for this season and you can make budget friendly and wise choices to fit your needs!
Here is a list of things that can be done to get existing outdoor spaces ready for the season.
- Clean the BBQ.
- Wash the deck with a power washer if necessary, being careful not to remove any paint.
- Wash chairs and tables to remove dust and cobwebs, etc.
- Dust any chair cushions with a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
- Have some tired looking accessories like lanterns, planters or bistro chairs? Give them NEW life with spray paint.
- Decide what plants/flowers you would like to have in the outdoor space and visit the greenhouse to make budget-friendly choices.
- Prepare an outdoor caddy with cutlery and napkins for outdoor dining.
- Get out the patio dishes if you have stored them away for the winter.
- Gather any candles, bug spray and BBQ lighters that you will need for the season have them in a convenient place.
- Organize toys like bubbles, hula hoops, bocce ball and any other fun things to be enjoyed in the backyard and store in an accessible location.
Lastly, I would like to share with you a fun little makeover that I organized for my back deck last summer to freshen up the space. I worked so hard to clean & organize this space to be our outdoor dining room for the summer, and we spent many happy hours out here. I was so proud of this space and it become a lovely oasis for hot days.
Have you been able to dine outside yet in your corner of the globe? Have you been sipping on lemonade on the front porch? If so, lucky you! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Angie’s blog, Echoes of Laughter, is all about filling your home with love and laughter. She loves creative projects, organizing & decorating, cooking, baking, and all things domestic. Angie lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and two great kids.
Linking up here: Six Sisters Stuff and A Bowl Full of Lemons
Idan says
i love this arrangement, looks simple and easy to do.
Becca says
Don’t forget the seeds in addition to visiting the greenhouses! I use quick growing seeds like marigolds, and with a little patience, I have beautiful flower boxes all summer for just a few dollars.
Kimberley says
It’s not quite warm enough to start eating on the deck yet here….there is still a bit of snow laying around too but the forecast is saying above 20 C for next week, yay!! I love the “to do list”, time to start thinking about all of that stuff!
Brittney says
I’m going to have to get some new cushions for our litlte table. Ours are a litlte faded and worn. Great idea!
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
What a bright and beautiful space! I love your easy tips too Angie 🙂
Lana says
We are just itching to get outside and spend time on our deck and eat in our screen porch—if we could get about 65 degrees! Spring is MIA here in the deep south too!