On days where I can catch a bit of a break from the heat, I try to spend my time outdoors. Summer, after all, is the perfect time to get outside for some fun in the sun!
I love watching spring rainstorms from the porch and going to football games in the fall. But there’s no season like summer for relaxing outdoors or getting everyone together for some backyard games.
If you’re looking for ways to have some outdoor summer fun before the temps drop, I have a few ideas up my sleeve. Below, you can take a look at the ways I like to relax, entertain, and make the most of the summer season from my own backyard.
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Dining, Entertaining and More!
Part of what makes outdoor entertaining so fun is the food. Am I right? But if you want to serve with style, you’ll need some outdoor dinnerware to feed the crowd.
Remember these acrylic wine glasses? I showed them to you in my Summer Party blog. They’re great because they won’t break even on the hard patio surface.
And if you’re looking for a good drink to fill them up, you should try my sangria!
I also love the look of this 12-piece dinnerware set from QVC. While the pieces mimic ceramic, they’re actually made with melamine—meaning they’re also outdoor-safe (and kid-friendly!).
Need something to serve? Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve during the summer:
- Fresh and Easy Zesty Shrimp Salsa
- Ambrosia Salad
- Street Corn Salad with Avocado and Peanuts
- No-Bake Lemonade Chiffon Dessert
- Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert
If your summer weather is anything like mine, it’s toasty! And who wants to sit outside with a warm drink in hand?
With this YETI cooler, you can keep all of your cans cold for hours. Yes, it’s a bit of an investment, but my husband Doug swears by the brand.
Another great addition if you’re entertaining outside? Some good music.
Check out this portable home speaker.
I’m a Bose girl time and time again… between the sound quality and the ease of use, it’s a great way to bring some tunes to the crowd.
The last thing you want when entertaining outdoors is to have to head inside when the sun goes down. Instead, you can keep the party going with these path lights.
You can also add an outdoor lantern to your space to set on a side table. This lantern is solar-powered and decorated with beautiful cutout designs!
Outdoor Summer Fun For The Family
Whether you’ve got young kiddos or you’re having people over for a backyard bash, everyone loves to have some outdoor summer fun.
One of my favorite ways? With some games!
No matter if I’m at a football tailgate or enjoying time in my own backyard, I love playing a pick-up game of cornhole. What’s great about this game is that everyone can join in no matter their experience!
And how fun is this giant game of Jenga? Sure you’ve seen the regular-size ones… but this? It will have everyone wanting to play a round.
If you’re catering to a competitive crew, they’ll go crazy for this vibrant game of Croquet. It includes 23 pieces—enough for six people to play at a time.
Another way I like to have some outdoor summer fun is by gathering around the fire.
I must say, roasting marshmallows is one of my favorite parts of summer. But you don’t have to go camping to enjoy some tasty s’mores!
This easy-to-use fire pit looks like a great backyard addition. Now all you need are the ingredients!
Related: Check out our Just Jill Shop collection of fire pits and more HERE!
But if you are wanting to recreate the camping experience, you can easily do so by popping a tent, like this pop-up one, in your backyard.
One of my close friends did this with her kids every summer. They would cook hot dogs over the fire, tell ghost stories in their tent, and watch the stars outside. What a fun experience!
Relaxing The Day Away
On those warmer days, I understand just wanting to relax outside.
Maybe you have a pool or maybe a patio, but a few simple additions to your backyard can make it into a calming oasis.
This Macrame Rope Swing looks like the ultimate lounging must-have for summer.
And since it’s pretty space-efficient, you don’t have to have a lot of room to add it to your backyard.
But if you’re searching for a more traditional option, you can always go with a hammock. This one seems like a great pick!
I’m always a fan of stripes and you know how much I love blue!
Here’s another hammock that comes with a stand and a cute pillow.
Part of what makes a space relaxing and serene is the decor. And some of the simplest additions? Pillows!
Take a look at the gorgeous detail on this navy indoor/outdoor pillow. Of course, I love the navy!
Outdoor rugs like this one from Wayfair are also a great way to make your space feel put together.
The vibrant colors are great for summer, don’t you think?
And if you’re really trying to relax outdoors, you want to make sure to keep the bugs at bay. No one likes mosquitos!
Luckily, this Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candle will help.
If you don’t have some sort of overhand or trees to provide shade, an umbrella is a must.
This one is pretty neat. Not only does it block the sun in the middle of the day, it features solar lights underneath for nighttime patio relaxation.
I’m sure there are plenty of other ways to have some outdoor summer fun at home, but I hope these will help you get started!
From my backyard to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!
