With a little imagination and a couple of picnic benches, your backyard can be the main venue for your some of your summertime activities. Being home with family can turn out to be one of the best things to come out of the pandemic, so much so that you found you really like spending time together. Here are some ideas for outdoor dining in your very own backyard. 1. Throwing Shade Can Be a Good Thing
With summertime around the corner, the sun will be shining its toasty rays down upon you very soon. Fun in the sun is good, but alternate time soaking up that vitamin D with some relaxing and rehydrating in the shade. Shelter from the heat can include an oversized umbrella, a gazebo, or an awning over your patio. 2. Time to Refill the Propane When you make the list for your outdoor dining necessities, put a propane tank or cylinder near the top. It is one of the most cost effective and clean ways to cook. Propane comes in handy not only for grilling but for fire pits and heat lamps. Keeping your backyard warm with heat lamps or a fire pit when the evening starts to cool down will let your perfect day continue long after the little ones start to doze off 3. Helium Balloons and Water Activities What kid doesn’t love colorful balloons? Round up a helium tank for your festivities and kids of all ages will be lining up to get their balloons. Backyard summertime favorites that pair well with outdoor dining include playing in the sprinklers, water balloon fights, and croquet. If your yard is big enough, there is a variety of inflatable water slides that your kids would probably love to play on anytime they want to. 4. Formal Dining Outdoors to Make Any Day Special Pick up the fancy linen tablecloth and napkins that you forgot were at the dry cleaners and break out your equivalent of ooh-la-la silver and china that your family uses for special occasions. Eating al fresco can be as decadent as dining at a fine restaurant. You don’t have to spend a fortune to dine in style. 5. Keep the Bugs Away Bugs like to congregate wherever there is food, so put bug spray on everyone ahead of time. Citronella candles will also help to keep the bugs at bay and allow you to enjoy your friends and family without continually slapping away the irritating insects. For ideas on more fun ways to enjoy time with your family, see other posts on this blog. There are plenty of ways to make memories together without even leaving home. Fall isn’t often thought about as the season where we spend all our time outdoors, but it should be! The weather is the perfect mix of not too hot, not too cool and nature puts on quite a show displaying a wide array of beautiful colors. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Fall. Here are some tips to prepare for them. Fall CookoutBarbecues aren’t just for the summertime. In fact, Fall is perfect grilling weather! Get out those autumn themed linens and set the picnic table. Don’t forget to take them to a dry cleaner nearby for a refresher. Also, fill up that propane tank for the grill. How about a nature theme for the decor? Pumpkins, gourds, corn cobs and leaves are never in short supply this season. Forest HikeThe changing leaves are one of the best things about Fall. A family hike through the woods is the perfect way to enjoy the show up close. Be sure to pack supplies like bug spray and a first aid kit, the forest can be unpredictable in this season. Your local pharmacy should have everything you need to prepare. BonfiresBe sure to check your local town ordinances for the rules on backyard bonfires. But if they’re allowed, go for it! The fall is the absolute best time of year to enjoy a backyard fire. Home supply stores usually carry firewood if you don’t have your own supply. Even your local drugstore may carry some seasonally, be sure to call ahead to check. Also, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions like purchasing a fire extinguisher. If you already own one, check the expiration date and replace it if necessary. Don’t forget S’mores supplies from your local grocery store! Bike RidesA bike ride around the neighborhood or through the park is a great outdoor activity for the Fall. Don’t forget the helmets! While we’re talking safety, it’s always a good idea to have an updated first aid kit on hand for things like bike rides and hikes. Your local pharmacy should have all the supplies you need like bandaids, gauze, antibacterial gel and pain relievers.
Outdoor activities are even more fun in the Fall. So with a little preparation, you can take advantage of all nature has to offer while enjoying the outdoors before winter hits. The 4th of July is always the event of the summer, but things are a little different this year. Maybe we can’t go to parades or fireworks celebrations, or have a giant neighborhood block party, but we can still have a good time. Here’s are some ways to celebrate the 4th during a pandemic. Freshen Up Your FlagYou may have already been proudly displaying your American flag, but preparing for the Fourth is the perfect reason to freshen it up a bit. Most dry cleaners will clean flags for free, so give them a call to ask about their policies. A flag can get a bit grimy and even moldy after swaying in the breeze through all sorts of weather, so you should have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. If it’s a big flag, you should take advantage of a free laundry delivery service in your area. Plan a Picnic With Your FamilyYou may not be able to have a giant backyard BBQ this year, but you can still plan a fun picnic with your family. Now would be a perfect time to prep your linens and blankets, and anything else you may need for a picnic in the grass. Most of these items can be machine washed, but for fancier or delicate fabrics, you may want to take them to your local dry cleaners. Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen, both available at your nearby pharmacy. Go CampingNow’s the perfect time to go on a camping trip, even if it’s not very far away. If you don’t own an RV or camper, think about renting or borrowing one, for a great weekend getaway on a budget. Don’t forget to fill that propane tank so you’re all ready to go. 4th of July during a pandemic doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside, think outside the box and enjoy some quality time with your family safely!
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