It could be as easy as adding a hammock or a shady spot to cool off.
Johner Images/Getty Images
Warmer temperatures, bright blue skies, and sunny days are luring us outside.
A few square inches can go a long way.Tight budget?
Photo:Johner Images/Getty Images
Work with what you already own.
No garden or greenery?
But adding one that can be moved around gives your yard flex.
Yardzen
Move it next to the dinner table to add ambiance that a heat lamp simply cant provide.
Or stake it in a secondary gathering area when hosting a larger group.
Add pops of colors
According to Messner, were witnessing a colorful revolution in yard design.
Nick Pope/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication
Consider a porch swing
ucpage/Getty Images
Longing for your own special escape?
Messner says you dont have to break the bank to get one, though.
Invest in a few pretty pillows to make the space extra comfy.
Find a spot in the trees to suspend a pretty garden hammock.
Repurpose indoor items outdoors
Oksana_Bondar/Getty Images
Outdoor furniture ismade to survive, rain or shine.
(Just see to it you bring it all in before the rain falls.)
Flashpop/Getty Images
Match the outdoor decor to your indoor style
Minimalists, you’re in luck.
An outdoor space can become whatever you make of it.
Plant a mocktail garden
Are you one of the many dabbling in sober curiosity?
eurobanks/Getty Images
“Think fragrant Nojitos and zesty Cucumber Basil Smashes right from your backyard,” she explains.
Ready to get started?
(Patio umbrellasalso make an easy and inexpensive way to keep everyone under cover.)
Andrea Rugg/Getty Images
to add a little greenery to your outdoor space.
(Consider using apaint sprayer for fast results.)
Plant a butterfly garden
We’re big fans of butterfly gardens and Messner shares our sentiments.
ucpage/Getty Images
The bold colors add depth to the garden while attracting your favorite pollinators to your doorstep!"
Think beyond the patio
Havea small (or nonexistent) patio?
Move the dining table into the garden so guests can enjoy your landscaping along with your hospitality.
Carol Yepes/Getty Images
(you might set up temporary shade with sturdy poles and fabric .)
Build an outdoor kitchen
Grilling is a go-tofor summertime entertaining but dont let it stop there!
Decorate around the key piece: the sofa.
Yardzen
A traditional rattan couch gets an instant transformation by tossing on patterned pillows.
Think vertically
Karen Halesky/Getty Images
If you’re short on outdoor space, just look up.
), or a major upgrade like a hot tub or sauna.
Lucinda Symons/Country Homes and Interiors/IPC+ Syndication
Plant a cutting garden
Who doesnt lovefresh flowersthroughout their home?
Update with cozier, fall-hued pillows and throws, andadd in pumpkins, mums, and other autumnal accessories.
South_agency/Getty Images
Oksana_Bondar/Getty Images
Emma Mitchell/Livingetc/IPC+ Syndication
Yardzen
Dan Duchars/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication
kschulze/Getty Images
Polly Wreford/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication
Ben Anders/Livingetc/IPC+ Syndication
Yardzen
Spike Powell/Woman & Home
Dan Duchars/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication
Yardzen
KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images
dzika_mrowka/Getty Images
Karen Halesky/Getty Images
Yardzen
ExperienceInteriors/Getty Images
Yardzen
dzika_mrowka/Getty Image
StephanieFrey/Getty Images