The best part about summer days is that the warm weather lasts for hours so you don’t need to retreat indoors immediately after the sun sets. Instead, you can enjoy your patio, deck, or backyard well into the evening. All it takes is a few simple preparations so you can keep the fun going on. This article will provide easy tips to help keep the fun going.
Tip #1 Create the Perfect Lighting
The right lighting is key to enjoying your outdoor spaces once it gets dark. Not only does it create a pleasant atmosphere, but keeping the area well lit helps ensure safety because no one is stumbling around in the dark. The best way to keep your outdoor space well-lit is to use a variety of light sources. Use string lights or solar-powered umbrellas to create a festive air while placing more practical task-based lighting in high traffic areas. Use landscape lights along pathways to safely guide people to the different areas of your space and place tabletop torches or lanterns on tables so people can easily see their food while eating.
Tip #2 Clear Away Clutter
An important safety tip for enjoying your patio after dark is ensuring that all of your outdoor toys, tools, and lawn decorations are safely tucked away before it gets dark. It’s especially important to keep high-traffic areas like walkways and steps clear. These objects may be clearly visible during the day, but become tripping hazards in the dark. Garage storage cabinets, storage sheds, and deck boxes provide convenient places for these items. Plus, having a neatly organized yard can give you peace of mind.
Tip #3 Add Warmth
Depending on where you live, most evenings in the summer are pretty warm. However, temperatures can drop dramatically after the sun sets. Help keep everyone comfortable by adding sources of warmth. This can include a dramatic fire pit centerpiece or be as simple as keeping a deck box stocked with blankets. Even placing patio cushions or throw pillows on metal patio furniture and placing outdoor rugs on concrete floors can help ward off the nighttime chill.
Tip #4 Keep Bugs at Bay
Mosquitoes and other bugs are the natural enemy of summer fun. These pests are present during the day but are much worse at night. Fortunately, there’s quite a few ways to keep them away. Fill tiki torches with citronella oil or use citronella candles. Plant mosquito-repellent plants like lemon grass, lavender, and marigold in planters around the area. Adding outdoor curtains to yard shelters can also create a convenient hiding place from tP bugs. Plus, curtains can also provide shade from the hot sun during the day. Bringing a fan outdoors is another simple way to repel mosquitoes especially because they are considered “weak flyers” and can be blown away by the breeze.
For more tips on how to keep pesky insects away from your backyard, check out our article, 8 Tips for Keeping Bugs Out of Your Yard.
Tip #5 Add Outdoor Privacy
When spending time outside in the evening, it can feel like the whole block can see you. The lighting that you need to see also draws attention in the dark. Fortunately, there are ways to work around this. Adding privacy screens, fences, or trellises can add stylish visual interest to your yard while still blocking the view of your gatherings from the neighbors.
As summer winds down, everyone wants to get the most out of their season and spend as much time outdoors as possible. With a few simple additions, lazy summer days can easily extend into cozy summer nights.
