21 Outdoor Ideas for Summer

Summer is in full swing here in New England and I’m trying to spend every moment outside. I thought it would be fun to share 21 Outdoor Ideas for summer!

Between the beaches of Scituate, the pool, our garden and back deck you probably will find us outside. I always feel like our home expands in the summer months. It feels like it doubles or triples as we enjoy swimming, boating and entertaining outside. I thought it would be fun to do a round up of 21 projects, recipes, and easy ideas to embrace the outdoors from She Sheds to Garden Beds and just lazing away in a hammock.

21 Outdoor Ideas for Summer

Tap on the title of each section to get the recipe or project tutorial

DIY Shibori

The boys and I did this last summer. Shibori is an ancient Japanese method that uses resist dyeing techniques to form patterns on fabric. The colors and patterns are fabulous. We did t shirts, linen table runners, pillows, and place mats. I’m excited to do more this summer.

Lean To Potting Shed

Everyone needs a spot to garden. Why not create an easy to build Lean To Potting Shed. Perfect to store spare gardening gear as well.

Rhubarb Custard Cake

Are you growing rhubarb this year? You NEED to try this creamy and light cake. Bake it for your family and friends and listen to them rave about it.

Swing Shelf

Using a board and some leather straps create a fun and whimsical shelf to store beach treasures or potted plants.

Add Some Flags

The American Flag is beautiful. Add some to your front entry and in window boxes for an instant patriotic look.

or paint your own using a start stencil and some painter’s tape.

DIY Chef’s Board

Having a crowd come over? This is the easiest appetizer to whip together. My family loves it.

Build Raised Garden Beds

We built our raised beds a few years back and we’ve gotten hours of entertainment from our garden from planting and watching our garden grow. Not to mention how amazing fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies taste from the garden.

Sunprints

These are so fun to make! We got a kit on Amazon and the boys and I found treasures in the backyard and then made frames to showcase some of our favorite prints in our front entry.

A Coastal She Shed

Four years ago I turned an ordinary garden shed into a coastal oasis in our backyard. You can see all the she shed posts here, but it’s been a great retreat.

Mexican Fried Shrimp

Who knew radishes and shrimp tasted so well together. You need to try this for your family this week.

Beach Stone Garden Markers

Every time we go to the beach my kids find one or two more rocks they NEED to bring home. If you find this happens to you as well you might like our beach stone garden markers. They’re easy to make. All you need is a paint pen and some top coat sealer. Beach stones are also fun to paint, too.

DIY Kids Picnic Table

This is another one your kids will love. An custom table and bench to dine outside.

Keto Cocktails

Since we have swimsuits on the mind, I’ve been enjoying this skinny cocktails by the pool. These are so refreshing.

Lazy Hammock Days

I’m not sure what it is about laying in a hammock, especially with a good book or some magazines, but it’s so relaxing.

DIY Cedar Outdoor Mat

I saw a teak door mat similar and thought it would be fun to make one out of cedar for our home. It really came out cute:

Crushed Shell Patio

Crushed shells are perfect for an outdoor patio, they help to keep the weeds at bay while also giving a feel of coastal living. We added these last summer and I plan on adding them to our garden beds around the pool.

Three Cheese Nachos

Sometimes it’s just too hot to make a big dinner. These nachos are my “go to” if we want something easy. Our kids love them and they’re also fun if you have a gathering of people over.

DIY Fern Wreath

This little craft project got LOTS of attention on Pinterest. It’s really quite a simple project and only took me 5 minutes to make it. It is a wonderful addition to your home inside or out and I think it could work from spring through to fall.

Rhubarb Mojitos

These cocktails go great with the nachos! Make some rhubarb simple syrup and add fresh lime for a lovely summer drink.

DIY Succulent Wall Hanging

I love succulents and this wall hanging is a fun way to display them.

Entertaining Al Fresco

We love sitting out on our back deck with twinkling fairy lights, rose and candles. It’s the perfect end to any day at the beach. My husband built the table and bench a few years back.

We are having a lovely summer and taking things at a much slower pace than usually. I hope you all are finding some time to relax and enjoy the sun and warmth. I hope this post gave you a few ideas to try this summer! You can read our summer home tour here for a few more.

You might want to pin this for later.