It’s easier than you think to add instant ambience to your backyard. All it takes is some creativity. Try a few of our fun (and inexpensive) decorating ideas to add a little extra sparkle to your yard.
1. Light it up
You can add string lights to pretty much any evening environment and it will instantly look ten times better. Give your deck or patio an inviting glow with a few strands of lights hung from your trees or fence. Your guests will feel like they’re at a special event. It will also look incredible in photos.
2. Give your outdoor planters a colourful update
Dress up your plain terra cotta pots with a fresh coat of paint. Use painter’s tape to create geometric shapes, designs or stripes. Here’s a helpful tip - leave the tape on until the paint is almost dry, then carefully remove. If you wait until after it’s completely dry, the tape might take some of the paint off with it.
3. Use mason jars
Mason jars are a must-have when it comes to summer entertaining. They have old school charm and are very inexpensive to buy. Use them as drinking glasses to serve your guests ice water, juice or lemonade. Or drop a tea light in them to create simple and elegant candle centrepieces on your outdoor table.
4. Make outdoor placemats from a drop cloth
Cutting a drop cloth into squares and painting it with fabric paint is a simple and easy way to make your own outdoor placemats for your barbeque. You can even go as far as personalizing each placement for your guests.
5. Hang a Canadian flag
Canada celebrated a big birthday this year! Give your backyard a little national pride with a Canadian flag. You don’t even need a flagpole. Mount your flag on the fence, the side of your shed or any available flat surface.