Spring is in full bloom and summer is quickly approaching, and what better way to enjoy the seasons than to spend time outdoors? Whether you have a balcony, patio, or a pair of chairs on your front porch, having an outdoor space gives you the opportunity to host gatherings with friends, enjoy some peace and quiet, play games, and have barbecues. But creating the best outdoor environment doesn’t come without some elbow grease and effort, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of money or time to get the job done.

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Are you looking to make the most of your outdoor space in the upcoming warm months? Unsure of how to create the perfect backyard atmosphere with limited space and resources? Here are six ways to transform your space and enjoy the outdoors this summer!

1. Give It a Nice Cleaning: If you are in an area that frequently gets bad wintery weather, it is likely that your patio, balcony, or porch has experienced its fair share of dirt and weathering. As the weather warms and the snow melts away, you’ll likely find dirt, leaves, branches, and remnants of the winter season around your outdoor space. To fully get the most out of your favorite outdoor space, first give it a proper cleaning, because who really wants to hang out in a dirty spot? Wipe down any furniture you have outside, put away holiday decorations, and sweep the area. Once you’re finished cleaning the space, you can add furniture and decor!

2. Add Outdoor Furniture and Decor: Nothing says cozy like a comfortable patio or balcony to enjoy the warm weather on. To make the space comfortable and relaxing, consider getting patio furniture like a couch, a few chairs, a table, blankets, outdoor pillows, and more. Also, don’t forget to have fun decorating! Add lights, plants, and even a weather-resistant rug to tie all of your furnishings together. Lisa Hallett Taylor of The Spruce notes, “In the summer, you'll want some string lights or lanterns to set a festive mood. Lighting fixtures can be solar and LED, along with different types, like path markers, spotlights, and patio string lights.”

3. Don’t Forget the Grill: Along with patio furnishings, a grill is an essential part of any outdoor space. Grills can be electric, propane, or charcoal-based, and can operate during all seasons for cozy winter gatherings or warm summer celebrations. If you dwell in a single-family home, you don’t have to worry about much in terms of restrictions or safety hazards. Large-scale grills aren’t necessarily realistic for a small apartment balcony, and while charcoal grills are smaller, they can pose both smoke and fire hazards to you and neighboring apartments. Electric grills, on the other hand, do not produce as much smoke, while still giving you that delicious char that barbecue foods often have.

4. Consider a Fire Pit: Another great addition to any outdoor space is a fire pit. Fire pits are great for all seasons, and can be used to warm up during fall or winter nights, or have fun around in the spring/summer! Roasting marshmallows, hanging around with friends, or even playing games are fun activities to do around a fire pit (with caution of course)! There are multiple styles of fire pits, but most pits are divided into two categories: permanent and portable. According to Lisa Hallett Taylor of The Spruce, “Styles of fire pits available include basic metal fire bowls to elaborate, multi-level and multifunctional units that are combination fire pits and beverage coolers.”

5. Host a Barbecue: There is nothing quite like a springtime or summertime barbecue gathering. Lively music playing, the smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill, an array of cold pasta salads, delicious pies and desserts, and of course, the company of dear friends and family make these types of gatherings unforgettable. Part of the fun of planning a barbecue gathering, outside of the drinks and music, is the food! Summertime barbecues don’t have to look (or taste) one way or another, so be sure to try and include something for all of your friends and family!

6. Create the Right Ambience with Music: Music just adds to the fun and liveliness of your outdoor space, which is why you’ll want to have a few great playlists on hand at all times. You can use apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc., to help create the ultimate playlist for any occasion. For gatherings with friends, include classic hits that everyone can sing along to, maybe some light country if you’re feeling patriotic, and have a blast! Additionally, you can make different playlists with different genres of music, like dance, instrumental, or music currently at the top of the charts. Hook up some speakers and sit back to great summertime tunes.

Making the most of your outdoor space only takes a couple of steps, and before you know it, you’ll be the favorite hang-out destination for your friends and family this summer!