Make Jam! And 7 More Ways to Make the Most of the Coming Weekend
Stay cool, enjoy some backyard games and get ready for the Fourth of July
The days are long and summer is in full swing. With farm-fresh berries in season, and Independence Day coming up on July 4, it’s a good weekend to make jam, water thirsty plants, play games in the backyard and do some make-ahead cooking for your Fourth of July party. Here are eight ways to make the most of your weekend.
2. Keep container plantings well-watered. Lush summer planters are a great way to add vibrant color to your porch and patio.
But containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, so it’s important to keep those pots and hanging baskets well-watered. On very hot days, you may even need to water small containers twice to keep thirsty plants happy.
Avoid watering during the heat of the day — early morning and evening waterings are easier on your plants.
10 Sizzling-Hot Summer Container Gardens
But containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, so it’s important to keep those pots and hanging baskets well-watered. On very hot days, you may even need to water small containers twice to keep thirsty plants happy.
Avoid watering during the heat of the day — early morning and evening waterings are easier on your plants.
10 Sizzling-Hot Summer Container Gardens
3. Make your porch a little breezier. If you find you’re not spending as much time on your porch as you would like, two of the most likely culprits in summer are heat and bugs. Consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan to create a breeze and discourage pesky bugs from hanging around. Or hang up a set of outdoor curtains to create more shade and block that strong summer sun.
Chill Out: 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat Outdoors
Chill Out: 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat Outdoors
4. Keep pets safe and cool. Summertime can be tough on pets. Be sure your furry friends are safe and happy, even on the hottest days, by ensuring they have access to ample shade and fresh water at all times.
And on the coming Fourth of July holiday, be sure to keep cats and dogs indoors and away from potentially frightening fireworks.
8 Backyard Ideas to Delight Your Dog
And on the coming Fourth of July holiday, be sure to keep cats and dogs indoors and away from potentially frightening fireworks.
8 Backyard Ideas to Delight Your Dog
5. Bring out the backyard games. If you’ve been storing your outdoor games and sports gear in the basement or garage, make some time this weekend to move them to a more accessible location, like an outdoor shelving unit, storage bench or garden shed. Sort through games to check for missing pieces, and check equipment for cracks and other damage. Want to add something new? Consider setting up a chalkboard outside to use as a scoreboard in friendly competitions.
12 Backyard Games to Play All Summer Long
12 Backyard Games to Play All Summer Long
6. Shop and prep for an Independence Day party. With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday this year, it’s especially important to squeeze in some shopping and kitchen prep over the weekend — you’ll avoid long lines and crowded parking lots, and you’ll feel less stressed on the day of.
Before hitting the market, double-check that list to be sure you’re not forgetting key items (such as charcoal or propane for the grill). Once you get home, corral party necessities (like reusable plates) in one spot.
Then tackle a few do-ahead tasks, like washing and trimming veggies, or preparing a frozen dessert, so you’re ready to hit the ground running on Wednesday.
Party Time: How to Corral Your Party Supplies
Before hitting the market, double-check that list to be sure you’re not forgetting key items (such as charcoal or propane for the grill). Once you get home, corral party necessities (like reusable plates) in one spot.
Then tackle a few do-ahead tasks, like washing and trimming veggies, or preparing a frozen dessert, so you’re ready to hit the ground running on Wednesday.
Party Time: How to Corral Your Party Supplies
7. Fly a flag. Flying an American flag is a great way to show your patriotic spirit on the Fourth of July. Raise a flag on a flagpole, line a walkway with mini flags, hang a pleated fan flag or string buntings across a porch railing. Want to keep the red, white and blue theme going? Set out flower pots (or a bouquet) filled with red and white flowers; swap outdoor cushions for patriotic prints; or use red and blue bandanas instead of paper napkins at your party.
100 Homes Around the U.S. Say Happy Fourth of July!
100 Homes Around the U.S. Say Happy Fourth of July!
8. Watch fireworks. Watching fireworks is the quintessential way to cap off a Fourth of July celebration. If you’re planning to catch a fireworks show, stake out your spot early and pack blankets or extra jackets for bundling up in case the night gets chilly. Tempted to light off your own fireworks? Check local regulations before you do — it’s illegal to light fireworks in some areas, since stray sparks can cause brush and house fires. And read these tips for keeping your pets calm and safe around fireworks.
Your turn: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
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10 Spectacular Spots for Watching Fireworks
How to Hang the American Flag at Home
Your turn: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More
10 Spectacular Spots for Watching Fireworks
How to Hang the American Flag at Home
Looking for more ideas to try? Pick up a copy of Crafting with Nature by Amy Renea, where the jam and jelly bar with homemade fruit preserves shown here comes from.
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