The following contribution is from another author.
2020 is simultaneously both a year we’ve all desperately needed a holiday and the first time in a long time we’ve been completely unable to get away. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re unable to go to overseas holidays but we still need to be able to destress, decompress and keep our sanity in check. So make the most of what you’ve got and find ways to make spending time in your own home, garden, or local neighbourhood feel as invigorating as refreshing as a holiday would feel.
Here are five great ways to plan a getaway in your own backyard and make the most of your gorgeous outdoor space.
Themed Dinner Nights
Often, having something to look forward to is all that we need, and themed al fresco dinners are a great way to spend your time. Were you meant to go on vacation to the Amalfi Coast this year, go island hopping in Greece, marvel at the brightly coloured tiled houses in Lisbon, road trip through the American heartlands? Whatever it is you’re missing out on, organise a dinner party in its honour. Gather in the afternoon sun to cheers Aperol Spritzes and slurp spaghetti, grill halloumi on the barbecue, drink green wine and split Portuguese chicken in the sun or end your day with burgers, bagels and ice cream sundaes. Make the memories you would have made on vacation at home. You’ll need an amazing outdoor dining set up but, luckily, Remarkable Furniture has you covered with a great range of outdoor dining tables capable of sitting up to 16 people.
Picnic Parties
For years picnicking has been a beloved pastime, lounging around, eating in the sun enjoying the beautiful environment of your garden. The perfect weekend activity that has the added benefit of getting you out of your house and enjoying the fresh air. When the weather is good gather your friends and enjoy the sun and the have the nearest meal outdoors. Bring wine – we could all use more wine!
Backyard Campfire
A firepit instantly transforms an outdoor space, bringing with it warmth, luxury and promoting togetherness. Purchasing a firepit will help fill the long nights that would usually be spent watching Netflix or alone scrolling through social media by bringing your family together. Chatting by the fireside is great but, do you know what’s even better? Smores. Smores are amazing and are a surefire way to convince any stragglers in your family that spending an evening in the garden enjoying each others company is well worth it! Traditional smores are nice but if you’re looking to step up your game you could try out these gourmet smores recipes!
If you have young children or if you’re simply young at heart you might want to take it one step further and actually spend the night camping in your own backyard. You’ll be surprised by the simple wonders that can come from spending the night away from your own bed.
Get Into Gardening
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your garden then you may as well make it as gorgeous as is humanly possible (consider reaching out to garden experts from Wichita, Kansas). Plants and planting have been having a major moment lately with people going all in for house plants, succulents and flowers. Having something to nurture can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Use the plants you grow to create your own personal paradise, plant herbs, plant blooming flowers, plant trees to provide shade and places for climbing, plant fruits and vegetables to nourish you. Make your garden as beautiful as possible. Check out this guide to gardening here to help you pick which plants to feature in your garden.
Twilight Cocktail Hour
Make happy hour that much happier by taking it outdoors. Enjoy champagne and fruity cocktails while the sun goes down. It’s five o’clock somewhere and during the absolutely hellish year known as 2020 these an after-work drink can be an absolute godsent and having a drink outside in the fresh air can help take the edge off.
We may not be able to travel and make those sort of memories right now but we can still enjoy ourselves and make memories with loved ones close to home.
