8 Ways to Make the Most of a July Weekend
Savor summertime on the porch, simplify a little, shop for something special or add a fun feature to your yard
From treasure hunting at one of the country’s largest and most beloved antiques fairs to hanging up a porch swing or eating alfresco, here’s your weekend lineup of “could-dos” to make the most of your time off. Read our eight ideas, then let us know in the Comments what’s on your weekend list.
1. Hang a porch swing. What could be more summery than swaying in your own porch swing, sipping a tall glass of iced tea or freshly squeezed lemonade? If you do decide to hang one up, be sure it’s securely attached to joists that can support the weight.
2. Eat outdoors. What is it about eating outdoors that makes food taste so good? Whether you invite a bunch of friends over and make an occasion of it or simply call your family to the table in the backyard instead of the dining room, eating outside can make any day feel a bit more special. Take advantage of these long summer days to enjoy an extended weekend supper outdoors.
10 Reasons to Cook and Eat Outdoors This Summer
10 Reasons to Cook and Eat Outdoors This Summer
3. Go antiques hunting at Brimfield. One of the biggest and best-loved antiques fairs in the country, the Brimfield Antique Show, is happening now in Brimfield, Massachusetts. If you’re planning to visit the show, which runs July 11-16, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for paying vendors and a cart with wheels for toting your purchases back to the car.
Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality
Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality
4. Declutter the living room. Make room for new treasures by filling a bag or two with items to sell or donate. Having trouble getting started? Sometimes we put off decluttering because we expect it to take up a lot of time. Make it easier by setting a timer for 15 minutes: If you’re still on a roll when the timer goes off, set it for another 10 minutes. You may be surprised at how much you get done in a half-hour or less!
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
5. Simplify bath products. Summer is a good time to simplify your morning routine. Do you really need all those products jumbled on your sink top? Take a few minutes to recycle empties, toss slivers of soap, put rarely used products in a cupboard and refresh supplies. Wipe the mirror and faucet with a damp microfiber cloth and set out fresh towels.
6. Attend the International Landscape Design Conference. Landscape designers in the New England area will be flocking to Boston this weekend for the APLD 2017 International Landscape Design Conference. The event runs July 13-17 and is free to the trade.
Photo by Hollin Brodeur
7. Shop handmade at the Renegade Craft Fair. Those in the San Francisco area can find all sorts of handmade goods and vintage treasures at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, along with DIY workshops. The fair runs July 15-16 and admission is free.
Pottery: Melissa Weiss
7. Shop handmade at the Renegade Craft Fair. Those in the San Francisco area can find all sorts of handmade goods and vintage treasures at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, along with DIY workshops. The fair runs July 15-16 and admission is free.
Pottery: Melissa Weiss
8. Add a fun feature to the backyard. Whether it’s an outdoor chalkboard for the kids, a hammock or a fire bowl, adding a new feature to your outdoor space can make hanging in the backyard more fun. On a budget? Get creative: Paint your own backyard chalk wall, give a yard sale find a makeover or ask a local tree trimmer for free stumps to use as stools around a fire bowl.
Tell us: What’s on your list this weekend? Please share in the Comments.
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Tell us: What’s on your list this weekend? Please share in the Comments.
More
To-Dos: Your July Home Checklist
The Rules of Summer: Backyard Edition