The summer season is the perfect time to take it easy outside and bask in the mild evenings that are a relief from the day’s heat. Gatherings are even more of a relief in the coolness of the evening hours. It’s a time for family and friends to get together and have lots of fun while letting the stress melt away. There are creative ideas to turn your patio into a party spot without spending too much money. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the summer evenings to come.

Get everything cleaned and organized. Space is the key here, so take the time to look through the tools, toys, accessories, and junk that’s scattered in your yard. A tool rack, a large storage bin, or a cabinet with doors are all ideal ways to store what you’ll keep and keep what you need nearby. Once the yard has been organized and you have additional square footage, get out the push mower, cut the grass and edge it to create a manicured and professional look. A well-kept yard gives the illusion of tidiness and order and is key to any party area.

Now that your space is cleaned up, choose where everyone will sit. If you don’t have patio furniture, consider buying some at a rummage sale or discount vendor and making it look like new by adding some new pillows and repainting with some rust-repelling spray paint. You can get much more value for your money of furniture for a small investment and then make it look just like new. If you don’t have a cover in your patio, consider leasing or purchasing a pop-up gazebo to create shade for your guests. They are like extra outside rooms and have paneled doors that simply pull open to invite guests to sit down and visit. They can also serve to keep the bugs out if you choose to serve the drinks and food inside the patio gazebo.

One of the best aspects of parties are the refreshments. Lemonade with frozen pureed fruit is a great way to add color, flavor, and pizzazz to plain lemonade. You can also freeze flavored fruit drinks into cubes and serve it with ice-cold fruit-flavored soda for a tart and tangy variation!

As the night comes in, the mosquitoes and moths come out, so consider buying the best repellent you can find to make your evening last even longer. They can really eliminate or repel the pesky bugs and improve your outdoor environment for you and your guests. Furthermore, if you don’t have one already, you can get something for making a fire outside for about $150-$160 from a local discount store. Do an online search for classified ads by families who no longer need their outdoor items in good condition, because they’re moving or redecorating. This is a wonderful way to get something you need for up to 90% less than if you’d bought it at a retail store. For added pizzazz, try stringing some lights outside to turn your party into a runaway hit!