Make your backyard a space you'll want to spend time in this season.

We love hosting in the backyard come summertime, but totally understand it doesn't always make sense to spend a ton of money here since the space is so short-lived (stay, away winter!). With that is mind, we've come up with five simple and cheap ways to upgrade your outdoor space so you can enjoy the time you do get to spend out there.

1. Outdoor Rug

You wouldn't leave your living room floor bare, so why do we think it's okay to leave the back deck without a rug? This is an easy way to pull together your outdoor furniture and create a cozy seating area that has intention. 
 

Our picks:

Elroy Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Article, $159

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Concentric Pattern Rug, Simons, starting at $128

Photo by Simons

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2. Umbrella

If you want to spend extended time outdoors during the summer, you need a space where you can keep cool, Umbrellas are an easy choice for creating shade that can stay with you as the day goes on.

Our picks:

CANVAS Blue & Orange Striped Market Umbrella, Canadian Tire, $119

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HISSÖ Umbrella, Ikea, $200

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3. Fire Pit

What's the one thing you always do at the cottage? Have a bonfire! Now you can bring that same feeling lakeside nights to your home for less than a roundtrip cost in gas up north.

Our Picks:

For Living Steel Round Wood Burning Fire Pit, Canadian Tire, $150

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Solo Stove Mesa XL, Solo Stove, $120

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4. Greenery

Backyards are all about showing off nature, so plant away!

What to plant in full-sun gardens
What to plant in shady gardens
The best flowering vines for your garden
Bee-friendly plants for a buzzing garden

5. Playful Dinnerware

Dinner outdoors means barbecue favourites and a lot more fun than a traditional meal at the dining room table. Embrace summer fun with colourful plates, cups, and dishware that will make everyone excited to dig in.

Our picks:

BBQ Classics Outdoor Plates, Simons, starting at $7

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3D Fruit Highball Glasses, Set of 2, Simons, $30

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