Transform your backyard for the perfect summer getaway with these tips

By Angeline Jane Bernabe, Video by Will Linendoll & Zoe Moore

While summer plans look different this year, it doesn't mean your home can't be turned into a fun, summer retreat or relaxing oasis for the whole family to enjoy.

Good Housekeeping magazine style director Lori Bergamotto says your home can be transformed into the ultimate summer escape with just a few beach chairs and string lights.

Here are some of her tips for upgrading your backyard into the perfect summer getaway.

Safety first: Set up a sanitation station

Entertain safely by setting up a sanitation station for your guests. Have a stash of masks, hand sanitizers and wipes at the ready for guests to feel encouraged to support guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while socializing at a distance.

Sanitation station and single-serve food

Single-serve food is key

For drinks, forgo the communal punch bowl and use mason jars for single-serving drinks. To ensure no mix-ups, have your guests write their names on them, which they can take home as a "safety" souvenir.

As for food, opt for individually wrapped and individually packaged snacks.

Set the scene

Make your outdoor area look festive all summer long with globe string lights, like these from Brightech Pro, which will add a bistro feel to a backyard barbecue.

Transform your backyard for the perfect summer getaway

Also, bring out the cute beach chairs that may have been stored in your garage all year to add to your outdoor table setup. Bergamotto says a mixed-material dining setup feels modern and casually cool. This Patio Sling Chair from Overstock is perfect to lounge in.

Beat the heat

We're all seeking relief from the summer heat, but with beaches and pools observing safety precautions, you might want to take matters into your own hands.

Although pools have been a hot commodity during quarantine, many shops will be restocking them the week of July 13.

In the meantime, you can opt for a dog pool like this one from Fuloon on Amazon, which is shallow enough for one small child. It also comes in multiple sizes.

Also, this FUNBOY Rocket Sprinkler is perfect for all ages as well as this water mat from SplashEZ 3, which is compact, cooling and perfect for small kids.

These lightweight and super-absorbent towels from Soukie Modern are perfect for drying off after a splash in your pool and double as stylish sarongs, beach throws, picnic blankets and more!

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