Backyard, patio, friends around a table — Is your backyard ready for summer?

We’ve all been pretty cooped-up this past year (thanks a lot, COVID) and are ready to get outside and enjoy the summer sunshine. Make sure your outdoor space is summer-ready with this list of backyard must-haves, plus where to find them in Birmingham.

1. Insect repelling citronella candle

citronella candle on a table — Keep those pesky mosquitos away with a natural citronella candle. Photo via Great Bear Wax Co.

First things first: in order to enjoy your outdoor space this summer, you have to keep all those biting, stinging, annoying bugs away. Great Bear Wax Co.’s all-natural soy candles, made with a blend of Citronella and Cedar Wood essential oils, will keep mosquitos at bay without overly-pungent chemicals.

Where to buy: Great Bear Wax Co.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram

2. Cozy outdoor rug

blue patterned rug — Ground your backyard patio with a vibrant outdoor area rug. Photo via Issis & Sons.

Perfect for patios, decks, porches and balconies, a colorful area rug will make your summer backyard feel like an extension of your home. Choose a rug made of durable materials that will hold up in the rain and sun to ground your outdoor seating area.

Where to buy: Issis & Sons
Contact: Instagram | Vestavia (Hwy 31N), 1493 Montgomery Hwy , Vestavia, AL 35216 | 205-874-9586

3. Rustic fire pit

What’s better than warm nights, good conversation with friends and roasted marshmallows? Make this your regular summer night reality with a rustic, iron fire pit. A fire pit will also create a focal point for your patio furniture. Just make sure you follow fire safety rules if your outdoor space is covered, like a balcony or porch.

Where to buy: Frontera: Hand-Crafted Forged Wrought Iron Furniture & Accessories
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | 3000 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 | 205-320-1900

4. Standing outdoor lamp

Look, we all love string lights for our porches and patios, but we can be more creative than that! A standing lamp that’s made for the outdoors is a unique way to lean into the outside living room trend. Place it at one end of your patio sofa or in the corner of your porch for soft, subtle lighting while you entertain outside.

Where to buy: Blackjack Gardens
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | 5549 Derby Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35210 | 205-836-2933

5. Comfy swinging bed

man sitting on swinging bed — Take the ultimate nap in your very own swinging bed this summer. Photo via Seibels.

Push those typical porch swings aside and upgrade to a swinging bed instead. Ideal for those with porches or balconies with sturdy overhead coverings, swinging beds are perfect for lazy summer afternoons with a glass of sweet tea.

Where to buy: Seibels Camp and Cottage Outfitters
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | 2927 18th Street, Homewood, AL 35209 | 205-879-3558

6. Giant lawn games

Fun for kids and adults alike, oversized lawn games—like giant Jenga—take family game nights in the backyard to the next level. You can order games like Connect 4 or lawn bowling from a variety of online retailers, or rent them for your next get-together.

Where to rent: Prophouse Rentals & Styling
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | 89 Robert Jemison Road, Birmingham, AL 35209 | 205.324.2663

7. Stock tank for soaking

Birmingham, stock tank pool, trends, DIY pool, backyard pool — Soak up the sun and stay cool in a stock tank pool. Photo via Amanda Braddock.

No space or extra cash for an inground pool? Do the dogs keep puncturing the blow-up kiddie pool? A stock tank pool is your answer, friends. Set it up on your deck, patio or lawn, fill it with water from the hose, throw on a bathing suit and you’re set to stay cool in the sun all summer.