Put a Cork in It
Patio lights and tiki torches can't hold a candle to these brilliant LED lights that turn any glass bottle—whether a decorative accent from HomeGoods or simply an empty wine bottle—into a stylish lamp for your next gathering. Just charge the bottle-topper LED for an hour, plug it back into its cork base, twist to turn it on, then put it on your bottle to impart a magical glow to your evening. The light plugs into any USB port for charging, stays lit for up to three hours, and can be used indoors or out. Available on Amazon; $11.
Related: 8 New Ideas for DIY Outdoor Lighting
Hot Wheels
Nothing says comfort quite like a bar cart that keeps refreshments—adult or otherwise—always within reach. Energize your outdoor space with a wheeled serving cart like the one shown here, all decked out in a punchy hue and stocked with chilled beverages. You can fold it up for storage between seasons, or roll it right indoors to add style and storage to any room. Available on Amazon; $52.
Related: 17 DIY Mini Bars to Mix Up Your Home Decor
Shower the People
Whether you're rinsing pool chlorine from your hair or just seeking relief from the midday sun, there's nothing quite so refreshing as a quick cleanup alfresco. This easy-to-install shower allows anyone with a water hookup and a free afternoon to add a dose of luxury to the backyard. And because the heating mechanism is solar powered, a warm shower won't inflate your energy bill. Available on Amazon; $66.95.
Related: 10 Reasons to Reconsider the Aboveground Pool
Cooler Table
Bring a touch of class and convenience to your patio or deck with a convertible cooler table. By day, this chic rattan-look table, molded from polypropylene resin, is perfect for the Sunday paper and a cup of joe, while by night it transforms into a sophisticated perch for cocktails, complete with its own cooler that keeps party beverages close by. Available on Amazon; $78.
Related: 9 Creative Ways to Build a Backyard Hangout
Warm Up
Safer and more convenient than many of their alternatives, patio heaters have emerged as a backyard favorite that enables family and friends to enjoy the outdoors day or night, even when the temperature drops. The most powerful heaters run on cost-effective propane. Take, for example, this heavy-duty powder-coated model from AZ Patio Heaters. At 41,000 BTUs, it radiates a 10-foot diameter of heat. And when the season is over, simply roll the wheeled, portable unit into storage. Available on Amazon; price varies by finish.
Related: 9 Ways to Extend Patio Season into Fall
Cut a Rug
Define space, add color, and put comfort underfoot with an all-weather outdoor rug. There have never been more designs to choose from, thanks to the latest advances in manufacturing. The intricately power-loomed rug shown here, from Safavieh, catches the eye with its appealing terra-cotta color and its playful geometric pattern. Approximately five feet by eight feet and resistant to fading, stains, mold, and mildew, this is the stylish, easy-care finishing touch you've always wanted for your deck, porch, or patio. Available at Overstock; $318.
Related: 9 Simple Porch Ideas to Steal from Real Homes
Camp Chef Portable Outdoor Movie Screen
Movie buffs can cue up a fan favorite right from the backyard with the help of a portable movie screen. Camp Chef's supersize screen is a blockbuster-worthy 92 inches, so the kids won't have to fight for a good view. And because it comes with a projector, carrying bag, and stakes, you'll have everything you need to set up a private screening of a beloved summer classic. Available on Amazon; $144.
Related: 11 Low-Cost Buys to Boost a Boring Backyard
Plow and Hearth Mosquito Net Umbrella Canopy
Keeping mosquitoes at bay is key for creating a welcoming outdoor space. For an instant bug-free zone, secure your dining set with this zip-up net that slips right over a seven- or nine-foot-wide umbrella. Weighted plastic tubing at the base holds the net in place, even on breezy summer nights, so you can lounge in comfort no matter the weather. Available on Amazon; $29.95.
Related: 8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
