How to Turn Your Backyard Into a Summer Oasis

Ahh, summer. The brief season between mud season and frozen mud season where porch hangs and to-go cocktails aren’t just expected, they’re encouraged. With everyone excited to spend more time outside, it doesn’t take much to get a party going in your backyard—setting up the space, on the other hand, takes some time and effort. 

A couple of lawn chairs and a fire pit can always do the trick, but there’s a wide world of bougie outdoor furniture and accessories ready to transform your space. With the help of Sundays’ co-founder Noah Morse, we found the lights, furniture, and projectors that’ll take your yard from an overgrown mosquito nest to a veritable oasis. 

Price: $2,646
“Outdoor furniture can and should still be super comfortable,” starts Morse, “look for multipurpose furniture like side tables that can be used as extra seating.”

Most outdoor furniture lives up to the much-deserved reputation of being gaudy pieces of crap designed to be thrown out after a year. This Maui Outdoor Chair & Table Set changed my mind and will probably change yours the moment your tush hits that soft-as-a-baby’s-outdoor-patio-set couch cushion. Updating the tropical aesthetic, this outdoor set is made with a solid wood frame that puts most indoor couches to shame. Plus, you gotta love that included coffee table. Throw one of Sundays’ Afternoon Loungers in the mix and you’re sound as a pound.

Price: $412.80 - $460
“My key to creating a summer oasis is keeping things simple,” continues Morse, “the fun doesn't need to stop once the sun starts to set. Solar-powered string lights or pendant-ball lights create a warm and welcoming ambiance that slowly lights up as the sun goes down.”

Does this thing have a vibe or does this thing have a vibe?! Designed by sculptor, technician, and artist Arik Levy, this bamboo lamp utilizes the vertical lines made by the bamboo to give off a soft LED glow that instantly chills the mood a few notches.

Price: $545
Nothing makes an outdoor space more inviting than booze. This Barbican Trolley II by Visibility bar cart takes a function-forward approach to the outdoor booze-holder scene with fresh, multifunctional design. Made from durable, high-quality steel, this bar/utility cart features a wedge-shaped bottom tray for anything from extra bottles of gin to these Face Vessel glasses we all keep trying to buy.

Price: $659.99
Whether you consider yourself a diehard charcoal junky or believe in the clean-burning power of propane and propane accessories, this Big Green Egg 13 in. MiniMax Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker does the job and looks the part. Fueled by wood (like in the olden days), this lightweight grill uses a patented air flow system for maximum temperature control over your meat of choice. Hey, it wouldn’t kill you to stick a couple of vegetables on there, too.

While the origin of the margarita, America’s most popular cocktail, is steeped in folklore, many agree that it was invented in the West. And it’s where the inspiration for Lone River Ranch Rita comes from—a premium brewed, margarita-style beverage inspired by its western roots. Ranch Rita’s deliciously light yet refreshing taste hits just right, thanks in part to a hint of organic agave nectar and lime—making it the perfect summer sipper for any occasion.

Price: $349.99 
When the beer runs low and the conversation lulls, a couple of outdoor games should keep the party going. Constructed of rich, solid mahogany and American baltic birch wood, these lightweight and portable 2x4 Acadia Cornhole Boards add a little spatial context to your yard—practically begging to be the center of attention. Choose from two sets of cornhole bags in colors and patterns like marigold yellow and gray dove herringbone.

Price: $399.99
Smoke: It’s been out of style longer than wide-legged skinny jeans have been in style. It begs the question: Why are we still making bonfires the old-fashioned way? Solo Stove Bonfire uses 60° airflow design (via strategically-placed holes) to feed heated oxygen to the flame for a smokeless bonfire that won’t leave you smelling like a Slim Jim for a week. Weighing only 20 pounds, this stainless steel solo stove can be easily moved for optimal placement around the yard. Pro-tip: Wherever the stove goes, chairs should follow.

Price: $449.99
We’ve been fans of Ultimate Ears since the beginning and are proud to say that this thing is the real deal. Designed to deliver exceptional sound for 24 hours straight, the UE Hyperboom is definitely the most crowd-friendly speaker to come out of its impressive lineup. So, how does such great sound come out of such an innocuous black box? You’ll just have to connect via Bluetooth, play the song of the summer (permanently “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire), and hear for yourself.

Price: $299.99
Not only can you watch your favorite show from the comfort of your deck with this Anker Nebula Capsule, but built-in omnidirectional speakers keep you hanging onto every word. Blasting movies, TV shows, or games up to 100 inches big, you can plug the soda-can-sized projector plugs into your phone or computer, or stream content via AirPlay, Miracast, or Bluetooth. Perfect for camping trips, vacations, and binge-watch parties. Seriously, just remember to go into it with an open mind. 

Price: $69.00
The string light industry, as a whole, was way overdue for a makeover. Brightech is doing its part with these Glow Solar String Lights. A 1.5-watt solar panel provides a soft light that automatically turns on once the sun goes down. A 28’ black cable accented with 12 brass-detailed sockets is a huge departure from the string lights of our childhood, adding a layer of class to the glow of LED lights.

Price: $59.95 - $69.00
“Keep things green,” adds Morse, “embrace vertical items as much as possible—for example, tall plants will help the backyard feel multidimensional.” This Raised Nest Planter Trellis keeps your herbs, vegetables, and tall plants safe and on display all while softening your outdoor space.

“Plants and vegetable gardens/planters will automatically upgrade your backyard. Everyone spends their time differently in their backyard. Think about how you plan to spend your time in your backyard, then decide on how to achieve it."