With school kicking off again and temps cooling down a bit, it’s time to accept that summer is on its way out for 2015. We have to say, it’s been a good run for beach trips, BBQ and weekend getaways. Of course, if you’re anything like us, you might not be ready to let go *quite* yet, which is totally cool. The official start of fall is still some time away, and we’re sharing a few of our favorite DIYs for a low-key summer sendoff. Scroll on for 17 ways to have just a little more fun in the sun.
1. Bocce Court: It’s hard to believe that we’ll be complaining about cabin fever in just a few weeks, but it’s true. Spend some time in the rays while you still can with this gorgeous DIY bocce ball set. (via Brit + Co)
2. Tassel Blanket: A cozy blanket is crucial for any event that’ll have you outdoors in the evenings. Make this cute + tasseled option for nights with a little bit of a chill. (via Tell Love and Chocolate)
3. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake: Make strawberry season last all year ’round with this adorable and delectable dessert that’ll have your guests loading up for seconds and thirds. (via Brit +Co)
4. DIY Tiki Torches: Host a few pool parties this summer? Put all those empty bottles to use with this DIY to keep the critters away. (via Sugar + Charm)
5. S’mores Cupcakes: With National S’mores Day now behind us, it’s A-okay to want to change up the format of your summer sweet treats. May we suggest a cupcake? (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
6. Raspberry Rose Fizz: Rose has been touted as the official flavor/scent of summer 2015, so why not send it off with a bang, or in this case, a fizz? Pair with farmers’ market berries to capture summer in a glass. (via HonestlyYUM)
7. Watermelon Margaritas: Give a toast to this tasty fruit that kept you boozy + refreshed when the sun was testing your heat limits. We’ll take ours with extra mint, please! (via Brit + Co)
8. Egg Carton Flower Lights: String lights have been a huge hit on the Pinterest circuit, and these pretty flowers are no exception. These guys earn bonus points for using recycled materials. (via Wonderful DIY)
9. Blanket Poncho: Colorful blankets, we <3 you forever. Ditch the Snuggie in favor of this much more fashionable iteration that will keep you warm and able to use your arms. (via Brit + Co)
10. Mini Picnic Tables: You want to keep things relaxed, but not so low-key that you’re eating/drinking off the ground. Put together some mini picnic tables to hold snacks and drinks close by. (via Lovely Indeed)
11. Palm Tree Drink Markers: Sure, fall is all about deciduous trees, but we think palm trees deserve one last shoutout. Add some festive drink markers to your Labor Day cocktails for some instant, glittery charm. (via Brit + Co)
12. Macho Nachos: Any recipe that feels chef-fy yet is a piece of cake to throw together is a winner in our book. Grab your trusty cast iron and start layering. (via I Wash You Dry)
13. Apple Cider Mimosas: If you’ve conceded to the change in season and are ready to go balls to the fall (PSL, anyone?), embrace the change with a cider mimosa in hand. (via The Cookie Rookie)
14. Compact Blanket: Keep things portable with this roll-up blanket. If your end-of-summer adventures are taking you out of your back yard, you’ll want to have this in hand. (via Grosgrain Fabulous)
15. Spiced Summer Fruit: Fruit cones are a street-food staple in sunny California. Bring this hit snack to your own backyard by reworking the traditional crudite. (via DesignLoveFest)
16. Watermelon and Feta Flatbread: Watermelon-feta salad is the sweet and savory combo of summer. Cozy it up by adding it to flatbread as toppings, and give a holla for colder temps making hot food tolerable again. (via Sugar & Cloth)
17. Backgammon: Entertainment for your last summer fling might be in the form of a whip/nae nae dance-off, but for those who prefer activities that aren’t as active, you can totally make your own backgammon board. (via Lovely Indeed)
How will you say sayonara to summer? Tell us about your plans in the comments!
