A Long Weekend Home Getaway
Hooray for Long Weekends!
Hooray! Winter is finally over, and we know summer is here for sure because Victoria Day is this weekend, and if Queen Victoria says it’s summer, then it’s summer.
May 24th (actually Monday, May 23rd this year) is a statutory holiday in Canada officially named after the monarch who reigned between 1837 and 1901 for 64 years, a period bested only recently by Queen Elizabeth II. Unofficially, it is referred to as the May long weekend or the May "2-4" long weekend in reference to the cases of 24 cans of beer consumed over this first long weekend of the summer.
This is also the weekend that gives us the nod to go ahead and put plants in the ground as there is a good chance, we won’t be having any more frosty nights.
With gas prices sky-high many of us will be staying close to home this long weekend. Here are some suggestions on how to make your backyard, patio, or balcony a mini-vacation spot.
1. Plants, Plants, and More Plants!
The great thing about plants is that you can create the most amazing garden in any space, large or small. For some inspiring ideas check out @clausdalby on Instagram. He has great ideas for everything from the small container garden (think vertical) to the big acreage garden and everything in between.
I’m sure you have heard this time and again, but it really is true. Making your outside space as decorated as your indoor space gives you the feeling of a getaway without leaving home. The first thing you will need is an outdoor rug and some comfortable seating, then keep layering up from there with pillows and throws. Don’t forget a coffee table or side tables to hold snacks and drinks. A friend of ours added outdoor art to her privacy fence and it is spectacular! This would work especially well on decks or balconies. Other indoor elements you can incorporate are mirrors. If you have beautiful scenery around, add a mirror to reflect it, or use a mirror to give the appearance of a larger space.
3. Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a real game-changer. A few years ago, we installed some string lights in our backyard, and it immediately transformed the space. It suddenly felt like we were at a resort. If you have a balcony or deck, try an outdoor chandelier or lanterns to set the mood.
4. Eating Out
No, not at a fancy restaurant but at your own intimate and private dining table reserved for you and friends. There really is nothing like eating al fresco, everything tastes better. Create a dining spot, preferably close to your kitchen or barbecue. There are so many beautiful outdoor plates and glasses on the market that you are sure to find something to suit your taste.
Depending on whether you have a big yard, a deck or small balcony, there are many options for installing heat. In a yard you can certainly have a fire pit but do check the outdoor fire pit laws for your area before you buy. You can also get propane firepit tables for smaller areas, or propane heaters like those used on restaurant patios. We use a vertical propane heater on our deck, and it works wonderfully.
Have a relaxing long weekend – or any weekend - in your homestay getaway!
Oh, and if you want to learn a bit more about Queen Victoria's fascinating life, here is a good read.
