It is DIY May-nia Monday again. I wish it was Sunday cause that's my fun day! Sorry, cheesy reference to the Bangles aside are you ready to see what I came up with to help you enjoy your Memorial Day BBQ that much more? A little mood lighting anyone?
I love outdoor lights strung over a patio. We had to go for around the patio because hanging them from the roof to the posts would have probably gotten in Tom's way. He is significantly taller than my 5 foot 7 self. I love how it turned out. It gives just enough light to sit outside and not be overtaken by bugs flying to the light.
We are renters so this solution needed to be easily removable and cause no damage when we remove it. That was my biggest challenge in trying to figure this out. Zip ties to the rescue. These things are like duct tape they solve almost any problem. I only added the picture on the right because I love the little ladybug hanging out on the post.
I bought 7 1ft x1ft pine boards that are 8 feet tall. Since they are going to be outdoors I wanted them to blend into the scenery. So as much as I wanted to paint them red I held off and went for a nice green. It is called Ponderosa Green. Which I picked because a) I liked it b) Tom is a Bonanza fan so I thought it would be funny. I have a wicked sense of humor can't you tell? I didn't paint the tops or bottom because I am not really that concerned with them lasting since this is a temporary home for us. The small can of Behr stain and sealer got me one coat. If you are going to do this and want it to last you will need two coats to protect the wood better.
After the posts were up I simply stapled the strands to the posts and there was light. I went around the eaves of the house as well to get the strands to the outlet. That is basic christmas light hanging stuff I am sure you already know how to do without my help. Don't you love how they blend into the tree. It is like camouflage. Ok maybe not quite but it is better than if I had gone with red.
I did the all before the tree grew in and I think that the way the tree has grown in makes the lights look even better.
So let's see what you are bringing to the party this week. Do you have a great recipe for us or some outdoor decorating tips? Maybe you have a serving tray or a table setting idea. It is all welcome here as long as you can use it at your Memorial day BBQ.
I am also linking up at
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On Thursday we will all be featuring our favorite projects so come back and check it out.
Next week we will showing off outdoor and BBQ projects I hope you come back and link up again.
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