Now that the weather has warmed up in the UK we find ourselves wanting to spend more time outside and planning more activities with our friends or family. That’s why we have compiled our top home activities to do with your friends & family this summer. All of the activities listed below are perfect for outdoor or indoor activities for the whole family at a low cost. They are also a perfect solution for giving a fresh summer feeling to your home or garden.
1. Candle Painting
Candle painting is the perfect DIY project to entertain your friends and family in the garden or in your dining room on a summer’s day. It’s low cost and provides a beautiful addition to your home when finished.
All you will need:
- A single large white candle for each person attending
- Several different coloured tea lights for painting or water-based non-toxic acrylic to make it child friendly
- Different-sized paint brushes for different designs
- Warm/ hot water or cold water for rinsing acrylic on paintbrushes
- Newspaper
- Matches/Lighter
Simply decide on what kind of design you are going to paint, if you are opting for acrylic we suggest choosing a smaller pattern as opposed to completely covering the candle in paint. Lay newspapers down over the table surface to not spill wax or acrylic. Next, light your coloured T-lights or decant your Acrylic into pots and begin to paint your design onto the candle. When you have finished your design, if you have used wax, be sure to rinse your brushes with hot water. If you have used acrylic, rinse your brushes off with cold water. Wait for the design to dry and now you have custom candles.
2. Napkin Printing
If you have old plain napkins just lying around the house, it’s time to give them a summer colour refresh. You can give your table setting a new feel with custom designs at a low cost and entertain your friends and family at the same time.
All you will need:
- Old napkins (ask your guests to bring any they may have)
- Fabric paint
- Plate to decant the paint onto
- Paintbrushes
- Knife/craft knife
- Potatoes
- Newspaper
Begin by laying newspapers over your table and ensuring your napkins are all ironed/crease free. Next, decant your fabric paint onto your designated plates. If you have opted for the potato stamping option, calve your potato into the appropriate shape. Easy shapes include half moons and hexagons or you can take it to the next step and try stars. If you have cookie cutters at home and large enough potatoes, you could also cut the potatoes using the cookie cutters for stamp designs. When you are happy with your stamps or have chosen your painted design, simply paint your napkins and wait for them to dry.
3. Bunting Making – Straws
Bunking is always a lovely addition to your home and outdoor areas when entertaining or simply just for seasonal decoration. It is also so much fun to make and something that your friends and family will love!
Straw bunting – You will need:
- Assortment of straws (Paper straws or biodegradable versions)
- Acrylic Paint *Optional
- String or ribbon that fits through the straws
- Scissors
- Newspaper
As always, begin by laying a newspaper on the table. If you are painting your straws, select the colour paint and leave until dry. Next, begin cutting your straws into two longer pieces and one shorter piece to create a long triangle shape. Finally, thread your string or ribbon first through the shot piece of straw then followed by the two longer pieces, and finally back through the short piece and continue until the bunking is the desired length.
Vintage Hanky Bunting – you will need:
- Hankys
- 10cm Thick Ribbon or hemmed material length to suit your space *optional
- Needle, thread & pins *optional
- Scissors *optional
Hanky bunting is one of the most simple methods. Simply take your hankies, fold them in half (corner to corner to create a triangle), and tie the two longest lengths together. If you would like to make more permanent bunking, please follow these steps:
- Begin by folding each hanky in half (point to point)
- Spread your triangles along your ribbon equally
- Fold the ribbon over the top of your triangles so the ribbon covers the top edge on both sides equally and pin it into place
- Repeat with all triangles and then sew along the edge to finish
4. Hanging Baking Tray Planters
Most of us have old baking trays or pots and pans that could do with being chucked out. This adorable DIY activity is so easy to complete and is great to do as a summer activity.
You will need:
- Old baking tray
- String or rope
- Metal Paint *optional
- Sandpaper *optional
- Soil
- Desired Plants
To make your rope sling for your planter follow this simple guide.
Summer Outdoor Activity Top Tip
Scatter limes cut in half with cloves stuck into them to deter mosquitos and flies whilst you are crafting.
5. Outdoor Cushions
Outdoor cushions are the perfect way to relax outside or for decorating garden furniture. This DIY activity is perfect for upcycling materials and a fun project to do with your friends.
You will need:
- Material – Subject to the size of the cushion you would like to make
- Pillow filler or old pillows
- Needle & Thread
- Waterproof spray
- Velcro
- Fabric glue
This activity is best suited if you have plenty of time and are skilled at sewing or have a sewing machine.
Begin by cutting your material into the relevant sizes. If you are using old cushion fillers, trace the outline of cushions on your material. Leave a 4cm hemming seam around the end. Using two pieces of the material, turn the right sides together and sew along the trace line on three sides. Next, on the fourth open side, stick the velcro to both sides and wait for the glue to dry. Turn the cushion the right way around and spray generously with waterproofing spray. Finally, put your cushion fillers in your covers, and now your new DIY cushions are ready for use.
Thanks for reading our top home activities to do with your friends & family this summer. We would love to see your home DIY projects so please tag us on social media with @customsplashbacks.
Top home activities to do with your friends & family this summer
- Candle Painting
- Napkin Printing
- Homemade Bunking
- Hanging Baking Tray Planters
- Homemade Outdoor Cushions
