Discover 15 easy DIY summer projects to refresh your outdoor decor! From patriotic porch ideas to creative planters and fire pit tabletops, these fun summer crafts are perfect for entertaining and relaxing outdoors.
Ready to make this summer your most creative one yet?
I’m teaming up with 14 talented blogging friends to bring you a collection of our favorite easy DIY summer projects—perfect for refreshing your porch, patio, or backyard.
From patriotic wreaths to terracotta planters and even a tabletop fire pit, these ideas are fun, festive, and made for outdoor entertaining.
Hosted by:
This seasonal DIY roundup is hosted by my friend Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse, and we can’t wait to inspire your next summer project. Let the creativity (and sunshine) begin!
15 Summer DIY Projects for Outdoor Decorating and Entertaining
From cozy porch decor to creative garden planters and patriotic touches, these summer DIY projects are simple, affordable, and full of charm. Whether you’re decorating for the season or planning your next backyard gathering, you’re sure to find a project (or three!) to try.
1. DIY License Plate Hat Rack Wall Decor Idea for Summer | Dabbling & Decorating
I discovered a stack of vintage vanity Maine license plates tucked away in an old family shed, and I knew they were perfect for a fun summer DIY project. With just a few simple steps, I transformed them into an eye-catching hat rack and wall display—ideal for a porch, mudroom, or garage. This license plate craft is easy, creative, and full of nostalgic charm!
2. No-Sew Patriotic Pillow Cover DIY for the 4th of July | The Ponds Farmhouse
The 4th of July is the perfect time to add a festive touch to your summer decor, and this no-sew patriotic pillow cover makes it easy and fun. Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shares how to create this customizable red, white, and blue accent—perfect for your porch swing, patio seating, or backyard celebration
Patriotic Vintage Decor Guide
Looking to style your home with red, white, and blue this summer? Explore 12 creative vintage-inspired patriotic decor ideas—from DIY flags and alfresco tablescapes to guest bedroom accents and porch displays. Perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and all your summer styling needs.
3. DIY Outdoor Shower Curtain for Patio Privacy | White Arrows Home
Need a little privacy on your patio or near the lake? This DIY outdoor shower curtain is the perfect solution—practical, stylish, and ideal for summer living. I added this colorful curtain to a rustic log cabin’s outdoor shower area, creating a cozy, private space with a pop of personality. It’s one of my favorite summer DIYs for lakeside charm and functionality.
4. Outdoor Summer Tablescape with Blue and Terracotta Decor | The Tattered Pew
Set the scene for a beautiful summer evening with this easy outdoor tablescape using calming blues and warm terracotta tones. Casual yet elegant, this DIY summer table setting captures the glow of golden hour and makes al fresco dining feel extra special. Come see how simple it is to create a seasonal table that’s both relaxed and refined.
Vintage-Inspired Table Settings for Every Season You’ll Love
From porch breakfasts to holiday gatherings, this vintage tablescape guide includes styling inspiration for every season—indoor and outdoor—using thrifted and antique finds.
5. DIY Fire Pit Tabletop Cover for Summer Entertaining | Simply 2 Moms
Looking for a budget-friendly way to protect your fire pit and turn it into a functional tabletop? This DIY fire pit cover is the perfect summer solution. AnnMarie created this versatile tabletop with just a few simple materials—for under $30! It’s a clever outdoor project that adds style and practicality to your patio setup.
Looking for more fire pit DIY summer projects and entertaining ideas?
6. How to Plant a Mosquito Repellent Garden with Bug-Repelling Plants | Stacy Ling Blog
Love spending summer evenings outdoors—but not the mosquitoes? This simple DIY mosquito repellent garden is the perfect natural solution. With just a few easy steps, you can plant herbs and flowers that help keep bugs away—while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden or patio. Learn how to create your own in seven easy steps!
7. Easy Patriotic Flower Pot DIY for the 4th of July | Cottage in the Mitten
Looking for a simple way to add patriotic flair to your summer decor? This easy DIY patriotic flower pot is a fun and festive project you can make in no time. Whether you use it indoors or on your porch or patio, it’s the perfect red, white, and blue touch for your 4th of July celebrations.
Seasonal Porch Decorating with Vintage Style
From lilacs in spring to ski lodge charm in winter, this year-round guide shares how I decorate our Vermont porch with vintage style through every season. It’s packed with table settings, thrifted finds, cozy layers, and simple decorating ideas to bring timeless charm to your own outdoor space.
8. How to Paint a Checkerboard Floor for Porch or Greenhouse Style | Peacock Ridge Farm
Looking to add a little old-school charm to your summer space? This DIY checkerboard floor is the perfect way to create a timeless, whimsical look in a greenhouse, sunroom, or even on a porch. Follow these simple steps to paint your own checkerboard pattern—it’s easier than you think and makes a beautiful impact!
9. DIY Lake-Themed Patriotic Wreath for Summer Decor | Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder
Looking for a fun and festive summer wreath idea with a lakehouse twist? This DIY lake-themed patriotic wreath is the perfect project to complement your summer decor. Made with just a few simple supplies, it pairs beautifully with vintage paddles, water skis, and all your favorite lakeside family memories.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiraiton in this 35 Spring & Summer Wreath Door Ideas post.
10. DIY Rain Barrel on a Budget for Summer Gardening | Midwest Life and Style
Conserve water and boost curb appeal with this budget-friendly DIY rain barrel. This simple step-by-step project helps you collect rainwater for your garden while adding charm to your outdoor space. It’s the perfect eco-conscious summer DIY project for any backyard gardener.
11. How to Make a DIY Obelisk from a Closet Find | Thistlewood Farms
You’ll never guess what this beautiful garden obelisk started out as! With a little creativity and something you probably already have in your closet, you can craft a striking vertical accent for any planter or flower bed. It’s a clever summer DIY project with big visual impact.
12. DIY Patriotic Summer Door Basket in 5 Easy Steps | Eleanor Rose Home
Looking for a fresh alternative to a summer wreath? This hanging patriotic door basket is full of charm and color—perfect for celebrating summer holidays. Follow these five simple steps to create a vibrant front door display with a classic Americana feel.
13. Pottery Barn Dupe: DIY Paper Mache Centerpiece Bowl | Amy Sadler Designs
Love the look of Pottery Barn’s high-end decor? Try this DIY paper mâché centerpiece bowl for a stylish and affordable alternative. Inspired by a favorite designer piece, this simple summer craft adds texture and trend to your dining table or coffee table.
Easy DIY Home Decor Projects with Vintage Style
Explore our easy DIY home decor guide with vintage style, using thrifted and repurposed finds. Simple, beginner-friendly ideas to decorate your home with charm.
14. How to Age Terracotta Pots with 3 Easy Techniques | WM Design Home
Want your terracotta pots to look like they’ve spent decades in a European garden? Try these three easy aging techniques using fertilizer, yogurt, or salt. This quick DIY gives your pots a weathered, vintage look—perfect for styling indoors or out this summer.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in this Terracotta Decor: How to Use Pots in Every Room post.
15. DIY Mermaid Coastal Wreath for Summer Front Door Decor | Cottage on Bunker Hill
Bring beachy vibes to your front door with this whimsical coastal mermaid wreath. With its seashells, nautical charm, and soft summer colors, it’s the perfect handmade accent for your front porch or seaside getaway.
Bonus: How to Build a Pea Gravel Patio: Easy Weekend DIY Project
Looking to take on a slightly bigger DIY project this summer? This pea gravel patio is a weekend-friendly makeover that adds instant charm and functionality to your outdoor living space. See how we created ours step-by-step—no concrete required!
Final Thoughts on These Easy DIY Summer Projects
Whether you’re sprucing up your patio, adding charm to your garden, or getting crafty for the 4th of July, these easy DIY summer projects are all about making your outdoor spaces more beautiful and personal. From patriotic wreaths to pea gravel patios, there’s something here for every style and skill level.
Which project will you try first? Let me know in the comments—or tag me on Instagram so I can see your summer DIYs in action!
Looking for even more ideas? Check out these summer posts next:
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer DIY Projects
Some of the easiest and most fun summer DIYs include creating patriotic wreaths, planting container gardens, building a pea gravel patio, aging terracotta pots, and styling an outdoor table setting. Most of these can be done in a day or less and add instant charm to your outdoor spaces.
Use what you already have! Try a no-sew patriotic pillow cover, a DIY flower pot with red, white, and blue blooms, or a door basket filled with seasonal greenery. Thrifted and repurposed items also make great porch decor.
Lavender, citronella, mint, basil, and marigolds are all popular bug-repelling plants. Plant them in pots around your seating areas or create a dedicated mosquito repellent garden for natural protection.
Yes! With a few basic materials and simple tools, you can build a custom tabletop cover that protects your fire pit and doubles as a serving surface for outdoor entertaining.
You can age terracotta pots using three simple methods: yogurt, garden fertilizer, or salt. Each creates a beautifully weathered look that feels vintage and natural—perfect for farmhouse, French country, or coastal styles.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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So many fun projects and ideas! Thank you for sharing. I’m inspired to try several of these.
Thanks Anna, I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Ann, These are such a great projects. So fun hopping with you.
Thanks kindly Renae!
I love all of these fun summer projects. And your license plate rack is so unique. I think my grandparents used to have some old vanity plates in one of the sheds on their farm. I’m going to look next time I visit. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Jen, oh you should. My father loved that tennis anyone vanity plate so it’s so fun to have it displayed today!
A fun round-up with friends! I hope you have the best summer!
Thanks so much Kim, you too!
Such a fun collection of creative summer ideas! Loved your repurposed license plate projects, Ann; especially because they were your Dad’s:)
Thank you so much Lora!!
I cannot wait to try a few of these projects this summer. Thanks for sharing.
I agree Wendy, so many fabulous ideas!
Thanks for sharing these awesome ideas!!
Can’t wait to try your fire pit cover, I’ll keep you posted:)
So many great ideas here for summer! Your use of license plates is unique and so fun Ann! I hope you have a great summer.
Thanks Heidi, you too!
Ann
So many great ideas. Thanks for participating!
Thanks Rachel!