MARTHASTEWART.COM

Summer Living

Stay Cool This Summer

Comments()

Take an Outdoor Shower Photo: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
<<< >>>

< 1 of 12 >

Take an Outdoor Shower

Rinse away grit after a beach trip -- or a wrestling match with the mower. This outdoor shower hooks right up to your garden hose.

How to Set Up an Outdoor Shower
Create a Canopy
<<< >>>

< 2 of 12 >

Create a Canopy

Create a cool spot for summer living with one of our easy canopies. Unlike a pricey pergola or arbor, which demands a permanent surrender of ground, a canopy requires scant commitment or expense.

How to Create a Canopy
Craft a Paper Fan
<<< >>>

< 3 of 12 >

Craft a Paper Fan

At a late-summer picnic or barbecue, these easy-to-make fans keep guests cool. They also make an appreciated party favor.

How to Make Paper Fans
Sponge Ball
<<< >>>

< 4 of 12 >

Sponge Ball

Great for a game of tag on a scorching hot day, squishy sponge balls are summer's alternative to snowballs.

How to Make a Sponge Ball
Plant Trees
<<< >>>

< 5 of 12 >

Plant Trees

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart landscaping can reduce air-conditioning bills by 15 to 50 percent. Leaves absorb some of the heat and cool the air as they release water vapor. Deciduous trees are an especially good choice because their leaves drop in fall, letting sunlight through in the cold months.

How to Plant a Tree
Enjoy a Cold Beverage Quicker
<<< >>>

< 6 of 12 >

Enjoy a Cold Beverage Quicker

Here's a great way to chill beverages in time for an impromptu backyard barbecue. Place wine or other bottles in a bucket; add a layer of ice, followed by a layer of salt (coarse or table); repeat until you almost reach the top. Fill the bucket with cold water to just below the ice line. The water in the ice bucket will be colder than normal, chilling the libations in less than 10 minutes.
Use Shrubs and Vines
<<< >>>

< 7 of 12 >

Use Shrubs and Vines

Shrubs can reduce heat (and glare) from sidewalks and driveways. Annual vines on trellises can shade walls and windows -- and while you have to wait for trees and shrubs to grow, vines will do their job the first year they are planted. Contact your state's cooperative extension service for recommendations on suitable plant varieties for your climate.
Cool Down Your Coffee
<<< >>>

< 8 of 12 >

Cool Down Your Coffee

Enjoy a chilled cup of coffee without the watery side effect.

How to Make Coffee Cubes
Limit Light Indoors
<<< >>>

< 9 of 12 >

Limit Light Indoors

If you can't provide exterior shading, use blinds, roller shades, or tightly woven draperies to keep sun from heating up rooms and interior surfaces that can continue to radiate heat for hours. Multilayered window treatments insulate better than single-layered ones.
Wear a Hat
<<< >>>

< 10 of 12 >

Wear a Hat

A plain straw beach hat is turned into a bright, sunny creation using touches of raffia.

How to Make a Beach Hat
Freeze Your Fruit
<<< >>>

< 11 of 12 >

Freeze Your Fruit

Your ordinary snack gets a chilling makeover.

Get the Frozen Fruit Recipe
Protect Your Pets Photo: Diane Artist
<<< >>>

< 12 of 12 >

Protect Your Pets

Pet expert Marc Morrone shares these vital tips to make sure your furry and feathered friends stay happy and healthy during the hot weather.

How to Care for a Pet in Summer
Start Over
< — >

We Also Love:

Comments

Relaxing Ideas

See All Relaxing Ideas >

Our New Summer Extras

Summer Playlist
Add our own favorite feel-good tunes to your summer playlist for an outdoor party.
Download the Songs
Your Summer Party Photos
Upload and share a photo of your own summer celebrations.
Upload a Photo
Summer Party Invitations
Kick off your summer get together by sending one of these free invitations from pingg.com.
Create an Invite
Get Grilling
Make one of our favorite grilling recipes for the perfect summer cookout in the backyard.
Get the Recipes

More from Holidays

Happy Spring!

Celebrate spring with these festive holiday ideas for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, and more.

New From Our Blogs

Valentine's Day Clip Art and Templates for Kids
The Family Room, February 10, 2012
Be Mine Valentine
The Craft Dept. Blog, February 10, 2012
A Sweet Alternative to Valentine's Day Candy
The Family Room, February 9, 2012
Love is in the Air Perfume Bottles
The Craft Dept. Blog, February 9, 2012
Yellow Owl Workshop Hug Kiss Stationery
The Craft Dept. Blog, February 8, 2012

Shared On Facebook