Spiff up Your Outdoor Space in Time for That Labor Day Barbecue

Invite the whole gang over to your home for Labor Day, but first spruce up your outdoor space. Even if your backyard, patio or deck has seen better days, a little bit of elbow grease and creativity can make it ready for visitors.

• Shed some light. Most outdoor get-togethers linger into the evening hours, or at least the good ones do. Don't let your guests stumble around in the dark; give them light to lead the way. Make sure all outdoor lights have bulbs and walkways are clearly lit. Solar lights are easily installed, while tiki torches provide a nice ambience.
• Eradicate pests. Although barbecue aromas can tempt many, uninvited guests can shut down the party. Mosquitos are one of the worst culprits, so keep them at bay with citronella candles and plenty of bug spray. Sweep the area for cobwebs, and spray for roaches and ants ahead of time.
• Revive plants. The end of summer can be a difficult time for some plants, especially annuals. Blooms may have faded, and leaves may look less than perky. Trim the plants that need it, and plant some new posies to fill in any bald patches.
• Bring in some color. Make your outdoor space special with a few choice accent colors. Seating cushions, glassware, plates, napkins, table settings and centerpieces are great ways to add a pop of color outside.

Once you've spent a little time getting your outdoor space together, it's time invite everyone over and light up the grill this Labor Day.