Give Your Backyard a Makeover with Help from Goodwill!
From patio parties to backyard barbecues to nights spent under the stars, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain friends and loved ones in the great outdoors this summer. But if your outdoor living space is looking bland, you might not feel ready to host all these fun events.
Luckily, you don’t need a big budget to give your backyard the makeover it deserves! Here are some DIY decorating and landscaping ideas you can complete with a little help from Ohio Valley Goodwill:
Glass jars from Goodwill
Shed a little light
The sun may be setting, but your backyard party is just getting started! Illuminate your outdoor space with stylish and functional lighting such as string lights, candle holders, or lanterns. You can even make DIY lighting by filling a glass vase or jar with battery-operated candles or string lights. Tie a ribbon around the glass jars or paint them with a light layer of gold or silver spray paint. The right lighting is sure to create a cozy atmosphere for your guests.
Keep bugs away
You don’t have to let pesky mosquitoes, ants, and flies ruin your outdoor fun. Keep your outdoor party insect-free by making your own citronella candle centerpieces! Fill a glass jar with citronella essential oil and fragrant herbs, such as fresh rosemary or basil. Drop a small floating candle in the jar and light it to ward off bothersome bugs. Goodwill is a great place to stock up on gently-used glass jars for less than traditional retail prices.
Porcelain teacup with white and pink flowers
Pink and clear vases on display at Ohio Valley Goodwill store
Get creative with garden containers
Your outdoor oasis isn’t complete without plants! Whether you grow your own or opt for faux plants, elevate your garden game by using creative and unusual potted plant holders from Goodwill. For example, instead of a plain clay pot, plant flowers or herbs in an upcycled dresser! Simply drill holes in the bottom of the drawers for water to drain out, line the drawers with plastic garbage bags, then add soil and your plants. Another fun and unconventional idea is planting small herbs or flowers in teacups or watering cans. We’ve even seen a repurposed wooden ladder used to hold birdhouses and potted plants. The sky’s the limit when it comes to innovative plant containers you can find at your local Goodwill store.
Give patio furniture a new life
Keep your eyes peeled for patio sets and outdoor furniture on your next trip to Ohio Valley Goodwill ““ they often go fast! You can give used patio furniture a new life with a little sanding and spray paint. First, remove any dirt or debris from the furniture. Then, use sandpaper to rub out any rust or flaky paint from the surface of the furniture. Next, paint the furniture with several coats of spray paint in your desired color. If you have plastic patio furniture, you don’t even need to do the sanding step! Use spray paint that is specifically designed for plastic and customize your pieces the way you want.
There you have it: four great tips for transforming your backyard into a perfect getaway! Best of all, you can find most of the materials needed for these DIY projects at your local Ohio Valley Goodwill store! Remember, when you’re shopping at Ohio Valley Goodwill for your backyard DIY projects, you’re also helping individuals within your community go to work. That’s because shopping at Goodwill supports life-changing employment services and job training programs for people facing barriers to employment, ultimately helping them achieve personal and vocational success.
Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store and check out our monthly sales calendars. Pro tip: for more great ways to save, sign up to have our sales and promotions sent directly to your email. Thank you for shopping at and supporting Ohio Valley Goodwill!
