A group of friends gathered around the grill during a summer party.

When it comes to making the most of summer, the more variety you keep in play, the better. Home parties, vacations, staycations, day trips, and just good old fashioned relaxing days by the pool and in the backyard can be so fun with family and friends.

To get the most out of these days, it’s best to have a well laid out plan. Let Ocean State Job Lot, your one-stop place to get more for less, walk you through some bright ideas that could have you walking on sunshine all summer long!

A couple having fun at a backyard summer party.

House Party Themes

Traditionally, the summer party months kick off with the unofficial first day of summer, Memorial Day. Parades, backyard barbecues, and the opening of pools are seen throughout the Northeast with lots of weekends ahead to be filled with fun over the nearly 100 days before fall.

Now, it’s up to you to get started.

So, let’s see what you can find at Ocean State Job Lot that will make your celebrations stand out this summer.

The word July in artsy text style.

Celebrate America
Fourth of July

The word August in artsy text style.

Dog Days of Summer
August

The word September in artsy text style.

Bye Bye Summer
Labor Day

These are the big ones and you have to get them right! So, make sure they’re on your calendar now so that you can give your friends and family ample notice that your house will be the place to be this summer!

In between the must-celebrate occasions, how about a movie under the stars, or maybe even a decadent dessert or dish evening? It’s all about what you’re into and how much you want to put into it.

Now, it’s up to you to get started.

So, let’s see what you can find at Ocean State Job Lot that will make your celebrations stand out this summer.

The word July in artsy text style.

Celebrate America
Fourth of July

The word August in artsy text style.

Dog Days
of Summer
August

The word September in artsy text style.

Bye Bye
Summer
Labor Day

These are the big ones and you have to get them right! So, make sure they’re on your calendar now so that you can give your friends and family ample notice that your house will be the place to be this summer!

In between the must-celebrate occasions, how about a movie under the stars, or maybe even a decadent dessert or dish evening? It’s all about what you’re into and how much you want to put into it.

Outdoor furniture including a gazebo and grill outdoors in the backyard.

Big Ticket Items

Are there things in your yard that need upgrading? Is it time for you to get that pool you’ve always wanted? Or maybe it’s something more you’ve been craving. It could even be a brand new shed that you’ve been needing to store everything. It might not be perfect for a party, but let’s give you a few other ideas to make your backyard the place to be that could be a better fit and let your imagination run wild!

An opened gas grill with vegetables, meat, and sausages in aluminum barbeque trays.

Good Gracious Grills

There’s nothing quite like the smoky smells of a really good grill going!

Did you know that Ocean State Job Lot has grills? Well, we do! Plus, you can refill your propane tank at prices that will make you go WOW! Don’t let those deals pass you by as well as a new set of grilling tools, including tongs and spatulas.

Lifestyle photo of outdoor furniture by a pool.

Covering from Above

Save you and your guests from Mother Nature’s sun, heat, and rain with our variety of gazebos. Want something that’s going to stay up all summer long? Opt for a sturdy hardtop Cedar Wood gazebo.

If it’s something you want to use from time to time and take down when you’re not having a party, or even take on the go with you, a one-touch pop-up gazebo is more what you should be looking for.

Both styles can come with sidewalls and netting to keep the pesky bugs away.

A cedar framed gazebo in a summery backyard.

Outdoor Furniture

Keep your guests comfy all summer long with new patio chairs and tables. And you just know your old chairs need fresh new cushions too!

Those chairs are perfect to surround a new table to eat those delicious dishes from the grill. Or at night, you could surround a comfy fire pit while you relax or make s’mores. Doesn’t that just feel like summer to you?

A young girl playing in a tube in her pool in the backyard.

Splish Splash – It’s Pool Time!

Remember those pools we were talking about? Well, we’ve got plenty of above-ground pools to choose from as well as inflatable ones for the little kids. Let them play and be the cool kids in the neighborhood with friends as they all beat the heat for as little as $6.99! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it this summer.

Bestway 10’x30” fast-set above-ground pools are only $80 and can be shipped to a store near you. Don’t forget to keep that water crystal clear blue with our pool shock, algaecide, and other pool chemicals all at great savings against other brand name retailers.

Other pool accessories:  
• Swimwear
• Water shoes
Inflatables
Goggles

A hashtag of the word vacation in the sand at the beach

Vacations

This is not an easy one to do. It takes time, research, and plenty of coordination to pull off, especially if you have children. Even if you’re a couple that likes to just pick up and go, you’ll have to consider some of these options:

  • Destination – By far, the destination is the overall number one thing to get on the same page about.
  • Time of year – The school calendar may factor heavily into your decision here. A week away from school may be too much for some parents while vacationing during school vacation may be too pricey.
  • Flights – Certain dates and times can be better for you and save you hundreds of dollars.
  • Hotels – Don’t just base them on price. Take into consideration how close they are to things you want to do. That will factor in whether you need to rent a car. Amenities like Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and parking should also be factored in.
The word staycation in a word cloud over an image of a woman at an amusement park.

Staycations

While it’s fun to get away for a few consecutive days at a time, sometimes it’s not always feasible based on schedules or cost. In those scenarios, don’t despair, there are plenty of day trips to consider.

  • The beach
  • Amusement or theme parks
  • Water parks
  • Concerts

While you’re planning, keep in mind you’ll need plenty of snacks, and other things to keep the kids attention while you’re driving. If you are headed to somewhere with water, keep swimsuits, water shoes, sunscreen, beach towels, tote bags, and more stocked up!

Keep in mind the price of gas as well as the timing of your events that you might be attending. That may determine if you need a hotel room for an extra night and an easier layover instead of a long day and night of driving.

Keep the fun under the sun going all summer long by visiting your local Ocean State Job Lot. You’ll never know what you’ll find that could be the one thing you need!