Living Well At Home

4 Tips for an Amazing Staycation: Get Away From it All at Home

Vacation season is on its way. Many of us plan all year for our spring break or summer adventures, while others look forward to spontaneous weekends away. This year, however, travel plans are still likely to be on hold as our nation continues to focus on protecting our health. Does that mean you have to say goodbye to good times? Not if you consider a staycation!

Instead of boarding a plane and staying at a hotel, you can make your home the place to be for summer fun. Whether you serve up five-star meals for outdoor dining, make a splash in the pool, or find other ways to enjoy the beautiful weather, our ideas and inspiration will help you make the most of a staycation.

1. Your Personal Dining Hotspot

If you were looking forward to checking out foodie destinations on your summer vacation, there’s no reason to change your plans while staying at home. Instead, you can turn your deck into an alfresco dining hotspot. All it takes are a few new recipes and a little creativity.

When your plans include quality time with the kids, this is a great opportunity to help them get comfortable in the kitchen. Kick off your staycation with a family meeting to determine theme nights for dinners and who will work together to prepare the evening’s dishes. A few ideas include:

  • Barbecue
  • Traditional family recipes
  • Breakfast for dinner
  • Taco night
  • Build-your-own burger bar
  • Homemade pizza
  • Snacks and appetizers for dinner
A rectangular outdoor dining table with six chairs in a dark brown wicker weave.
Dining in your backyard to create that staycation feeling is easier with the Barbados collection from TK Classics.

Everyone will enjoy showing off their skills and savoring new and familiar culinary creations, especially as you gather around a stylish, comfortable wicker dining set. With plenty of seating for everyone, you can rest assured family members will linger long after dinner for a little quality time.

An outdoor bar height table with four barstools with backs.
The Fairmont pub table from TK Classics makes cocktails in the backyard feel like a vacation.

You’ll enjoy cooking together for an adults-only staycation as well. Look up menus from restaurants you’ve been meaning to try, and recreate the most delicious-looking dishes at home. Even though you’re staying in, you and your special someone can enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at a bar-height dining set that’s ideal for intimate meals. And if you’d really rather not cook, order some takeout from your favorite dining spot!

2. Dive into Poolside Fun on your Staycation

Skipping the water park is no problem when you have a pool in the backyard. There are plenty of games to play in the water that the whole family will enjoy, from simple classics like Marco Polo and swimming races to basketball, volleyball and more.

An outdoor seating group with a sectional, club chair and end tables with gray cushions.
An outdoor sectional from the Florence collection by TK Classics is a perfect spot to relax on your staycation.

If you prefer relaxing days, grab a couple of floats and a floating cooler. You can bob gently around the crystal-clear water while you sip lemonade, smoothies, or refreshing mocktails and cocktails. A wireless speaker will make the pool feel even more like a party, and everyone can take turns playing DJ with their favorite tunes. When it’s time to dry off, kick back on an outdoor seating set like the Mcclurg 10-Piece Sectional Seating Group. The modular design can be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit your poolside area for a custom outdoor entertaining spot worthy of your favorite hotel.

3. A Day at the Spa

Treat yourself to a little luxury, and your staycation is sure to be one to remember. While you may not be able to book services at your favorite spa, you can still relax with a special day for self-care. Start your day with a light, healthy breakfast on the patio – think fresh fruit, a French-style omelet, and whole-grain toast. Next, whip up some fruit-infused water to help you stay refreshed throughout the day. Berries, citrus fruits, and even cucumbers are great add-ins for extra flavor as you stay hydrated.

Two chaise lounges with green cushions next to a pool.
Chaise lounges from the Florence collection by TK Classics are perfect for relaxing on your staycation.

To give your skin a treat, whip up an easy-to-make DIY face mask. You could enjoy your spa day indoors, but why not head outside and bask in the sun while you unwind? With a laidback lounger, you can recline in style while your homemade mask works its magic and you soak up some natural vitamin D from the sun. Listen to a soothing spa playlist, read your favorite magazines, write in your journal, and take time for whatever helps you refresh and renew.

4. The Campground in Your Backyard Makes the Perfect Staycation

Families that love spending time outdoors can enjoy all the fun of a camping trip in the comfort of their backyards. You can even unplug completely and banish cell phones, tablets, laptops, and video games for the day or the weekend.

Once you’ve set up camp, there are plenty of ways to have fun without screens or devices. Just a few ideas include:

  • Organize a scavenger hunt
  • Card and board games
  • Badminton, bocce, cornhole, horseshoes, and other yard games
  • Toss a football or kick a soccer ball
  • Sing campfire songs
  • Cool off with a kiddie pool, splash pad, or slip-n-slide
A firepit with dancing flame on a patio area with a blue chair nearby.
A fire pit makes backyard camping even better, especially for cool spring nights.

Once nighttime comes, even the warmest summer days can grow chilly. By adding a fire pit, like the Stolle Fire Pit Table, everyone can enjoy the warmth of a fire with no need to gather wood or manage messy ash. Teach little ones to identify constellations in the night sky, or take turns telling stories around the fire as you pass around coffee for adults and hot cider for the kids.

Plan Your Staycation

There’s no reason to cancel your summertime plans. With the right outdoor furnishings and inspiration, you can relax and get away without ever leaving your home. Need even more tips for planning your staycation? Visit Twin Star Home® to sign up for our newsletter today.

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