12 Easy Weekend Projects to Stay Cool This Summer

Head to the nearest patio, swap your work shoes for fun sandals, and enjoy some refreshing summer cocktails as you bid adieu to the week. Invite everyone over to your place and host in style with these "Friday at 5" essentials. You can sit back and relax while staying cool — literally and figuratively. Which one will you start with?

DIY Plant Bench: There's nothing quite like the wind beneath your wings, but it does feel pretty good under your legs. This vented bench will keep the air flowing, even on the hottest of days. (via Monsters Circus)

DIY Striped Drink Umbrellas: Is it happy hour without a festive drink topper? Nope. These striped umbrellas are stylish and oh-so-easy to do. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Floral Patch Sun Hat: Ditch the scrunch and let down your hair. But don't forget about sun protection: Cover your bases with this stylish sun hat. (via Enthralling Gumption)

DIY Cocktail Freezies: Icy cocktail pops are the best way to stay cool and enjoy a beverage when you're on the go. (And with some judicious labeling, no one will know that you're enjoying a G&T while you stroll through the park looking for the perfect tree.) (via PMQ for two)

DIY Tropical Party Cocktail Accessories: Looking for that tropical flair for your fave fruity drinks? Whip up all the necessary accoutrements with this series of budget-friendly DIYs. (via Brit + Co)

Painted DIY Cocktail Glasses: Pretty glasses make even a glass of water look fancy. Put together this modern collection using supplies from the craft store. (via Paper & Stitch)

Sandal DIY Hacks: Keep a set in your purse or in the bottom drawer at work. Your feet will thank you as you head home in the heat. Plus, they won't mar your look like the plain-Jane dollar store ones will. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Red White & Blue Ice Cubes: With the ingenious stick shape, these ice cubes are perfect for tossing into a bottle of rosé to help keep it chilled in the setting sun. (via Momtastic)

DIY Pallet Bar: This pallet bar will keep the breeze moving through your space — and it's less likely to get toppled by a big gust of wind. Win-win! (via Brit + Co)

Edible Potted Flower Garden: Not only will flowers add some ambiance to your setup, but these edible beauties can be used in ice cubes, added to drinks, and generally snacked on. (via Sugar and Charm)

Layered Lemonade Ice Cubes: Add a few of these to your pitcher cocktails for some added flavor and color. (via Sarah Hearts)

DIY Geometric Embroidered Fans: You ain't nothing without a personalized palm fan. You heard it here first! (via Sugar & Cloth)