Create Your Perfect Backyard Getaway

More: See how to make this tipi

This tent-like tipi with an air mattress is so comfortable, you may decide to spend the night.

No fancy tools needed! Wrap an oversize blanket around some poles and you’ve got a comfy tipi. Or make the more elaborate tipi pictured by sewing a cover (a bit of a challenge) of weather-resistant fabric like Sunbrella. Either way, the kids will have a backyard play area all their own.

Turn French toast into food-on-a-stick.

Soak 12 wooden skewers (10 to 12 in.) in water for 20 minutes; drain. Cut day-old pain au levain into 1-in. chunks, including some crust on each, to make 2 qts. In a large bowl, whisk 3/4 cup whole milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract to blend. Mix in bread to coat; thread onto skewers. Grill, covered, on a well-oiled cooking grate over medium heat (about 350°) until browned, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with maple or berry syrup and melted butter and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serves 4

Tricks for great French toast:

• Use day-old bread
• Each cube should have some crust
• Soak the skewers

Ready in 5! Plus, it's got more vitamin C than plain OJ.

Purée 3 cups berries in a food processor, then strain, discarding seeds. Mix purée, 3 cups fresh OJ, and 2 tbsp. sugar. Serves 4 or 5

These layered treats have just 90 calories. Start them a day ahead.

Put 1 cup each puréed raspberries, apricots, and plums in separate bowls. Stir in superfine sugar to taste (about 21/2 tbsp. per bowl). Add lemon juice to taste (up to 2 tsp. each). Pour berry layer into 8 juice bar molds, add juice bar sticks, and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. (Chill remaining purées.) Pour apricot layer over berry layer and freeze. Repeat with plum layer. When firm, at least 1 more hour, briefly dip molds in warm water to loosen. Makes 8

Raspberries: A member of the rose family, with loads of health benefits.

Apricots: High in vitamins A and C. Go for the Blenheim variety, if you can find it, for the most tangy-sweet flavor.

Plums: Also a good source of vitamin C. We love the rich sweetness of Santa Rosas.

Kick back in your own cozy outdoor nest. After all, research shows that naps are good for you.

Get the look: Dedon Orbit loveseat (8,226 as shown; janusetcie.com)

Create your own napping nook

• Related: Get full instructions, plus tools and materials list, for this DIY project

This weekend project has three basic parts: two wing walls and a center pole with the plumbing attached. All materials are available at the Home Depot.

Time: One weekend (4 hours of labor, plus drying time for sealer)

Difficulty: 3 (on a scale of 1–10; requires modest woodworking skills)

Cost: About $170

Try a calming combo of lavender and tea.

Iced Lavender Green Tea: Add 4 green-tea bags and 1½ tsp. fresh lavender blossoms or ¾ tsp. dried lavender to 1 qt. water brought to a simmer. Steep 5 minutes. Strain and let cool. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lavender sprigs. Serves 4

Invite friends to your party space around sunset. You’ll have sunlight till at least 8 in June. This showstopper salad gets a fancy touch with grilled New York steaks, and fresh mint leaves from your garden set off the feta.

Recipe: Grecian Steak Salad

Get the party started with this tequila cocktail recipe from Bay Area mixologist Alex Smith.

In a large pitcher, mix Hibiscus Simple Syrup (recipe below), 2 cups reposado or gold tequila, 1½ cups grapefruit juice, 3/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3/4 cup sweet vermouth, and 3/4 tsp. aromatic bitters. Fill tall glasses with ice. Pour 1/2 cup syrup mixture, then 1/2 cup club soda into each. Stir, and garnish with lime slices. Serves 12

Hibiscus Simple Syrup:

• 1½ cups sugar
• 1½ cups water
• 2 cups dried hibiscus

Combine ingredients in a saucepan, then bring to a boil. Cool, strain, and chill at least an hour. Keep for up to 2 weeks, chilled.