15 Crafty Hacks to Host a DIY Summer Festival

Festival season is here! If pandemic anxiety still has you shying away from large crowds, the best news is that it’s ultra easy to get those fabulous festival vibes at home! From beautifully bohemian bunting, magnificent macrame decorations and fantastical floral crowns to mouth watering food and refreshing cocktails, read on for 15 crafty ways to help you host your own outdoor extravaganza from the comfort of your own backyard!

1. Sew your own tent

Tents at the ready! Instead of opting for a shop bought version, master the sewing machine, get creative and make your own sunshade from vintage sheets or pre-loved duvet covers.

2. Crochet cosy outdoor blankets

Having a comfortable space to sit and relax, chat or look up at the night sky in the evening is essential for any festival, whether it’s at Bestival or in your backyard! Master the art of knitting or crochet and whip up some wonderfully warm blankets to keep you cosy while you chill.

3. Whip up some brilliant bunting

Bunting, garlands and lanterns, oh my! Get the lowdown on making fabulous jewel coloured flags that ripple in the summer breeze, fringed macrame panels, perfect paper streamers and natural greenery garlands; keep your decorations loud and proud and string them high!

4. Ignite delight with candlelight

A festival wouldn’t be a festival without gorgeous, flickering candlelight to accompany your favourite acoustic set, so get ready to melt your way to success with an aromatherapy candle making class. Heaven! 

5. Double the fun with a DIY kit or craft box

Fancy keeping your hands busy while you listen to your favourite bands? Double down on the entertainment and grab yourself a DIY kit or craft box and while away the evening learning delicate embroidery stitches, wonderful weaving techniques or serious jewellery making skills.

6. Satisfy rumbling tummies with a fabulous feast

Variety is the spice of life, so why not cook up a few different dishes for your fellow festival goers? Warming Indian curries and chillies, hearty flavour-packed pasta dishes and of course, anything that you can throw on the BBQ while you enjoy the summer sun! 

7. Create some super tasty snacks for late-night nibbles

Once the sun sets it’s a good idea to have some quick–cook snacks on hand to keep those energy levels up. Learn to make traditional Italian pizza piled high with tempting toppings, the freshest, crispest salads drizzled with fragrant herb–packed oils, and of course, plates of nachos topped with fresh tomatoes, fiery jalapenos and cooling sour cream. 

8. Keep it eco-friendly with plant-based meals

Got some meat-free mates to cater for? Opt for vegan tapas, where the snacks are small but the flavours are mighty, deliciously spicy meat-free Mexican street food or bowls filled with hearty vegetarian curries or chilli to keep your planet-loving pals happy. 

9. Stay cool with tasty DIY frozen treats

If you’ve got a sweet tooth that needs satisfying, or you need to cool down in the sun, ice cream is the answer (although we think ice cream is always the answer!). Stay refreshed with gloriously fruity homemade granita, cleanse your palate with zesty lemon sorbet, or indulge with creamy hand–churned ice cream topped with nutty pistachio butter or decadent salted caramel sauce. 

10. Level up the refreshments with some fruity homemade cocktails

Whether you’re dancing the night away in a farmer’s field or your own backyard, you’re going to need to stay hydrated. Keep plenty of iced water on hand, and liven things up with a selection of delicious DIY cocktails and alcohol–free mocktails. Cheers!

11. Crown yourself queen (or king!) of the festival with a fabulous floral headband

What says ‘festival chic’ more than the legendary floral headband? From fresh, blousy blooms to subtle dried flowers and foliage that will last long after the weekend is over, adding a crowning glory to your ensemble is the easiest way to channel your inner hippy.

12. Stitch your way to success with some DIY festival fashion

Get cape, wear cape, fly! A festival at home is the perfect time to get super creative with your outfit, so level up those stitching skills with a sewing class and whip up a wonderful costume to stand out from the (small) crowd!

13. Create a work of art with fabulous festival makeup

Nothing makes you festival–ready more than getting to grips with glitter, so think of your face as a blank canvas and unleash your inner artist! Harness those bohemian hippy vibes with delicately shimmering flowers and butterflies, go vibrant with bold lightning bolt designs or experiment with brightly coloured rainbows.

14. Keep out the late night chill with cosy handmade knits

The best thing about holding a backyard festival is that there’s no packing required – so you won’t have to worry about fitting those essential chunky knits into your bag to keep the evening chill at bay. Choose from cosy cabled creations, fringed bohemian cardigans and brightly patterns sweaters that will let you dance the night away without feeling the cold. 

15. Top your festival outfit off with a spectacular DIY fascinator

If a floral headband isn’t going to be your crowning glory this festival season, why not get creative and make your own spectacular fascinator instead? From delicate, subtle hats to full-blown feathered creations, they’ll top off your outfit perfectly!