Welcome to May. With a simple slide now into summer, it’s time to start getting those entertaining areas ready. Especially with Mother’s Day coming up. Getting the house ready doesn’t have to be a huge chore. Living in Charleston, SC, for more than a decade, I can tell you it’s easier to get ready in the mountains than it is along the humid coast.

Houzz has put together a list of quick items to take care of. Tick each one of as you go and you’ll soon realize you’re all set. Now bring on summer!

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With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day coming up this month, there is plenty of incentive to get those outdoor spaces ready for entertaining. From scheduling house painting to organizing your outdoor cooking tools, tick these 13 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good stuff: hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savoring the season. Let the countdown to summer begin!

Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less

1. Check outdoor lighting. Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

2. Give potted plants some TLC. If you have potted plants that stay indoors over winter, bring them out once the danger of frost has passed. To help your plants acclimatize, find a protected spot out of direct sun for the first several weeks outdoors.

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