The Best of Summer at Home Edit
Summer bucket list inspo, easy decorating ideas to try now, chic plates for BBQ, and your next TV binge
Hello! I hope your summer is off to a great start. This time of year I’m flooded with content about summer travel as I’m sure you are, but not as much about enjoying summer at home. I’m looking forward to going abroad next month, but I’m just as excited to embrace the best of the season in and around where I live. Summer in New York is a vibe — I love exploring and doing seasonal activities in equal measure as coming home to my air-conditioned sanctuary.
There’s so much I want to see, do, and eat, so I figured it’s not too late to create a Summer Bucket List — my key guideline is that the experiences don’t have to be big, just anything that makes the most of the season. Maybe this list will spark some ideas for you. In no particular order…
Shop for treasures at flea markets in the City and beyond (Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo, Elephant’s Trunk in CT)
Go to the farmers market every weekend and display produce in bowls
Have a picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park (would do in my backyard if I had one)
Arrange fresh flowers (and/or herbs, greens) weekly
Create an imaginative table setting al fresco (bonus: serve shell-shaped butter)
Perfect homemade ice cream recipe in my Cuisinart
Get lobster at the Red Hook Lobster Pound and stroll around the waterfront
Invite local friends over for spontaneous aperitivo drinks and snacks
Make a peach cobbler
Watch an outdoor movie (if I had rooftop access or a backyard, I’d get this inflatable screen)
Use nasturtiums to garnish everything from focaccia to cocktails
Visit the Met Rooftop (closing in October until 2030!)
Learn one new craft/skill (I think I might try embroidery to add detail to napkins & shirts)
Watch a perfect sunset
Create a playlist of summer songs & dance around the kitchen regularly
What else would you add to your Summer Bucket List?
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In case you missed it..
Large French wicker baskets used as planters as shown in front of Colefax & Fowler in London
Use greens, like chard, as a creative alternative to flowers, like Duncan Campbell’s arrangement
- introduced me to the idea of framing Antoinette Poisson paper then I came across this stunning example from Les Fleurs of multiple papers hung together
Buy the extra large Bianco Dinapoli can of tomatoes (the best out there) to cook with, then save it to use as a wine cooler like Eleonore Toulin
Lilse McKenna captures the essence of summer by using sun hats as wall decor
Inspired by Jamali Garden to set a tonal table in shades of pink
I discovered this charming Montauk beach cottage, and I’m swooning over the rattan globes (also the vintage sailboat painting gallery wall)
How crisp and divine does this bed (source unknown) look layered with matelasse bedspreads in white and pink along with a floral quilt?
- accents vintage paintings with sashes to beautiful effect
EAST FORK | Recycled Handblown Glassware in Peridot & Amethyst | $16
These are the perfect glasses for serving ice tea on the porch or by the pool on a hot hot day. The colors are so yummy!
HUNT & BLOOM | Homespun Melamine Plate | $20
PAVILLON PAPER | Beachside Dessert Plate, Set of 8 | $7
For outdoor entertaining, using unbreakable dinnerware is often unavoidable, but it can still be stylish. The quilt motif of the melamine plate has an Americana feel that would be appropriate for a summer BBQ while the paper plates — a dead ringer for Ginori — are suitable for a fancy affair. No one will even know they’re paper!
PORTA | Stella Nesting Bowls | $74
RENTRAYAGE | Marrakechi Ceramic Bowl Set | $45
Anyone who entertains understands how valuable it is to have lots of dishes to serve snacks. Even better when they come in a range of sizes like these sets which would look great together or separately.
LOST ART HOMESTEAD | Stair Basket | $120 at Etsy
WESTON TABLE | Garden Trug | $135
I’ve had a renewed appreciation for the art of basket weaving since visiting Bunny Mellon’s farm and witnessing her storied basket house. So, I’m thrilled to see more people making baskets these days. I’m drawn to the practical ones like this stair basket for carrying things up/down and trug for gathering flowers.
I’ve been using AI to develop a cherry ice cream recipe (something I never thought I’d write!) because I couldn’t find the perfect recipe. So far I’ve made two batches, and I feel like Goldilocks, not quite right but getting closer. Once I nail it, I’ll share. I can recommend these coupes by which can elevate any ice cream you serve.
I’m a big home cook. Lately, I’ve taken my cooking game to the next level by making certain ingredients from scratch. It’s not nearly the faff that you might think, and the result is so much healthier and tastier than store bought. I figure I’ll highlight some recipes in this newsletter. I made ricotta the other night — it’s so easy I don’t even need a recipe anymore, and I use a strainer in a pinch if I don’t have cheesecloth. This ‘healthyish’ BBQ sauce is the only one I use. I made some a few weeks ago and froze half; I’ve since used, and it came out great.
Little known fact about me is that I’m a content junkie — I love watching shows and movies (and listening to podcasts about them!). My fav genres span the gamut: mysteries, crime, dramas, smart (and sappy) comedies, frothy rom coms. Here’s what I’ve enjoyed lately: Hacks (MAX), Friends & Neighbors, The Studio (Apple), Mobland (Paramount), The Better Sister (Prime), Nonnas, Dept Q (Netflix). I’m excited for new seasons of The Bear (Hulu) and The Gilded Age (Max) which are both out now and Lena Dunham’s new show Too Much (Netflix) out on July 10.
My personal care routine has taken a back seat lately, but the one saving grace has been the ZIIP Halo. It’s a nanocurrent facial device designed by Jennifer Aniston’s facialist that tones and lifts the face and neck to create a sculpted appearance — and best of all it can be done in a few minutes from home, and you can see results in days with consistent use. It ain’t cheap, but not bad considering you can skip facials. Use SPENCERZIIP for 10% off.
I swear by these After Bite sticks for alleviating itchy bug bites. I stash them everywhere in the summertime!
I really like this format where it feels more like I’m having a conversation with you and covering a range of topics. Hopefully you do too, but let me know. Maybe I’ll do more - like my adventures in Europe.
Thank you so much for being here!
x Melissa
Love this!! I also have picnicking on my summer to do list. 🧺