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In my quest to slow down and savor the seasons, I try very hard to focus on activities that celebrate that time of year. Summer is a much anticipated time in our household, with long, slow days and plenty of outdoor living. Here are some of my favorite ways to savor all that summer has to offer.
Wildflowers
It’s no surprise that flowers top my list! Warm weather means loads of wildflowers everywhere you look. In Texas, that means miles of Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes, but there are so many other beautiful flowers growing this time of year. I have several plots that I seed with wildflowers each fall, and I always eagerly anticipate their colorful blooms. I love bringing the outdoors in, and wildflowers are no exception. Loads of fresh flowers really celebrate the best of the season – whether you are indoors or out!
Scents of Summer
Summer evokes the memories of fresh, clean fragrances – mown grass, herbs, and warm flowers. Since it’s hotter than the blazes here, opening the windows to let these scents waft in isn’t really an option. To mimic these delightful aromas, I often either diffuse essential oils, or create simmer pots with light, fresh scents.
Here’s one of my favorite simmer pot ‘recipes’:
Savoring Summer Simmer Pot
- Lime Slices
- Fresh Mint
- Knob of Ginger
- Dash of Vanilla
Alfresco Dining
Nothing celebrates summer quite like dining outdoors. During the warmer months, we eat outside almost every day. Sometimes it’s just enjoying a cup of coffee, or a quick sandwich at lunch. Either way, nothing soothes the soul like eating outside. Creating a small dining spot is such a simple task – no need for expensive patio furniture. Even a lawn chair with a small table does the trick. Picnics are always fun too, and they don’t require any furniture. However elaborate you want to make it, the point is to get out and enjoy the weather.
Beverage Station
Summer is quite hot here, so I try to make a point to have cold beverages at the ready for those impromptu gatherings. Sipping a frozen lemonade is the perfect way to savor the season – especially with friends! An inviting beverage station(made using a cute bar cart) encourages people to gather and enjoy time together….what could be better?!?!
Pops of Color
Summer isn’t just about outdoor living. To me, savoring the season indoors means lightening up my decor and injecting pops of summer color. Simply changing out throw pillows and adding fresh flowers can dramatically lighten a room. In my home, fuschias and apple greens are my typical go-to summer colors. I love the bold pops they add against my predominantly blue furnishings. However, you don’t have to go overboard with redecorating. My first batch of sunflowers have just bloomed, so they are the statement piece for my living room this week. They’re practically free(grown from seed), and add summer color and freshness at the same time.
Bright table linens or dishes are also a great way to inject color into your summer scheme. Bold Acapulco plates scream summer to me, and are perfect for anything from Taco Tuesday to a casual breakfast bar. Stores like HomeGoods often have a great selection of table linens, and estate sales are great places to find china. If you prefer to use melamine plates when you dine alfresco, there are so many beautiful choices now.
Slow Down And Savor The Season
Summer is the perfect time to really slow down and enjoy the beauty all around. I encourage you to take advantage of the longer days to soak in all the warmth and bounty it has to offer. By making an effort to incorporate some of these simple rituals into your day, you will savor and appreciate this lovely season to its fullest. Happy Nesting, friends.
