Seven Essentials for Summer: My Faves for the Home, Beach, & More

Today we have another installment of our monthly Simply Home Series, and this time we’re talking essentials for summer! I’m sharing seven of my favorite must-have items that help get me through the season with comfort ~ and style!

Summer is definitely a favorite of mine. There is just something about it that makes it stand out from the rest of the seasons. Maybe it’s harkening back to my school days, but there is a sense of freedom and relaxation that doesn’t exist at any other time of year don’t you think?

Summer is also home to some of my absolute favorite things in the world. Eating dinner alfresco on the patio, reading by the pool or on the beach, enjoying nature and beautiful weather, picnics in the park….

And this year especially, I think we all need ways to make the season not only more special, but also more comfortable, delicious and stylish! So on that note I’m sharing my favorites for around the house, yard, beach, and more. These are the things that get me through the fun part of summer (read: warm summer nights or days spent outside) as well as the not-so-fun part when it’s well into the 90s and has been that way for weeks!

Seven Essentials for Summer I Can’t Live Without!

One of my favorite things to do once the weather warms up is to make homemade ice cream. And no, you don’t need to add salt or stir by hand or any of the other super involved things you hear about. 😉

This ice cream maker is hands-down one of my favorite appliances I’ve ever bought!! Once you’ve made your recipe, whether it’s custard based or a no-cook one (my favorite!) you simply pour your cream mixture into the ice cream maker and turn it on.

And twenty minutes later you’ve got delicious, homemade-from-scratch ice cream! No additives, thickeners, chemicals or any of that other stuff you don’t need! It’s mind-bogglingly (is that a word?!) delicious, I’m telling you! All the ice creams I’ve made in it have been amazing. I usually freeze them for an hour or two once it’s done, but you can eat it in more of a soft serve state if you prefer.

My kids loved it when they were little and they still do. Sometimes when we’re having friends over I’ll make two or three flavors and serve an ice cream bar with toppings as dessert. It’s so fun and seriously, so delicious!!

Another summer favorite of mine is my vintage French enamel pitchers. I don’t know why, but there is just something about the style and casualness of them that screams summer to me! As much as I love them, I never use them as much the rest of the year as I do during the summer. 

These are absolute staples for me when it comes to arranging casual summer or garden flowers. It’s such a great look, and it really represents how I want my summer tables or flower arrangements to feel. 

Unencumbered, casual, natural, and fuss-free!

Of course, I adore the vintage ones! But even the reproductions are super cute and definitely bring that “summer feeling” to your table or kitchen counter. 😉

Another summer favorite is galvanized buckets. I literally use them anywhere and everywhere! I have the galvanized party bucket from Pottery Barn, but I also use my vintage and plain-old Home Depot buckets for lots of other things, too.

We have an old French galvanized tub that sits on the patio holding towels for the pool, and some smaller ones where I stash the sunscreen.

And of course, you know how I adore galvanized buckets for any and all manner of flowers! 😉

I also love the vintage French galvanized pitchers! Much like the enamel ones, they give a great casual look to any flowers I’m using, and they’re great for serving, too.

They really speak to my French-loving heart 😉

Pillows, pillows, pillows!

Outdoor pillows are essential for making your outdoor spaces cozy and welcoming.

I love the ones I have but they are pretty old and are starting to show it, so I’m in the market for some new ones soon! There are so many cute ones out there, too.

I’m thinking of maybe going with some blues this time.. or maybe grey again, but on the paler side. I’ll definitely be sharing when I find some!

This one is so simple, and inexpensive – it’s a no-brainer! I’ve been using Jergen’s Natural Glow Self-Tanner for years now and I’ll never go back. Before I discovered it, I actually never used any kind of tanner. I had heard they streak or turn your skin orange. Or worse, get into the creases of your elbows and knees or even stain the palms of your hands!

But this is different. It’s very subtle, which is key. No, it doesn’t turn you dark brown right away, but that’s not really the look I want anyway. I usually start using it in the early spring when I’m still pale from the winter to make myself a little less Casper-like!

And now in later spring when I’ve been walking and outside more, I use it to even out my tan lines from wearing t-shirts and socks. It’s actually so subtle you can use it everyday if you want. I just use it like I’d use a regular body moisturizer. And it builds over time. So once you start using it a few times a week you will notice a nice even tan! Brilliant!!

Though I actually love summer fashion (don’t we all?!) the only clothing item I’m including is my favorite summer shoe – the espadrille! They’re so classic, and so French, I can’t help but love them! 😉

I just bought these adorable wedges from Old Navy. The blue color is so pretty and I can’t believe how inexpensive they are! I also have a natural colored wedge that I got last year – I love this look because it’s so versatile. And the flat versions are fabulous for just an everyday throw-it-on casual summer shoe. I can’t think of many shoes that connote summer quite as much as these do!

For more French summer fashion ideas, check out my French Summer Fashion Essentials post!

I did feature this last item in a summer essentials post I did a few years ago, but seriously it’s so good, I just had to include it!! We’ve owned this table for probably fifteen years, and I love it as much now as I did the day I bought it!

It’s low to the ground, portable, and comes with it’s own carrying case. It’s perfect for the beach, park, or my personal favorite, concerts in the park! 😉

I purchased mine at Crate and Barrel which still carries it! Sometimes it sells out and there were a few years where it was discontinued, but for now it seems to be back. It’s such a perfect essential for summer, and it also makes a great gift. I can’t tell you how many people come up to me when we’re using it and ask me where I got it!

I hope you enjoyed my essentials for summer! And if you have any things you love and have to have for the summer season, I hope you’ll share them in the comments below. I love finding out about tips and tricks that can help us all get through the season in style 🙂

Happy Beginning of Summer!

Sheila
xo

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Now check out what summer essentials my friends are sharing below!

Shades of Blue: Summer Essentials

Thistlewood Farms: Simple Summer Decorating

Tidbits: 10 Summer Essentials for Your Home

Maison de Cinq: Seven Favorite Essentials for Summer

Seeking Lavender Lane: Family Summer Essential

If you enjoyed this post, you might want to check out some more of my summer posts below!

My Five Favorite Essentials that Get Me Through Summer!

French Girl Summer Fashion Essentials

Six Ideas for Casual Chic Summer Entertaining