Belated Happy 4th, friends! I hope you’re arriving here after a wonderful long weekend filled with sunshine, relaxation, and a little adventure. We just wrapped up an amazing getaway at Nauset Beach on Cape Cod with some of our dearest friends—an absolute summer highlight!
I’m thrilled to be back with July’s edition of My Five Favorites, where I’m joining Pam from Simple Details, Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles, and Kris from Driven By Decor. And this month, we have a fabulous guest host Mallory from Style Your Senses! Mallory, a stylish mom of two, is a master at pulling together effortless looks even when juggling the chaos of motherhood. If you haven’t checked out her IG yet, you absolutely should! Her blog is also packed with stunning home projects, including a dreamy French-inspired nursery for her baby girl pure perfection!
With summer in full swing, I’m excited to share my five favorite summer accessories! While I’ll be focusing on home-related items, my talented co-hosts will undoubtedly have some stylish personal accessories to inspire you.
My home always has a summery, coastal vibe to help get me through New England’s long winters, but I still love adding a few extra touches to embrace the season fully. Here are my top picks for freshening up your space for summer!
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1. Fresh Flowers & Greens from the Yard
Summer is the perfect time to bring the outdoors in! Throughout the warmer months, you’ll find fresh cuttings from my garden scattered around the house. I don’t discriminate—even weeds make the cut if they’re green and lush!
Nothing brightens up a space like fresh blooms from the garden. Whether it’s feathery astilbe or classic hydrangeas, adding a touch of nature makes everything feel fresh and inviting.
Even a simple bouquet on the dining table can transform the atmosphere of a room! If you’re lucky enough to have a flourishing garden—or a generous neighbor—clip a few stems and spread them throughout your home.
For a little inspiration, here are some great plants to include in a cutting garden!
Here are some great plants for a cutting garden by the way!
2. Potted Herbs for Easy Summer Cooking
In addition to foraging from the yard, I always plant fresh herbs in containers on our deck. Not only do they add a pop of greenery, but they’re also perfect for summer recipes!
A simple basil plant can elevate your entire cooking game—especially if you love making homemade pesto. Need a go-to recipe? Try this easy [basil pesto recipe](LINK TO BASIL PESTO) and enjoy fresh flavors all summer long.
One of my favorite spots for affordable planters is Ocean State Job Lot, where I snagged this gorgeous blue ceramic pot for just $9! Even if you don’t have an Ocean State nearby, mid-summer is the best time to score deals on outdoor items.
Check out these related posts:
3. Coastal-Inspired Shell Decor
Growing up, summers meant beach days with family, scouring the shoreline for sea glass, shells, and starfish. I still love incorporating those beachy treasures into my decor.
Shells are one of the easiest ways to bring summer vibes indoors. Whether you add them to bookshelves, fill the bottom of a vase, or use them in a beachy tablescape, they always look effortlessly chic.
For an elevated look, try applying a little Rub ‘n Buff for a touch of glam. Want to go even bigger? Consider making a DIY shell mirror like this one!
[DIY Shell Mirror Tutorial (LINK)]
And if you’re as obsessed with the ocean as I am, keep an eye out for a sneak peek of my upcoming DIY oyster shell mirror project in Friday’s bathroom reveal!
4. A Fresh New Front Door Mat
Summer means more gatherings, and a new front door mat is an easy way to spruce up your entryway. We recently had our house painted, but our front steps are in desperate need of a makeover. Until then, I’m using flowers and a stylish mat to distract from the imperfections!
I found this cute “hello” doormat (no longer available – lots of other cute ones here). It felt a little small for the space, so I got creative and duct-taped two mats together to create a supersized 60” look. It worked perfectly, giving me the oversized effect I love from high-end retailers like Frontgate and Williams Sonoma—at a fraction of the price!
I used these mats , and while the pattern doesn’t line up perfectly, it’s barely noticeable. The seam blends right in, and I’m definitely doing this DIY trick every year from now on!
5. Outdoor String Lights for Magical Summer Nights
There’s nothing better than sitting under twinkling lights, enjoying a summer breeze with good company and a glass of rosé. That’s why my last must-have summer accessory is outdoor string lights!
This week, my kids and I are setting up globe string lights over our fire pit area. I told them the project was only happening if they helped—partly so they can pick up some DIY skills, but mostly so I can sneak in some quality time with them!
We’re doing a modified version of Jen’s outdoor light poles at City Farmhouse, crisscrossing the lights over our patio and attaching them to the house. I found these string lights (LINK), which offer the best price for the length and number of bulbs.
I’ll update you soon on how the project turns out! In the meantime, if you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, check out my DIY pea stone patio and fire pit installation from last summer.
That wraps up my five favorite summer accessories! Be sure to check out what my talented co-hosts have in store:
And a huge thank you to our guest host, Mallory from Style Your Senses !
Hope you all enjoy these easy summer updates let me know which one is your favorite or if you have any go-to summer accessories of your own!
Happy Summer!
