Hello, Summer!

Here’s to the happiest of weekends, friends! Has anyone else ever had a week where they have no idea what day it even is? Y’all, it’s been that type of month for me! Between wedding season being in full swing and some awesome projects I have in the works, somehow I totally missed the first day of Summer yesterday. (But really, where did Spring even go?)

Summer Lovin’

I don’t know about you. But, Summer always makes me want to sing Summer Lovin’ from the Grease soundtrack. Today on the blog, I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite must-have summertime essentials for Summer 2018. From styled outdoor spaces to pool floats that’ll make the neighbor kid jealous, this post is bound to get you ready for your best summer yet. The fun is mandatory, stress is discouraged, and the shoes are optional. Here’s a little bit of what I’m summer lovin’ lately!

READ ALSO: Faves Friday // Spring 2018 Favorites 

READ ALSO: Must-Have Summertime Essentials from the Hearth & Hand Line at Target

Must-Have Summer Essentials for Summer 2018

Summer Ready Patio Space

Just like our beach-bods, we’ve got to get our homes ready for summer. Whether its a little nook on your front porch or a whole backyard patio makeover, it’s important to have a summer-ready space for Summer. Not only does it encourage you to get outside and soak up the sunshine, it’s also great to encourage entertaining and taking time to be present in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

In our own home, our front porch is very narrow. I wanted to use it to create a small, intimate nook that I could enjoy while sipping coffee with the pups and taking a moment to breathe. Meanwhile, I want our back porch to be a space that encourages outdoor dining, relaxing, and gathering with friends and loved ones. (P.S. That make-over is coming to the blog soon!) Design your summer-ready space however you want it to feel. Do you want to entertain, or would you rather it be your secluded retreat? It’s up to you.

As you may know, I am a sucker for the level of conversation that can happen over a table (coffee tables too!). I’m a firm believer in cultivating spaces that encourage gathering and being intentional with life’s precious moments. Create your own space to gather outdoors this summer with a sweet and simple patio set. You won’t believe how easy it is to dress it up with outdoor pillows, cushions, and inexpensive cafe bulbs. Add a charcuterie board, your favorite beverage, and fellowship — and you’ve got a relaxing evening of making memories.

READ ALSO: Farmhouse Front Porch Inspiration for Summer

Your New Favorite Tumbler

I don’t know about you, but pineapples will always be one of my summertime favorites. I couldn’t get enough of this gold pineapple tumbler that I snagged up for my beach trip last year, and it’s about to make it’s debut once again for the second year. (You can also get one in Rose Gold!) Whether it’s filled with sweet tea or something a little extra, nothing screams summer more than sipping from a festive tumbler. It may just make you forget your toes are in your child’s sandbox instead of the white beaches of 30A. Well, I said it *may*.

Pool Floats That Will Make Your Neighbor Kid Jealous

I am actually not one for getting into the water when it comes to pool days or beach trips. My happy place is usually in a beach chair soaking up some Vitamin D either with a nap or a good book. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy a giant pool float that can make any pool day immediately 10x more Instagram-worthy. (I’ll take a giant swan float, please!)

Every summer my mind is blown at how large these pool floats are getting and what shape someone decided to make them into next. I mean, how cute would this diamond ring float be for a bride’s bachelorette party? Fun pool floats are a fun and easy way to transform your summer pool or beach hangouts into giggles and captured memories on your phone’s camera roll. Floppy Hats (The floppier, the better!)

I kind of think that floppy hats are some of the most extra accessories on the planet. Like pool floats, they are most likely more for looking cute on your next Instagram photo. However, I can also guarantee there isn’t a woman on this planet that doesn’t immediately feel more fabulous when they put one on. Like red lipstick, there’s something about a floppy hat that can make any woman feel like she can conquer the world in her swimsuit and cover-up. Meanwhile, more practically, they are also great for shielding your face and neck from the sun. Save your skin, ladies!

The Perfect Picnic Set-up

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been stuck on the idea of picnics this spring and summer. Like creating a summer ready patio space, having the perfect picnic set-up encourages you to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and be 100% present with whomever you’re sharing the blanket with. Not to mention, it’s easy to transform any picnic  into the sweetest date night or super fun post-pool / post-park activity with the kids. It doesn’t have to be super fancy to encourage deep conversation, quality time, or romance. It’s almost like getting back to the basics.

What summertime essentials are you loving this Summer? 

I hope you enjoy some of the things on this little list – and maybe discover a new favorite of your own! What are some of your favorite things this Summer? Share them with me in a comment below! Don’t forget that you can shop my picks from today’s post in the slider below!