The easy days and long nights. Hours and hours sitting poolside in the sun. Morning runs. Barbecues with friends and family. Lots of holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day). Open windows. Birds singing. Green grass. Flowers blooming. Seriously, the list is endless.
Maybe that is why I love trying to find ways to start summer now instead of waiting for June to make it’s arrival. There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to bring the feeling of summer into your house all year long, why wouldn’t we start now?
10 Ways To Start Summer Now For Under $25
1. Go Green.
One of the easiest ways to bring the feeling of summer into your home is through green plants. In my opinion, bigger is better! But if a regular or jumbo-sized houseplant is too big of a commitment (or you are pretty sure you are going to kill it in 30 days), think about having a succulent garden.
We were able to create this little garden for under $25 with a metal container, soil and river rock. Or you can always use a hanging-planter system like this one (above) from Crate & Barrel.
Or even go crazy and start a small herb garden in your house…basil, rosemary, and chives are all very easy to grow.
2. Create a Summer Jam Playlist.
Let’s face it, every year there is an “it” summer song that gets played to death on the radio. And even though at the time I think, “I can’t listen to it again!”… when it comes on the radio NOW, I’m instantly taken back to that SUMMER. For me songs like, “Gin & Juice”, “You Oughta Know”, “Can’t Hold Us”, or “I Got A Feeling.” bring back VERY specific memories.
And what better way to start summer early than creating a Summer Jam Playlist! If you are looking for some inspiration check out these Top 10 Song By Summer from 1985 – 2013 or Top 30 Summer Songs from Billboard.
3. Act Like You Work In A Rainbow.
I will admit to having an office supply addiction! And nothing makes me more happy then breaking out a new set of pens, post-it notes, or colored paperclips.
(Because goodness knows that your to-do list is easier to write and accomplish when it was written on pretty, colorful stationary, instead of the back of a grocery receipt.)
Here are some of my favorite products that make creating a to-do list (or signing permission forms, writing checks, or making a grocery list) a happier experience.
Papermate Flair Pens | Post-It Notes Color Collections | Colored Sharpies | Rainbow Paper Clips
4. Quirky Vases With Flowers.
All of us have either given or received a fist-full of dandelions one time in our life. And each time (whether given or received), they were proudly displayed on the kitchen counter in a vase of some kind.
Whether you purchase flowers from the florist, grocery store or Costco (or grab some lilacs, tulips, or roses from your own garden), they instantly brighten the environment. But instead of making a “formal” arrangement with a structured vase, showcase your flowers in a quirky vase.
I love putting flowers that NORMALLY shouldn’t be vases, that are vases now like Ball Mason Jars, old highball glasses, bottles. (I’m in LOVE with these bottle glass jars from Crate & Barrel).
5. Act Like You Own A Beach House, Even If You Live In The Midwest.
When you live in the Midwest, most memories of a beach occur during the summer months of June, July and August. Lazy days, sun on your shoulders, rides around on the boat and flip flops.
Bring those feelings of beach life into your home through well placed home accessories, white slip covers, throw pillows (I love these coral pillows from Target), or neutral artwork. And if you are really tight on money, find some old accessories and paint them white for an inexpensive beach look.
6. Lemons & Limes.
A container filled with lemons and limes is a budget-friendly, but high impact way to bring the color of summer into your home. Citrus feels cheerful, fresh, and invigorating. It reminds of a warmer climates, lazy days on the porch, and pitchers of lemonade.
7. New Linens.
If your winter is like mine, it was a steady stream of cooking, washing dishes, drying dishes, putting away dishes … on a repeat cycle for about four months. But spring and summer brings a whole new (and less messy) season of grilling, salads, and fruit.
And a new season deserves new kitchen linens, right?. Time to cast off the stained, frayed, and “where did that hole come from?” kitchen towels and replace with colorful new ones that embrace the new summer season.
(I love this frozen popsicle towel from Crate & Barrel. Isn’t it just FUN?)
8. Hear The Bells.
The sound of a wind chime on a warm afternoon is music to my soul. There is something so peaceful and soothing about the rush of the wind, finished by the sound of chimes. You almost feel like you are at the beach, on a hammock under a palm tree, or lounging at a cabin, even though you are in suburban Kansas.
9. A Unexpected Pop of Color.
Just like the crocus and tulips making their appearance in the brown spring ground, your home is begging for a pop of color.
And how big of a pop of color is entirely up to you! Paint a wall, a door, a piece of furniture, a picture frame. Remember, it’s just paint, so you can always change it back…but most likely, you won’t want to. If painting scares you too much, think about adding a bright throw pillow, blanket, or accessory (like this great glass jelly fish from Pottery Barn).
10. Create a Signature Drink.
For some reason, each summer I come up with a signature drink. It’s my beverage of choice whether I’m going out with friends, hanging out on the porch in the evening, or chugging it like a mad-women in the closet after a particular bad day. (Not really, well maybe.) There are so many great summer beverages including Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule, Summer Beer, or Ginger-Lemon Radler.
Do some research, pick out a beverage and become “BOSS” at making it…and then weather turns cold again, you whip up a batch and pretend it’s 85 degrees outside.
So let’s put away the boots, coats, sweatshirts, and flannel sheets and start our summer early this year…what do you think?
What about you? What Ways Do You Start Summer Now?
