1. What I will be cooking this summer
Parmesan and Herb Turkey Burgers from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street are hands down the best turkey burger. Ever. And possibly the best anything burger. They are moist and flavorful and you can put them together ahead of time and grill them when you are ready.
I will admit that this is a little more effort than slapping a patty on the BBQ, but you won’t be sorry. If you are planning on making them, I’m free for dinner.
2. Ready, set, go!
Setting a summertime table is all about ease. The setting is the star – not a bunch of fussy decorations.
My favorite meal is an al fresco lunch on our Telluride patio. I lay out colorful linen napkins with Chilewich placemats, and always, always peonies from the garden when they are blooming. If not, I like beautiful bunches of colorful flowers from the farmer’s market, in simple kitchen glasses. Nothing fancy.
We serve a big charcuterie board and a few salads, usually made from whatever we had last night for dinner. We wash it down with a great bottle(s) of chilled Fleurs de Prairie Rosé from the South of France and fresh fruits for dessert.
Easy to serve, easy to clean up. And then naptime!
3. Shorts stuff
I’m not really one to expose a lot of leg. I am thankful mine are long, but otherwise, my best features live elsewhere on my body. But summertime requires a girl to own at least one or two pairs of shorts, right? Sooo, I’ve committed to a new pair this year.
I really like the clothing brand Kuhl. They make super durable, outdoorsy clothing, but they cut their pants to fit a woman’s curves. This pair is perfect for me – a little longer, great for hiking but cute enough for around town. They are a techno fabric that can go in the water, too. And I just can’t get enough of a camo pattern!
4. Pool tools
If I’m in Houston and it’s 100 degrees, you can find me in the pool. Having the right pool accessories are essential to my summer fun.
I love the website funboy.com for all kinds of pool toys that make me smile. Last year I added a float in the shape of a huge pair of red lips, and it turned out to be everyone’s favorite.
I feel like I might need to add their big, plush Disco Shag Lip Towel as a compliment. Or should I go for the Sunkissed Double Chaise Lounger? Will I look like the girl in the bikini if I do? But seriously, they have so many fun floats to choose from!
5. A Little Sparkle
I am not ashamed to say that I love a little sparkle – on my cheeks, my clothes, or my shoes. But I also crave a refreshing, bubbly beverage as a summertime cooler.
No champagne for me by the pool – it goes straight to my head in the heat. I want something I can sip all afternoon.
Here is my go to refreshment:
A 6.8 oz bottle of tonic water (I like Fever Tree)
Juice of ½ lemon
6 oz mineral water (you’ve gotta stay hydrated, right?)
Splash of cranberry juice
Shot of Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Serve over ice. Makes two drinks.
