Summer Lifestyle Guide: Best Activities to Savor the Season
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Summer is the perfect time to indulge in elegant pursuits and infuse your days with seasonal activities that elevate your daily life. To fully revel in the new season, I’ve put together this summer bucket list, curated specifically for the “chic girl” — that is, the sophisticated gal who appreciates art and culture, dresses well and lives passionately. It features estival activities that will enrich your life and make the most of what the summer has to offer. Here's your go-to guide to romanticize the season with the best summer activities for 2024.
Summer Lifestyle Guide: Best Activities to Savor the Season
1. Host a Garden Party
Celebrate the arrival of summer by hosting an outdoor garden party or picnic. Decorate your table with linens, fresh flowers, and elegant tableware with summer colors and motifs. Prepare a seasonal meal to savor with friends and family. Some recipes I’m excited to try this summer are green goddess tortellini salad, simple caprese skewers, and strawberry shortcake. Invite your guests to wear their favorite summer dresses for an elegant outdoor affair.
No garden? No worries! Pack a picnic basket with easy-to-eat foods like finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, sliced cheese and maybe a few macaroons or other sweet treats. Lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a leisurely lunch with your loved ones.
Read More: How to Host a French Dinner Party
2. Explore Cultural Events
The summer season is abuzz with cultural festivities. Look out for local festivals, markets, and other events. Many communities organize outdoor events during the summer, and it’s the perfect opportunity to discover new things in your area and appreciate local talent. If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, check for events near you, whether it’s farmers markets, flower festivals, concerts, arts and crafts fairs, parades, live events, outdoor theater and film screenings, etc.
3. Discover a New Hobby or Artistic Pursuit
Use the summer season as an opportunity to explore a new hobby or indulge in an artistic pursuit. Consider taking up painting, photography, pottery, or writing. Enroll in a dance or cooking class to cultivate new skills. This summer, I’m enrolling in a dance class with my boyfriend and taking drawing lessons. Need some extra inspiration? Here are some summer hobby ideas that are elegant:
Gardening
Plein air painting
Wine tasting and appreciation
Classical music appreciation
Tennis
Outdoor photography
Floral arrangement
Yoga
Tea tasting
Calligraphy
Art appreciation
Swimming
Golf
Ballet
4. Refresh Your Space
As the seasons change, so should your home. No need for an expensive makeover, a few simple changes can do wonders. Begin by decluttering and organizing to create a clean canvas to work with.
Opt for light and breezy fabrics, such as linen or cotton, for your curtains, cushions, and table linens. Incorporate natural elements such as potted plants and fresh flowers to instantly make your space feel more summery.
Bring in the smell of summer through scents like sandalwood, orange blossom, mandarin, jasmine, lemon, bergamot, or neroli. One of my favorite summer candles is Capri Blue Volcano. With notes of tropical fruits and sugary citrus, it will make your entire space smell like summer!
Read More: Summer Home Refresh
5. Create a Summer Reading List
Set aside dedicated time for reading and create a curated summer reading list. Select classic novels, contemporary literature, or thought-provoking non-fiction. Find a cozy spot, whether it's at home, a café, a library or the park, and indulge in the pleasure of reading.
I usually read for at least 20 minutes every day. If you're not in the habit of reading regularly, start with a small goal, like reading for just 10 minutes or completing one chapter each day. A summer of reading is a summer of intellectual growth and refined relaxation. Why not pick up a new healthy habit?
For summer reading inspiration, check out the 54 Most Anticipated Books of Summer and Books to Suit Your Summer Reading Mood. Goodreads is my go-to source for book recommendations and is also the perfect place to track your reading. Here are some books on my summer reading list as well as a few personal favorites:
"Circe" by Madeline Miller: This novel reimagines the story of Circe, a lesser-known character from Greek mythology, giving her a powerful voice and exploring themes of love, power, and self-discovery.
"Bonjour Tristesse" by Françoise Sagan: Seventeen-year-old Cécile's idyllic summer on the French Riviera takes a tumultuous turn when her carefree lifestyle with her father and his lover is threatened by the arrival of a family friend, challenging her notions of love and relationships.
"Emma" by Jane Austen: Emma, a wealthy and self-assured young woman, dabbles in matchmaking but discovers the consequences of her meddling as she learns valuable lessons about love, personal growth, and the true desires of her own heart.
“Lady Tan's Circle of Women” by Lisa See: The latest historical novel inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian—a woman born in the 15th century who became a doctor of women and girls. It is not only a captivating story of women helping women, but it is also a triumphant reimaging of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A captivating tale that explores the glamorous and tumultuous life of a fictional Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, as she reveals the truth behind her seven marriages.
"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens: Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, this atmospheric novel follows the life of Kya Clark, a young woman accused of murder, and delves into themes of nature, love, and isolation.
"The Villa” by Rachel Hawkins: A deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set at an Italian villa with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
"The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain: A historical fiction novel that offers a glimpse into the life of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson, and their time together in 1920s Paris.
6. Plan a Weekend Getaway
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by planning a weekend getaway. Whether it’s a small seaside escape, a countryside retreat, or a scenic mountain getaway, immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the surroundings and indulge in regional cuisine.
Weekend trips are the perfect way to travel during the summer without splurging on long vacations. For inspiration, I’d recommend browsing the 36 Hours travel guides from The New York Times. They’re handy itineraries that tell you what to do when you've got 36 hours in a city. This summer I’m planning a couple of day trips to nearby villages here in France as well as a weekend trip to Paris. What are your travel plans for the summer?
Read More: How to Travel Alone: Advice for Solo Female Travelers
7. Eat Seasonally
Savor the flavors of summer by preparing a seasonal recipe like refreshing tomato gazpacho, honey salmon tacos, or blackberry peach galette.
Stock your fridge with seasonal produce like berries, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, potatoes and peaches. Cook with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, mint and dill. For fresh fruits and veggies near you, browse produce guides to discover what’s in season for the month and shop at your local farmer’s market. Summer is also the perfect time to pick your own berries!
8. Embrace the Joy of Slow Living
Summer often tempts us to rush from one activity to another, but true elegance lies in embracing the joy of slow living. Dedicate time to relaxation, self-care, and mindfulness. Take leisurely walks in nature, practice yoga or meditation, or simply indulge in the pleasure of a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. Prioritize your well-being and allow yourself to savor each moment.
Read More: How to Elevate Everyday Life
9. Learn the Art of Mixology
Summer calls for refreshing sips. Dedicate time to learning the art of mixology and craft your own signature summer cocktails. Experiment with fresh fruits, aromatic herbs, and artisanal spirits to create seasonal libations. Invite friends and family over for a soirée and impress them with your newfound mixology skills; you’ll elevate your summer gatherings to a whole new level.
If you’re a wellness girlie like me, then you should check out the functional cocktail recipes from Sakara Life. They’re perfect if you’re looking to limit your alcohol consumption, but still want a health-conscious summer sip. I’m looking forward to trying their metabolism-revving espresso martini and golden sunset cocktail this summer.
Read More: 10 French Cocktails to Make for Your Next Summer Soirée
10. Lighten Up Your Beauty Routine
As the weather gets hotter, consider giving your beauty routine a makeover. Opt for lightweight, breathable skincare products with added sun protection. Incorporate fresh and vibrant makeup shades like coral or peach to enhance your natural glow. Experiment with light, airy hairstyles like loose braids or effortless updos.
Take the time to pamper yourself with indulgent body scrubs, refreshing mists, and floral-infused fragrances. Updating your beauty routine to suit the season will help you radiate elegance and feel confident all summer long.
Summer can not come sooner. I’m ready to start checking items off my summer bucket list, whether it’s hosting garden parties, traveling to a new city or picking up a seasonal hobby. Happy summer!
Which summer activities are on your bucket list this year? Let me know in the comments below.
