Be the Fun Friend with the Fun Home: 4 Tips to Host Effortlessly and Summer Decor Ideas
- Balm Interiors
- Jun 5, 2024
- 9 min read
Do you want to be the fun friend whose house is always ready for hosting? The one who offers to host everything and seems to do so effortlessly, worrying only about the food because her house was ready to begin with? I want a home like that! And here’s the secret: we can all have that home, without losing our ever-loving minds.
As rhythms and weather change outside, we long for our homes to balance extreme temperatures and anticipate our needs. Whether it’s a frosty drink you’re craving from the fridge or the soft lighting to gives your body rest from the scorching sun, in summer we all long for rest, play, and refreshment.
Here are tips for how to have a seasonal home without losing your mind – more of a mindset to take with you while you do all the life tasks, and less of a list to add to your already full plate.
But let's be honest, seasonal decorating can often feel like a daunting task, especially for those of us with busy schedules and limited budgets. Fear not, though, friends, I've been puzzling over this pickle for years, and I’ve found something that works for me. Now I'm sharing it with you.
So grab a cucumber water, mist your face with rose water, and let's dive in...
First up, you need to find your summer vibe because mine most likely isn’t the same as yours.
Step 1: Find Your Summer Vibe before brainstorming Summer Decor Ideas
I use a Pinterest Pin Board, but magazines and a glue stick are classic for a reason
The first step to refreshing your home for summer is to set the mood. My favorite method is creating a Pinterest Vibe Board. Search for terms like "summer aesthetic," "summer vibe," "creative summer hobbies," "refreshing drinks," and "summer festivals."
Choose images that evoke the emotions you want to feel in summer, and scroll past any that make you feel guilty or stressed. A good rule of thumb is to only save images you like enough to make your home screen saver.
While you're welcome to pin images to inspire specific activities or ideas, focus on highly edited and curated images that evoke a strong positive emotion. Noting the lighting, materials, and settings in your pinned photos is key to understanding what elements make up your unique summer vibe.
Whether it’s a towel laid on a beach, a pretty swimsuit hanging in your bedroom, fresh herbs ready to be cut on the windowsill, or tomatoes in a bowl on the table, find what speaks to you. Objects that invite us to do an activity are the best for summer decor ideas.
Step 2: Spend on Seasonal Supplies Instead of Decor
Now that you've set the tone with a vibe board, it's time to bring some summer magic and hosting decor into your home, both visually and through the other senses.
Save time and money and keep things clutter-free by incorporating seasonal supplies into what you already do and love.
Add a few hobby supplies to your shopping list—things you want to have handy this season. Consider a bundle of fresh herbs for culinary experiments, a stack of new books for summer reading, a bowl of tomatoes, or a pitcher of cucumber-infused water.
If you don’t already, consider adding a few sensory experiences to your summer routine. Maybe it's an ice cream maker that takes you back to your childhood, an umbrella for some shade in the yard, pool towels that double as shelf décor in your entry, or bug spray that feels a little fancy.
The goal is to create a simple, thoughtful, Airbnb vibe. Whatever you’d love in a vacation home, bring into your home.
Prioritize Functionality and Beauty
When shopping for seasonal supplies, look for items that are both functional and beautiful. A beautiful set of pool towels can add a pop of soothing color to the shelf where they’re stored, and a retro-style ice cream maker on the counter serves as an open invitation to make that homemade frozen treat your family loves every year.
Try to invest in beautiful and quality supplies you can pull out year after year and season to season. Avoid any platters or signs that say "Summer Fun," and you should be good to go.
Elevate Your Sensory Experience
One of the best ways to create a seasonal home is to focus on enhancing your sensory experience. This means paying attention to how your home smells and even sounds. Consider adding items that engage your senses and make your home feel more inviting and enjoyable.
I like bringing in things like fancy bug spray wipes and yummy handwashing soap during the summer. A portable Bluetooth speaker is a great all-season buy to enrich your summer days, playing your favorite tunes while you relax, do chores, or blow bubbles on your patio.
Embrace Seasonal Colors
Color plays a critical role in setting the tone for a home and helps us mirror the changing seasons in our interiors. For summer, consider incorporating lighter, brighter colors that evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. Soft pastels, vibrant greens, and jewel tones can all help to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
One of the easiest ways to add color to your home is through summer supplies, so don’t shy away from color when choosing beach balls, a bubble maker, a pitcher for lemonade, or an umbrella for the yard or beach.
Step 3: Focus on Creature Comforts
Summer and winter are seasons when we need extra comfort. We need things to cool and soothe us during the extreme heat and flurry of activity that happens over the summer.
Dust off the area where you spread your Christmas treats during the holidays and make yourself a summer drink and snack area. Add cucumber to water and set out some pretzels. This helps anticipate your kids’ constant demand for snacks and reduces the scurrying around the house when friends pop over for a playdate or book club.
Creating a designated spot for summer refreshments is a small but impactful way to make your home feel inviting every day for your people, and save you time and stress when you have guests. The goal is to make your home feel ready and welcoming without a lot of extra effort. Amenities are best kinds of summer decor ideas.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
A big part of making your home feel comfortable is creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. This doesn't have to mean throwing elaborate parties or spending a lot of money. Simple gestures like having refreshments available and within reach when people come over go a long way.
If you ever have overnight guests, consider creating a "guest basket" with essentials like toiletries, snacks, and a few extra towels. This makes them feel cared for and welcome, especially if they are staying overnight.
Step 4: Don't Do It All in One Year, Slow and Steady Wins the Race for Summer Decor Ideas
Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the perfect summertime home. Take it slow, my friend. Once you have a plan in place for your summer decor ideas, you'll find that the process becomes much more manageable. Don't feel pressured to do it all at once—remember, it's a journey, not a race.
Trying to do it all at once can quickly become expensive. So take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy the journey of transforming your home into a summertime sanctuary. Give yourself at least three years to stock up on everything you’re craving from your pin board.
Focus on hobby supplies that welcome the vibe from your pin board. Try, when possible, to purchase high-quality and beautiful heirloom items. Buy a few things each year. Next year, you can add more layers. By taking your time, you'll build a collection of items that you truly love and that genuinely enhance your home.
Build Your Collection Over Time
The process of transforming your home is an ongoing journey, and it's important to take one small step at a time. A thoughtful home is created by giving thought and intention to every small purchase or decision you make. And that’s only possible when you give yourself time.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the need to do everything at once, break your project down into manageable pieces. Focus on one area of your home at a time, and take the time to really think about what you want and need in that space.
Create Traditions and Rituals
As you build your seasonal home, consider creating traditions and rituals that you can enjoy year after year. This could be something as simple as a summer BBQ with friends, a special family recipe that you make every summer, or a weekend gardening routine. These traditions can help create a sense of continuity and make your home feel even more special.
Bonus: Outdoor Spaces
Bring the Outdoors In
Nature sets the tone for every season and always creates a masterpiece. Consider bringing in fresh flowers, potted herbs, indoor plants, dried branches, or pampas grass to add natural touches to your home. Plus, incorporating living elements (or recently living) is infinitely better than just changing your throw pillows.
If you don't have a green thumb, don't worry! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for beginners, such as succulents, snake plants, and pothos. These plants are hardy and can thrive with minimal care, making them a great choice for busy households.
Update Your Outdoor Spaces
Don't forget about your outdoor spaces when decorating for the season. Whether you have a small balcony, a patio, or a backyard, dust these spaces off and make sure you’ve got the essentials covered so you can enjoy some time outside this year.
Start by cleaning and decluttering your outdoor space. Get rid of any items that are no longer serving you, then add some comfortable seating—like a cozy outdoor sofa or beach chairs. Make sure you’ve got an umbrella for shade, a table to set your drink, and bug repellent.
There are many additional layers you can add, such as outdoor rugs and lighting, but don’t even think about these things before you have the basics covered: seating, shade, surfaces, and bug control.
Ready for a New Lease on Summer Decorating?
Refreshing your home for summer doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little inspiration, creativity, and patience, you can infuse your space with the lightness and warmth of the season without feeling overwhelmed. So go ahead, embrace the spirit of summer, and let your home blossom into a sanctuary of rest and play.
START YOUR OWN INSPIRATION PIN BOARD
Feeling inspired? Check out my Summer Pin Board for even more ideas and inspiration. Then start your own—and make this summer the serotonin cocoon you long for and deserve in the blaze of summer heat!
Creating a Pinterest Vibe Board isn't just about aesthetics; it's about tuning into what makes you feel happy and relaxed. The process itself can be therapeutic, allowing you to explore your tastes and preferences in a way that is both fun and insightful. Plus, it's a great way to gather all your ideas in one place, making it easier to visualize and plan your seasonal updates.
QUESTION AND ANSWER:
Q: How can I create an effortless vibe for hosting this summer?
Creating a seasonal home is more about mindset than adding extra tasks. Consider a Pinterest Vibe Board to gather inspiration and set the mood. Invest in functional seasonal supplies rather than decor, and add comfort with simple touches like a summer drink and snack area. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race. Take it slow and enjoy the process.
Q: What are some practical items I can buy to enhance my home for summer?
Think about items that elevate your sensory experience and bring a touch of luxury. An ice cream maker, an umbrella for shade, pool towels that double as decor, and a cucumber water dispenser are all great choices. These items are practical and beautiful, enhancing your daily life without adding clutter.
Q: How can I make my home feel welcoming for summer guests?
Create a designated area for summer refreshments. A simple setup with infused water and snacks like pretzels or seasonal fruits can make your home feel inviting. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; the key is to have something ready to welcome your guests and make them feel comfortable.
Q: Should I try to decorate my entire home for the season in one go?
No, take it slow and steady. Trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming and expensive. Focus on building your seasonal decor and supplies over time. Each year, add a few high-quality, beautiful items that you truly love. This approach will make the process more enjoyable and manageable.
Q: How do I find not-cheesy decor for summer gatherings?
Start with a Pinterest Vibe Board and search for terms related to the season. Choose images that evoke positive emotions and skip those that make you feel stressed. Focus on highly edited and curated images that inspire you. Find what speaks to you and makes you feel excited about the season. Then create a summer supply list and start adding things to your shopping list.
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