At this point in the summer, I can feel myself melting a little. Even though I love summer, I’m staying indoors more, seeking out air conditioning and counting the days ‘till fall.
That might have something to do with the fact that I’m currently planning our fall + winter candle collection and have spent far too much time smelling cinnamon, clove, and cozy autumnal scents. Can fall get here already? But at the same time, I’m also trying to remind myself to be present.
Where I live, we get a few short months of sunny summer days. And, there’s something so inspiring about opening the windows and letting the summer heat in, or going out for a walk after dinner and enjoying the daylight that is still present.
So instead of wishing summer away, I started thinking about how to bring a little of the coziness I love about fall into the season we’re actually in. And, you know, actually be present.
These are some things I’ll be trying to soak up as much of summer as possible. Take what you want, see it as inspiration, or maybe a summer bucket list.
1. Host a cookbook night
Gather your friends, pick a cookbook, and make a night of it.
There are different ways you can go about this. Choose a cuisine you’ve all been wanting to try, or maybe a “theme” like desserts or movie recipes. The point is that everyone chooses one recipe and brings it to the host’s house.
The beauty of this is that no one person has to prepare an entire meal and you get a table full of different dishes. Everyone gets to try something new and there’s automatically something to talk about while you eat. Set the table outside if the weather cooperates, get some cute glasses and lots of ice, and queue your summer playlist. Let the dinner and good conversation stretch into the evening.
If you’re the host, light a candle before everyone arrives. Black Pearl is my favorite for hosting as the scent is light and universally appealing.
2. Go café hopping
Make a list of cafés you’ve been meaning to try and turn it into a little summer adventure. Order your drink of choice (iced lavender matcha for me), and give yourself an hour or two to actually stay there and enjoy. Don’t get it to go! Bring your laptop if you need to get some work done, or a book that has been in your TBR pile and dive in.
I chose this activity because when I think of cozy, I think of a cafe with the background chatter, the sounds of the espresso machine, and the delicious smell of coffee (if you love that scent too, you should try The First Drop). And for summer, just add a cold drink and some glorious air conditioning, and you’ve got a pretty great summer afternoon.
You could even make it a weekly thing and slowly work your way through your local favorites.
3. Find your summer scent
We associate scents with memories more than almost anything else, so why not give summer its own? Choose a fragrance you don’t wear often and make it your signature for the season. For hot seasons, I recommend leaning into lighter and brighter scents as the heat tends to amplify the smell of things, so a warm woody scent may feel stronger in the summer. Try something fresh, citrusy, soft, or floral.
You can do the same for your home. Light the same candle while you’re getting ready for your day, chilling after a workday, or having friends over. Eventually, that scent becomes part of how you remember this summer.
For an everyday summer candle, Shades of Gold is a beautiful place to start.
4. Have a cozy activity night
Just because it is summer, it doesn’t mean you have to spend every second the sun is up outdoors. You can have a cozy gathering at home with your best friends and family, and do a joint activity. Put on your summer playlist and settle in with coloring books, puzzles, knitting, crochet, or whatever activity makes you lose track of time.
Make it an event by having a signature mocktail, some snacks, and lighting a candle to set the mood. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. Just get your people together for a fun activity.
5. Have an evening picnic
If you’re like me and find the middle of a summer afternoon unbearably hot, move the picnic to sunset time. Pack a blanket and some easy-to-eat snacks, something cold to drink and head to your favorite outdoor spot for golden hour. The air will be cooler, and you’ll have a beautiful view. I love that this is an activity that can be enjoyed solo or with company, that’s up to you.
6. Give yourself permission to stay home
This one might be the most important. Don’t force yourself to embrace traditional summer activities if it’s not your thing, and don’t feel guilty for it. You’re not “wasting summer away.” Enjoyment is personal, so do what feels right for you.
Maybe your ideal Saturday is an iced coffee, a book, the sun blasting right on your face, and nowhere to be. Maybe you want to stay in, cook something delicious, take a long shower, and watch your favorite show. That all counts.
Don’t rush through the season
We all have a tendency to spend so much time looking forward to what’s next, that we miss what’s happening right now. We look forward to summer, and then spend it waiting for cooler summer weather. But what I want is to be present at all times, because the good part is already here.
Take inspiration from this list and choose the ones that align with you and would make you feel most present. Eat dinner outside, visit a cafe you’ve only walked past, and invite friends over to color some books.
If you’re ready to bring a little more coziness into your summer, start with scent. Look to our summer collection (here until we sell out!) to find your summer signature scent.
Fall will come soon enough. Make the most out of your summer while it is still here.