Simple Ways to Decorate Your Home for Summer with Fresh Flowers

As the days grow longer and the sunshine brighter, there’s no better way to bring the season indoors than with fresh flowers. Summer blooms are vibrant, fragrant, and effortlessly uplifting. Whether you pick them from your garden, grab a bouquet at the farmer’s market, or treat yourself to a grocery store bunch, decorating with fresh flowers can instantly transform your home. Here are some simple, beautiful ways to use them in your summer décor.

1. Create a Welcoming Entryway

Set the tone right at the door. A small vase of fresh flowers on your entryway table adds a cheerful touch that greets you (and your guests) the moment you walk in. Choose hardy flowers like sunflowers, zinnias, or gerbera daisies that stand up well to warmer temperatures. Use a ceramic pitcher, mason jar, or even a woven basket lined with a jar for a relaxed, seasonal feel.

longaberger basket with flowers, simple ways to decorate your home with fresh flowers for summer
A welcoming basket in the entryway

2. Go Big in the Dining Room

Your dining table is a natural centerpiece for summer blooms. Arrange a large bouquet in a clear glass vase and let the flowers take center stage. Mix in greenery like eucalyptus or ferns to add texture. Peonies, hydrangeas, and garden roses are stunning summer choices. For a casual touch, lay a linen runner underneath and scatter a few loose petals along the table.

3. Add Small Touches Throughout the House

You don’t need to stop at the main living spaces. A single stem in a bud vase can brighten a bathroom counter, nightstand, or kitchen windowsill. Try grouping a few small vases with different flowers for a more dynamic look. These tiny arrangements require only a few blooms and are a wonderful way to stretch a bouquet.

juliska vase with flowers, simple ways to decorate your home with fresh flowers for summer
Simple arrangement in the kitchen fresh from my garden

4. Embrace Seasonal Color Palettes

Think of the colors that capture summer’s energy—sunny yellows, ocean blues, coral pinks, and soft lavenders. Use flower arrangements to play with these palettes. You can keep it monochrome for a chic look, or mix bright and bold for something more playful. Complement your existing décor with flower colors that either contrast or blend in for the perfect seasonal accent.

a summer color palette for decorating, simple ways to decorate your home with fresh flowers for summer
A color palette from nature

5. Use Unconventional Containers

Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your vases. Repurpose old teacups, jam jars, watering cans, or even hollowed-out citrus fruits for a fresh, rustic charm. These unique containers add personality and make your arrangements feel spontaneous and personal.

6. Take It Outside

Don’t forget your porch, patio, or balcony! Arrange flowers in hanging baskets, window boxes, or planters to bring color outdoors. A small table with a vase of fresh-cut flowers makes a cozy summer nook for morning coffee or evening wine.

potting bench with flowers, simple ways to decorate your home with flowers for summer
My potting bench always has flowers on it

7. Keep It Fresh

To make your flowers last, change the water every other day, trim the stems at an angle, and keep them out of direct sunlight or heat. A splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar in the water can help preserve them longer.

Bringing summer into your home doesn’t require a total makeover—just a few thoughtfully placed blooms can do wonders. So pick some flowers, find a sunny spot, and let the beauty of the season bloom indoors.

Happy Blooms,

Carrie

Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50

savoring the 4th of july

The 4th of July isn’t just for fireworks and parades—it’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, celebrate freedom, and enjoy the sweetness of summer. For women over 50, it’s a chance to host with ease and elegance, blending tradition with a touch of modern flair. Here are some stylish yet simple ideas to help you throw a memorable Independence Day celebration. Our street holds an annual party complete with fireworks, lots of food, bouncy houses for the kids, and friendship.

Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50
Fun at our neighborhood 4th of July party

Fresh & Fabulous Recipes

Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
Skip the heavy potato salad and go light and luscious with grilled peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s beautiful, flavorful, and easy on the waistline. I enjoyed a grilled peach salad at our neighborhood restaurant. It was delicious!

Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50
A delicious grilled salad perfect for the holiday

Herbed Chicken Skewers
Marinate chunks of chicken breast in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary. Skewer with zucchini and cherry tomatoes, then grill to perfection. A great alternative to traditional burgers and dogs.

Mini Berry Trifles
Layer angel food cake cubes with Greek yogurt and a mix of strawberries and blueberries in mason jars or clear glasses. It’s patriotic, light, and perfect for portion control. Single-serve desserts are perfect for a party.

Chic Yet Simple Décor

Red, White & Blue with a Twist
Trade in the plastic flags for vintage linens in soft hues of ivory, dusty blue, and cranberry. Add fresh flowers—hydrangeas, daisies, or wildflowers—in rustic pitchers or mason jars for a timeless, elegant touch. I cut my hydrangeas and dry them each year. They last for years, and I use them to decorate for many holidays.

String Lights & Candles
As the sun sets, ambient lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Drape white string lights across a patio or garden and cluster citronella candles in glass hurricane jars for both charm and function.

Memory Lane Table Setting
Print vintage family photos or snapshots from past July 4ths and tuck them into napkin rings or place under clear plates. It sparks conversation and brings a personal, sentimental feel. Have guests guess who is who.

Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50
My place settings for the 4th of July

Cocktails with a Kick (and a Mocktail, too!)

Sparkling Elderflower Spritz
Mix prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and soda water over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of mint. Light, floral, and oh-so-refreshing.

Blueberry Basil Gin Fizz
Muddle fresh blueberries and basil, add gin, lemon juice, and a splash of tonic. Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice in a highball glass.

Cucumber-Lime Cooler (Mocktail)
For a non-alcoholic option, muddle cucumber and mint, add lime juice, and club soda. Serve in a tall glass with a cucumber ribbon for a spa-like treat. Cucumber-lime is one of my favorite combinations.

Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50
Cool and refreshing cocktail for the 4th

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or an intimate gathering on the porch, the key is keeping it relaxed, stylish, and full of heart. At this stage in life, we know how to celebrate with grace—surrounded by the people and flavors we love. Here’s to a sparkling, joy-filled 4th of July!

Happy 4th,

Carrie

Summer Dining Table Design

summer table design

This year with doing so much traveling I decided to keep my dining table a little more simple. To be honest, I have been creating more simple designs lately. I have been drawn to more natural simple elements and designs.

My Longaberger basket has become the focal point for my table each season. It is big and beautiful. The olive trees were in the basket already and I simply added garland around it. The candles and fairy lights I left in for a soft glow. It looks so pretty at night. I love the wreath basket from Longaberger and keep it out all year long. For summer I just added a potted hydrangea for a pop of color.

I usually start with a table runner to fit the season. This bamboo design is perfect for summer. Keeping with my natural theme I kept the birdcages on the table this year. Normally, I take them down for the summer but this year decided to leave them out for the season. I like the change. A little touch of summer was added with mason jars and Emma Bridgewater bud vases.

summer table design
Summer place setting in style

My place settings were simple this year. I ordered these pink charges a few years ago and they are the first layer.  A placemat from Lucy Grymes is the second layer. I love the scalloped shape of these. My Juliska plates complete the look along with a seersucker napkin in pink.

What do you think? A simple summer tablescape.

profileUntil next week,

Carrie

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5 Things I’m Loving June 2021

 

Can you believe it is already June? I hope you enjoyed a nice Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer. I love summer, it really is my favorite time of year. Life seems to be returning to a little bit of normalcy. It has been so nice to enjoy the warmer weather and be out in the gardens. My strawberry pot has really taken off and I had to already re-pot it. I can’t wait for some tasty strawberries. My herb pots are growing like crazy too. These make me so happy.

It has been nice to catch up with friends and enjoy some girl time. I had not seen one of my dearest friends since last September, and it was just wonderful to get together, enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander some local boutiques. I have really missed the time spent with friends this last year. Next week, I am heading to Palm Beach for a little Lilly Pulitzer girls trip. I am really looking forward to a little shopping, cocktails, beach, and friendship.

Here are 5 things I am loving for June. Everything you need for summer decorating, beauty, and fashion. These are my go-to products for this month and I’m sure all summer.

Beauty Society Undercover Blue Light Protection Mist. We are all sitting in front of computer screens more and this spray provides protection from harmful blue light rays. Very hydrating and luxurious. I keep a bottle at my desk at all times and spritz my face often when I am sitting in front of the computer.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Beauty Society Undercover Spray

ByTerry skincare. I keep going on about this line, but it is just that good. These three products are in my everyday rotation as well as the moisturizer and mask. The rose scent alone makes me love the product but they are powerhouses. My skin feels so soft and under control. Summer tends to aggravate my skin and these just calm it down. Make sure to check out my full review of luxury skincare on YouTube.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
ByTerry Skincare

Initial Outfitters by Carrie acrylic mini-me collection. I love fun bright jewelry for summer. These acrylic pieces are so fun. Available in 20 different colors of necklaces and earrings and all personalized with a single initial. I plan to mix and match colors and wear these all season. Perfect with sundresses.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Monogram Acrylic Jewelry

Juliska Seaside Estate plates. I was looking for a new design for my summer dining table when I came across these in a boutique. So fun and that became my new summer dining table design starting point. Exactly what I was looking for and they coordinate with any color palette. This video shows how I created my summer dining table.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Juliska Seaside Estate Plates

Summer accessories. I’m heading to the beach and great accessories are a must. The pom pom sunhat from Initial Outfitters by Carrie will be fun for the beach or really anytime. It will match everything. A great pair of Lilly Pulitzer sandals are a must for all of the walking I will be doing. I don’t leave home without a tote. This tote from Lilly Pulitzer caught my eye. The print is all summer to me.

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Lilly Pulitzer McKim Sandals

 

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Monogram Sunhat

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Lilly Pulitzer Tote

I hope you have found some new products to try out. Summer is a great time to freshen things up. Be sure to watch my video on 5 Things I’m Loving for even more information. If you are looking for more great tips to enjoy summer, make sure to grab the Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer here.

Wishing you a fabulous week,

Carrie

Grab your FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer Here:

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carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Senior Outfitter with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDW2iJSg7kqylYMuTwfxQmA

Visit My YouTube Channel

Summer 2021 Dining Table Design

 

Happy Memorial Day. I hope you are enjoying the day with your family and friends. I have been busy around here this last week. I did a small refresh in the master ensuite. It’s amazing what new draperies and artwork can do for a room. Eventually, that room will get a full makeover, but I am not ready to tackle that yet. Summer decorating is finished outside and inside. I am enjoying nice walks in the evening and time to relax by the pond. Installing a pond was one of the best things that we have done. Just hearing the water is so soothing. We have been trying new recipes on the grill and Finn and Ruby are happy to be spending so much more time outside enjoying the sun.

If you have been following me for a while you know I always change my dining table decor each season. Simply changing the dining table and adding a few more accessories creates a new look in the dining room each season. My kitchen, foyer, mantle, and fireplace get a refresh each season too. I really like the change without spending too much on redecorating.

This year I really changed things up. Lately, I have been pairing down my decor and going for something a little simpler and not so dramatic. The drama really comes out during the holidays and winter. My bamboo table runner was the first step. One tall bamboo-style lantern sits in a tray from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection. Instead of the usual tall vases of hydrangeas, I added glass hurricanes again from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection. I repurposed the hydrangeas and used them in the formal living room. Something completely new this year is the flower balls. I saw these on Facebook, and they aren’t exactly what I was expecting, but I knew I could make them work. Normally, I add a floral garland down the middle of the table, but I added the floral balls instead for a different look. I like it. Of course, a few flamingos, candles, and flamingos finished the look.

spring 2021 summer table design
Summer Table Design

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Fun With Flamingos and Pineapples

My place settings had a makeover as well. The Juliska Seaside Estate plates are new, and I knew they would be perfect for my dining table. I started with flamingo placemats that I picked up at a shop in Charleston. Pink metallic chargers were next with Kate Spade dinner plates on top. The Juliska plates look perfect on top of the Kate Spade plates. I finished the plates off with acrylic place setting toppers from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. I love these acrylic pieces and can think of a million ways to use them. A combination of napkins and napkin rings made the table complete.

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Acrylic Place Setting Topper

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Juliska Seaside Estate Plates

I will say it took me a little time to get used to this design. It was something completely different, but I am really liking the change.  Stay tuned for updates on the rest of my summer decor and how to freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes with 5 products.

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoy a FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFYE0AIPWpgpnNvt8wLhyXUCwa3U7QjNyonsqJjyXNFOqiJA/viewform

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Senior Outfitter with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Contact Carrie at: 

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

 

                Visit My YouTube Channel Here

 

Springtime Brunch For Two Tablescape

 

What a lovely weekend it was here in the Midwest. I was able to finish my pots and hanging baskets and enjoy spending time outside in the sunshine. My herb pots are center stage right outside my kitchen door. One pot is full of herbs for cooking and the other is full of herbs for my tea. There is nothing better than picking herbs fresh from my pots. I also planted a pot of strawberries and a pineapple. I really hope the pineapple produces some fruit this year. I also spent a lovely afternoon enjoying lunch and shopping with a dear friend. We had not seen each other in quite some time. I am looking forward to everything Spring has to offer.

Spring is the perfect time for a brunch for two. The weather is warming up and I think we are all ready to get out and enjoy time with our friends again. I love spending an afternoon with a good friend and catching up. It seems like we all have so much to catch up on. I created a beautiful and spring theme table design for a brunch for two.

My Mackenzie-Childs pedestal table is the perfect backdrop for a spring-themed table. The minute I saw this pedestal, I knew that was the table that I had been looking for. My backsplash at my cooktop is the coordinating tiles to match my table. So unique and custom. My chairs are from Pottery Barn, and I love how they complement the table.

spring brunch table for 2
Spring Brunch Table For Two

Pink dinner plates from Kate Spade with Juliska Seaside Estate appetizer plates were the inspiration. Seaside Estate is my new favorite pattern from Juliska. Perfect summer pattern. Personalized pieces are a must for me. I added personalized napkins and napkin rings from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. The acrylic place setting toppers from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is so fun and versatile to use anywhere. Personalized pieces are a quick way to add a custom designer look to any design. Lilly Pulitzer wine glasses and drink glasses completed my place setting.

 

 

 

juliska seaside estate
Juliska Seaside Estate

 

initial outfitters
Initial Outfitters Monogrammed Table Decor

Fresh flowers in a pretty vase are really all you need for a pretty centerpiece. I have been using my Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check pitcher as a centerpiece. I love the blue and white check mixed with the pinks and bright colors. A monogram platter from Taylor Beach Designs will look so pretty with tea sandwiches or cupcakes on it. Nora Fleming pieces are also some of my favorites. I love having one piece and just changing the mini on it for a new look. The flamingo looks perfect on the napkin holder. My monogrammed ice bucket in a Lilly Pulitzer print is a piece I have had for so long. I have a matching tray as well. And brunch would not be complete without a bottle of Veuve chilling in a Mackenzie-Childs wine bucket.

 

lilly pulitzer ice bucket
Lilly Pulitzer Ice Bucket

 

taylor beach design platter
Taylor Beach Design Platter

 

mackenzie-childs wine cooler
Mackenzie-Childs Wine Cooler

I think this is the perfect table for a lovely brunch My brunch menu would be a delicious quiche, salad with a champagne vinaigrette, fruit salad, and of course cupcakes. Check out my YouTube video featuring my Mother’s Day brunch table for two. Are you looking forward to entertaining again?

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Senior Outfitter with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.