easy summer decor – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

Easy Summer Living

Summer is still going strong, and I plan to enjoy the easy summer living lifestyle for as long as I can. I really do enjoy all seasons(okay, maybe winter is not my favorite although I love decorating for the holidays)but summer just has that slower pace vibe about it. We all spend more time outdoors and enjoying the world around us. Summer should be carefree and easy.

Adding to what is there for a fresh look

A beautiful focal point

For the last few years, I have pared down my summer decor with the theme of keeping it easy and breezy. In my entryway, I just swapped out the winter greenery from my blue and white vases with lemons and cherry blossoms. The yellow adds a pop of summery color against the classic blue and white combination. The pineapples also were added for summer. Of course, a little glow must be added. I brought out a rattan hurricane that gives off the perfect summer vibe. A few simple changes and you are welcomed with summer when arriving at our home. My dining room centerpiece stays fresh with the olive trees candles, and greenery. Simple, clean, and easy.

Fresh from my garden

Nothing says summer like fresh flowers. I love putting together simple floral arrangements for my kitchen. Use any flowers that you have growing in your gardens. I have an abundance of hydrangeas, roses, and black-eyed Susans in my yard and I put them to good use. Keep your hydrangeas fresh by cutting them in the morning, setting them in a bucket of water for a few hours, and dipping the stems in boiling water for a few seconds. It does make them last longer. I love summer floral arrangements because they look better the less arranged they are—a little bit of a wildflower look.

A place to relax and recharge

With all of the flowerbeds in our yard, I spend many hours outdoors. I think that it’s so important to spend a little time outdoors daily. In the evenings you can usually find me out walking. I love all the wildlife that I see on my walks, deer, turtles, bunnies, and dogs(hopefully no snakes). Our pond is another place that you will find me spending time at. There is just something about the sound of water. Find something that you love and enjoy a little quiet time in nature. It really does soothe the mind and body.

Details make the difference

A simple summer luncheon

Spending more time outdoors also means we are eating light and quick meals. We spend most nights eating out in the sunroom. For Bob’s birthday and Father’s Day, he treated himself to a Traeger and we have been enjoying trying new recipes. Do you have a favorite summer recipe? I would love a new recipe.

Summer staples

The Colony Hotel

Summer style is all about ease too. Most days you will find me in a comfortable Lilly dress. Perfect for summer. Add a pair of cute sandals and some colorful jewelry and your outfit is complete. It’s all about comfort and enjoying the season!

I hope you take the time to enjoy all that is left of summer.

Until next week,
Carrie

Freshen Up Your Kitchen For Summer In 5 Minutes

I hope you had a nice Father’s Day and enjoyed the day with your families. We have had a very busy week. I just returned from Palm Beach on Monday from a Lilly Pulitzer ladies’ getaway. Palm Beach is one of my favorite places, and I will share a full round-up of the trip soon. Our son got married on Saturday. I enjoyed helping with the planning and decor and had most of it done before my trip. Our favorite local florist did an amazing job on the centerpieces. She did the flowers for my wedding almost 30 years ago. The wedding was at the barn on his property so the theme was rustic with a little firefighter added. He’s a volunteer firefighter. Saturday was also my husband’s birthday and of course, Sunday was Father’s Day. Yep, I was definitely busy. But it was a happy busy.

Before I headed to Palm Beach, I wanted to freshen up my kitchen for summer. Each season I can accomplish this in 5 minutes with just 5 pieces. Choosing a few key pieces to change for each season and holiday makes this job so much easier. I have a couple of cabinets dedicated to my collections of cutting boards, placemats, coasters, floor mats, flags, and so much more.

Changing out my cutting board is where I usually start. The lemon theme is so fun and summery for the season. That was the starting point for my design. The glass cutting boards from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. look so pretty displayed on a stand and they also make a great gift. It is my go-to wedding gift.

Glass Cutting Board

Placemats are another easy switch. Personalized placemats really create that designer look. It is fine to mix and match styles. I chose the lemon placemats to coordinate with my cutting board for our snack bar. For my kitchen table, I chose the pineapple design from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. I like to keep the kitchen table simple. My Mackenzie-Childs kitchen table is my favorite piece. It is so unique and stands out on its own.

Pineapple Placemat

Lemon Ring Placemat

Mackenzie-Childs Table

I love kitchen towels. I have different towels for each holiday and season. Bob says I have more kitchen towels than I will ever use. That’s ok, I love them. WH Hostess has a beautiful collection of towels. I simply switch out the towels on my dishwasher and ovens. Another quick change.

WH Hostess Towel

Floor mats are a fun way to bring your unique style to the room. Personalize one for each season. My dogs are even on some of mine. These can be used in so many ways to brighten up a space.

Bicycle Design Floor Mat

I added a new tray from Initial Outfitters by Carrie this year. I like to group items on trays to create a designer look. I added my favorite Mackenzie-Childs pitcher and Nest Bamboo candle to the tray. Having things grouped on a tray also makes it easier to move around when needed.

Personalized Wooden Tray

Bonus tip; I love Nora Fleming pottery. Create an entirely new look just by changing the mini. I have different minis for different holidays and seasons.

Nora Fleming Pottery

I hope you enjoyed this little summer kitchen decor refresh and found a few easy changes to make in your decor. Redecorating a room does not have to be hard or expensive. You just need a few good pieces.

Let me show you how I made my kitchen summer-ready in my latest vlog.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Carrie

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.