As we come into high summer, we’re looking forward to the simple pleasures offered by home, family, and friends. It’s easy to feel like the whole world has been turned upside down, and in many ways, for many people, it has been, so we’d like to help to lighten things up. Our homes and families offer inspiration for living in the moment and teach us to reach for happiness right now. Finding joy in small moments, like tasting the season’s first raspberry, perfectly ripe and warmed by the sun; hearing your children giggle as they rediscover their siblings; or savoring your morning coffee, accompanied by the music of song birds, is one of the surest routes to happiness.
As always, thanks for joining us here, and have a wonderful July!
If there’s one flower that signals summertime in New England, surely it’s hydrangea. They bloom in great masses in July, and they couldn’t be easier to dry for year-round use. Cut them when they’re at their peak of color and size, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, everlasting blooms. We can’t imagine a summer without them gracing our home. Check out these tips on creating a beautiful dried hydrangea arrangement you can enjoy year round.
Hydrangea “Endless Summer” makes a lovely fresh arrangement that lasts for up to two weeks if you refresh the water and recut the stems every few days.
A bouquet of mini American flags makes a timely decoration for the Fourth of July. Learn how easy it is to make your own flag display here.
Roses come into their glory in early July in New England, even blooming wild along the roadsides. Many roses are hardy in our challenging climate, and no garden is quite complete without them.
High summer means perennials peak in the garden. Vibrant coneflowers and oriental lilies, above, make fragrant and pretty indoor arrangements.
As we navigate our new reality during the pandemic, it’s become clear that isolation helps nobody. We’re social beings. That said, we have to be smart about how we socialize so we can protect the entire community as well as our family. A patio, deck, lawn, or even a driveway provide a gathering place for a few people, and entertaining will help you maintain a sense of normalcy. Be sure to keep the required distance between yourselves ~ better to be safe than sorry ~ and limit the number of guests. We’ve hosted small bring-your-own nibbles and beverage gatherings, which eliminates worry about consuming food that’s been prepared by others. If you can physically distance while maintaining a social life, you’ll be much happier.
Perfect for al fresco entertaining, finger foods are easy to eat while you chat and mingle. Everyone can grab their own skewer of savory antipasti, which minimizes touching and the spread of germs.
Herb butters are easy to make and enhance so many dishes. Harvest fresh herbs when they are at their peak, then chop and stir them into softened butter. Shape the butter into logs or squares, then freeze. Some of our favorite herb butters contain tarragon, rosemary, parsley chives, and chervil. The possible flavor combinations are endless. Add a pat to steaks, chicken, pasta, or even popcorn.
July is all about the beach! With restrictions in place to keep from overcrowding, just getting there can be a challenge. Try going during less popular hours, like early morning or early evening, when it’s less crowded and safer. We found plenty of space to fly kites on one of Gloucester’s beaches, and the water was even warm enough to swim in.
Tell us how you use fresh herbs in the comments below, and we’d love to know how how you’re keeping busy during this challenging time!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where we share even more inspiration on New England living!
No Comments