Curated by Mel
Serene Summer Scene—Making the Most of the Season
Summer essentials can range from bug spray to a yacht, depending on who you ask. There are some things, however, that are quintessentially summer, like grilling and gathering outdoors with friends and family. So, this month, I’ve leaned into the al fresco season to include a variety of ways to make your summer BBQs, brunches, and parties a little easier to plan—from what to grill to the grill itself. Of course, I’ve peppered in a few summer essentials like swimsuits and sun shirts, but let’s make the most of the season by enjoying long, leisurely meals with friends and family. Let’s linger long into the night, watching for shooting stars, and sipping lemon bergamot spritzers. We’ve got two more months of summer; let’s unplug and connect—with one another.
FLAME-FREE GRILLING
Grilling is synonymous with summer, but, sadly, there are times when a traditional grill is prohibited, or you just need more grilling capacity. Cue the Kenyon City Grill—an indoor-outdoor electric grill. It heats up to flare up-free 550°F, making it perfect for balconies, vacation rentals, or those moments when unexpected guests arrive to the pool party. Bonus feature: use the included drip tray as a flavor infuser by adding smoking chips or flavor-enhancing liquids. Info: cookwithkenyon.com
HONEY GINGHAM
As much as I love a red gingham print in the summer, this Piglet in Bed riff on the summer classic has me daydreaming about dining al fresco at a little cabin near a lake. The subdued honey-yellow hue is so lovely, and would pair well with wildflowers, summer berries, and little tealights. It’s also perfectly at home indoors, where an oversized charcuterie board would look fabulous on it. This Honey Gingham tablecloth is 100% linen—ahhh, summer. Info: us.pigletinbed.com
RELISH THESE MOMENTS
Entertaining remains one of my great joys, and I employ a variety of strategies to stay prepared. I keep jars of really lovely canned goods on hand to work into my menus. Bear Creek Smokehouse is a favorite, and they offer varieties ranging from Garlic Pickle Chips and Tamale Salsa to BBQ Sauce and Sweet & Hot Jalapenos. Summer potluck? Just mix a jar of Southern Corn Relish with plenty of halved cherry tomatoes, avocado, and beans for share-worthy side dish.
Info: bearcreeksmokehouse.com
PERFECTLY PACKABLE
I’m not surprised that TOMS has designed a perfectly packable sneaker. I’ve been a fan for a long time, and this sneaker is an absolute summer workhorse—from chillin’ at a brewery to vacations and beyond. The rubber sole offers good grip, even on damp surfaces, and it’s lightweight and comfortable. The heel has a suede inset, and the overall look is elevated casual. The Alp FWD is available in men’s sizes 7-14, in Drizzle Grey Twill, Dark Grey Twill, and Cadet Blue Twill, shown here. Info: toms.com
ZINC POWERED
If you spend a lot of time in the summer sun, a hooded sun shirt is an absolute summer essential. Coalatree’s Suray Sun Shirt—an impressive under $100 option—boasts UV-blocking zinc technology that’s embedded directly into the weave. Available in men’s and women’s sizing, it’s super lightweight, stretchy, and quick drying. I always pack a sun shirt when traveling, but they’re incredibly helpful for beach days, hikes, and everyday wear.
Info: coalatree.com
SUMMER OF GOODNESS
Every day, the folks at True Story Foods undertake a tall order—upholding ethics in the meat industry. Their approach? A focus on clean ingredients and animal welfare. From BBQ parties to sandwiches for a beach day, the line-up boasts chicken sausages, grass-fed uncured hot dogs, charcuterie, deli meats, and heritage breed Kurobuta pork (the pork equivalent of Wagyu). Whether it’s kabobs, picnic fare, or the simple bliss of a lightly charred hot dog, True Story Foods makes aligning your values with your purchases as easy as (triple berry) pie.
Info: truestoryfoods.com
MONTAUK, AT HOME
Joni Brosnan’s superpower is a magic amalgam of kitchen prowess and authenticity. She’s the force behind Montauk’s beloved Joni’s Kitchen, and she’s penned a cookbook, Joni’s, A Love Letter To Summer In Montauk. It’s available for pre-order, and features recipes with catchy titles like the Sex Booster smoothie and other café classics. The cookbook features snippets from longtime fans Cynthia Rowley, Chris Martin, and Julianne Moore, and makes for a top-notch hostess gift or a lovely jumping off point for planning your lakeside or seaside vacation menus.
Info: jonismontauk.com
SPRITZ SEASON
Meyer lemon, Italian bergamot, and lime? It’s an immediate and resounding yes, for me. Le Moné is everything you want in a summer sip—refreshing, bright on the palate, and a low ABV (16%), which is perfect for lingering brunches, poolside soirees, and pretty much any end-of-summer or early fall moments. It’s spritz season, and their signature sip marries Le Moné with champagne and grape garnishes or maple bitters and sparkling cider. Their online cocktail library offers a dozen craft cocktail recipes, including September-ready toddies.
Info: drinklemone.com
TABLESCAPE RENTALS
NYC’s very own Ours at Yours by Forbes Functions just changed home entertaining forever. The brand’s seasonal curated tablescape rentals include six place settings, taper candles, candle holders & votives, custom-printed place cards and menus, linen tablecloths, and vases. Choose from a variety of color schemes and themes, including this fabulous Cherry on Top set. Just look at those sweet napkin holders! It’s a worthy splurge given that it saves so much time and potential waste.
Info: forbesfunctions.com/ours-at-yours
ANYTHING BUT BASIC
Simple? Yes, but far from basic. The Lanikai One Piece (seen here) and Pana Bikini from Andie Swim combine the 2025 trend of swimsuit texture with classic, flattering silhouettes. For the adventure seekers, I recommend Tulum One Piece. It offers reliable stay-put coverage for water sports like tubing, snorkeling, or waterskiing. Perhaps its best feature, the backstraps are easy to “lay flat” without needing someone’s help. It’s also available in 12 colors and patterns.
Info: andieswim.com
SUMMER SHOWERS
In recent months, I’ve developed the habit of walking after each meal, and I’m hellbent on sticking with it. I’ve got rain boots, and my umbrella got the job done, but then I stumbled upon this joyful bubble-style version, and I was sold. It’s a full-size Totes umbrella, curled handle and all, so although it’s too large for my day-to-day (I prefer a compact umbrella), it’s the perfect inspiration for a rainy walk. The bubble shape provides excellent wind and rain protection, and I look like a beloved character from a Nancy Meyer rom-com.
Info: totes.com
SUNNY CAPSULE WARDROBE
If you’re looking to create a capsule wardrobe comprised of sunshiny summer pieces and versatile options that can extend into early fall, Milly has gorgeous essentials and statement pieces. Whether you go all in on Milly or mix and match the brand’s showstoppers with budget-friendly staples, look to blend neutrals like creamy yellow and beige with pops of blue and a bit of texture. I like to group capsule wardrobe pieces together in the closet, so it’s easy to get ready for spur-of-the-moment plans. Info: milly.com