July always feels like the heart of summer. There’s a rhythm to the days now—sun streaming through early windows, afternoons that stretch out lazily, and evenings that glow with sparklers, laughter, and something sizzling on the grill. It's a month that begs us to slow down, gather with people we love, and enjoy the simple pleasures that make this season so good.
Around here, that usually means being near the water, riding our tandem bike through town, and saying yes to last-minute picnics or porch dinners. We don’t do things fancy, but we do them with heart. And this time of year, that often includes a little red, white, and summertime spirit.
Rethinking Red, White, and Blue
I love decorating for the Fourth of July and our town festivals, but I’ll admit, I don’t always go for the traditional flags and stars. I tend to reach for pieces that are more playful and subtle. A bowl of ripe strawberries, a stack of white plates, a linen towel in a nautical stripe. Bright lemons on a dish or strawberries on a trivet for a pop of color that feels just as sunny and celebratory.
It’s the spirit of the season I want to bring in, not just the symbols. And for me, that means things that remind me of lake days, fireworks, sandy feet, and cool drinks at the end of a long afternoon.
My strawberry glassware gets a lot of use this month, whether I’m filling it with fruit salad or layering up a dessert. I’ll set the table with whatever we’ve picked up at the farmers market that morning. It’s relaxed and real, and that’s exactly how I like summer entertaining to feel.
An Easy Treat for Summer Gatherings
Here’s one of my favorite things to serve this time of year, it’s quick, fresh, and feels like summer in a jar.
Strawberry Shortcake (Serves 6–8)
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1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced and tossed with a spoonful of sugar*
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6 shortcakes or angel food cake, broken into bite-sized chunks
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Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
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Mint leaves or blueberries for garnish
- *Optional to add fresh chopped rhubarb if you have it and cook it with the strawberries and sugar with a ¼ of water until the rhubarb becomes soft
In small glasses, layer shortcake (my fav is angel food cake), strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers, then top with a bit more fruit and a mint leaf. Serve with a small spoon and watch them disappear.
They look especially pretty in clear glass dishes or short mason jars—and they travel well if you're heading to a picnic or beach gathering, just screw on a lid for travel!
Summer Is in the Details
Sometimes the best gatherings happen when you don’t plan too much. A towel laid out on the lawn. Cold drinks pulled from the cooler. Friends showing up with chips or popsicles. But a few thoughtful touches go a long way in making everyone feel welcome.
I’ll grab a handful of tea towels to use as napkins or wrap around cold drinks. I’ll set a hot dish right on the table using one of my trivets to add color and charm without a lot of effort. And I always keep a citronella candle or two nearby to keep the bugs away and the mood cozy once the sun goes down.
You don’t need a reason to gather in July. The season is the reason.
Making Summer Last
We all know how fast it goes. One minute we’re lighting sparklers and watching fireworks, and the next we’re hearing crickets and noticing the light changing just a bit earlier in the evening. That’s why I try to stretch these days out wherever I can.
More dinners outside. More impromptu bike rides. More dessert served with our feet in the grass. It’s not about doing more—it’s about noticing more. Enjoy!
