Summer Decorating Essentials I Use Every Year

My baby just graduated and I’m left wondering, where did the time go? But now that I’ve wiped away most of my proud mama tears, it’s finally time to think about summer around the house.

Will I be pulling out seashells, lemons, and lawn flamingos?

No.

Much like how I decorate for other seasons and holidays, it’s a subtle shift, not a complete themed overhaul. These are just a few simple swaps that help it feel lighter, brighter, and ready for summer.

As I started pulling out some of my favorite summer go-tos this year, I realized I tend to reach for the same things every summer. So, today I’m sharin the six summer decorating essentials I use year after year.

1. Flowers (Fresh or Faux)

If there’s one thing that instantly makes my home feel like summer, it’s flowers. And I’m going to be real with you. As much as I love fresh flowers, I often use fake. I don’t discriminate so long as they’re pretty!

I typically buy fresh flowers from the grocery store and occasionally clip a few stems from the garden, especially my lavender.

The best part is that flowers do most of the decorating work for you. A simple bouquet on the kitchen counter, dining table, or bedside table can make an entire room feel fresh and alive.

Hydrangeas, peonies, roses, sunflowers, and even inexpensive grocery store bouquets all make regular appearances around my house this time of year.

And again, I think even fake flowers count. Today’s artificial flowers look so real that it can be hard to tell! My new favorite hydrangeas and doing all the hard work on my coffee table this summer.

When in doubt, add flowers.

2. A Good Carrying Tray

I originally bought this tray because it looked nice. What I didn’t expect was how often I’d actually use it.

During the summer, it’s constantly hauling coffee, drinks, snacks, and whatever else needs to make the trip between indoors and out. It spends far more time working than it does sitting there looking pretty.

What I love most is that a tray is both practical and decorative. When I’m not using it to carry things, it becomes part of the decor. I use mine on a coffee table, ottoman, or outdoor side table to corral a few favorite objects and add texture.

A good tray is one of those pieces that quietly earns its keep all season long.

3. An Outdoor Tablecloth

A tablecloth might not seem like a decorating essential, but hear me out.

No matter how often I clean my outdoor table, it always manages to collect a layer of pollen and dust. A washable tablecloth gives me a clean place to eat and just happens to make the table look prettier too.

I tend to gravitate toward classic patterns and colors that work with the rest of my home. This striped one has become a summer favorite because it feels fresh without screaming “summer.”

The best part is that it instantly changes the look of the porch. Whether we’re having lunch outside, ordering takeout, or sitting out with friends in the evening, the table feels a little more special with almost no effort at all.

When the tablecloth gets dirty, I toss it in the wash and start fresh. That’s a lot easier than scrubbing pollen and grime off the table every time I want to eat outside.

4. Lightweight Textiles

One of the easiest ways to make a home feel ready for summer is to swap out some of the heavier textiles.

I don’t replace everything, but I do switch out chunky throws, darker pillow covers, and heavier fabrics in favor of lighter colors and textures. Linen, cotton, and soft stripes always feel right this time of year.

Using pillow covers instead of buying entirely new pillows is one of my favorite decorating shortcuts. They take up almost no storage space and can completely change the look of a room in just a few minutes.

I also keep a few lightweight throws around the house. Between air conditioning, cool mornings, and evenings on the porch, they get used far more often than you might think during the summer.

These simple swaps don’t cost much, but they can make a room feel noticeably lighter and fresher.

5. Melamine Plates

I know. Melamine plates probably aren’t what you expected to find on a decorating essentials list.

But I use mine constantly during the summer.

They’re perfect for eating outside because I don’t have to worry about breaking them, and they’re lightweight enough to carry a whole stack out to the porch without feeling like I’m balancing fine china.

The designs have come a long way over the years, too. Many of them look surprisingly similar to ceramic or stoneware, but they’re far more practical for outdoor dining.

I save the real dishes for indoors and let the melamine handle summer.

6. A Layered Summer Scent

You’ve probably heard me talk before about the importance of a signature home scent. Just like a favorite perfume can become part of your personal style, a signature scent can become part of your home’s personality.

During the summer, though, I find myself gravitating toward lighter scents. Citrus, linen, soft florals, and fresh green notes all feel right this time of year.

While I enjoy a good candle, I don’t rely on just one thing to make my home smell nice. Fresh flowers, a favorite candle, and the occasional diffuser all work together to create a scent that feels clean and welcoming without being overpowering.

If you’d like more ideas, be sure to check out my post on creating a signature scent for your home, as well as my guide to choosing candles that actually smell when burning.

More Decorating Tips

• 8 Summer Decorating Ideas
• The Best Fake Flowers That Look Real
• Why Some Candles Smell Amazing in the Store But Not at Home