10 July Favorites for Outdoor Living

The last few weeks have been full of simple summer pleasures with lots of time spent outside. From naps in our new hammock, to watering our hydrangeas, to sipping a negroni while dinner is on the grill, here are 10 of my most-used and enjoyed items this month.

• I am obsessed with these scalloped pots. We are just starting to work on our landscaping and adding a few of these to our outdoor dining area is such a major upgrade. Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to add interest to your patio or a city slicker growing a few herbs in the window of your apartment, these are so beautiful and come with a saucer. I bought a couple of them in the 7" and 10" sizes for our herbs and other plants and just love the subtle scallop detail and level of patina right out of the box. I got the grey versions because it mixes so well with weathered teak and our cedar shingles but it's available in a traditional terracotta color as well. I'm eyeing a few other versions like this double scallop and this bowl for the center of our table, which would look fab with herbs now, and paper whites indoors during the holidays.
• We have two trees that were the perfect distance apart for a hammock and it's not hyperbole to say, hanging a hammock to our backyard has changed our lives. We have this striped Sunbrella hammock which is perfect for one or two people without smooshing you against each other. I just bought the matching pillow to go with it.
• While on the topic of L.L. Bean, I love that they brought back their mini boat and tote. I have countless boat and totes stashed around the house and in our car for everything from beach gear to groceries but had to add a mini with my monogram in natural to use as a casual purse. Too cute!!!
• If I'm working in the yard odds are I'm wearing these 4" chino shorts. I love that they're a good length for flattering your legs but also long enough to stay covered when I'm digging in the dirt, laying in our hammock or hanging out on a blanket on the lawn with our baby boy. I own them in a rainbow of colors and like to buy them one size up so they're extra comfy.
• A negroni is my summer drink of choice. (Recipe: 1 oz gin (we like Plymouth Gin), 1 oz campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth. Stir with one big ice cube and serve with a slice of orange.) Enjoy your own Italian aperitivo by serving negronis in pretty glasses and an assortment of snacks like olives, lupini beans, chips and nuts in these mini bowls.
• We planted hydrangeas this spring and they're really starting to thrive. I love taking the blooms inside and have little clusters in almost every room. This vase is especially good for holding 4-5 blooms and even though I don't love the double gourd shape when it's empty, you only end up seeing the bottom "bulb" when it's holding flowers which is very attractive.
• I bought one of these wicker bike baskets after seeing them on Nantucket and they make every bike ride more idyllic! Perfect for keeping your wallet, phone and water bottle secure while you're on the go!
• Living by the water means even on the hottest of days the temperature cools off significantly at night. I've been reaching for this cashmere crewneck to throw on over shorts when out on the boat or drape over my shoulders when wearing a dress. I like flicking the cuffs up at the wrist for an effortless look!
• Every New England girl needs a pair of classic jack rogers sandals, and I'm especially fond of them in white. Mine are always by the door in our mudroom for quick jaunts outside of the house, whether I'm headed to the hammock or stepping outside to do some weeding.
• I got this fun shell serving bowl a few weeks ago and have to say that blue and white china makes any dish look more delicious! Whether you fill it with watermelon salad (a favorite!) or linguine with clams it adds a summery touch to any table.