Seasonal Eating: Summertime + 10 Simple Dish Ideas and Recipes

Did you know that fruits and vegetables in season boast greater nutrient density and flavor compared to their out-of-season counterparts? Just as we often decorate our homes to reflect the shifting seasons, you can also curate your meals to match. Shopping for in-season produce is also more likely to be locally sourced, supporting local farmers and minimizing the environmental strain of long-haul transportation. Summertime brings a fresh, colorful harvest with truly endless possibilities. So, let's explore the summer produce in season and discover some extremely easy meal and snack ideas to make the most of them!

Summer Fruits:

• Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

• Melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew

• Stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries

Summer Vegetables:

• Nightshade vegetables: tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant

• Cucurbitaceous vegetables: zucchini, cucumbers, summer squash (of course!)

• Others: green beans, corn

Now, let's dive into some super simple recipes that showcase the deliciousness of these fruits and vegetables!

Strawberry Caprese Skewers: Skewer fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil. Enjoy! 

Watermelon Feta Bites: Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Top each with a small cube of feta cheese and a fresh mint leaf. Delightful summer appetizer.

Blueberry Spinach Salad: Toss baby spinach, fresh blueberries, and walnuts. Add salmon or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein. Dress with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush fresh corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until charred. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

---

Tomato Bruschetta: Dice ripe tomatoes, mix with minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a classic appetizer.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Toss with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan. Simple and healthy.

Cucumber and Avocado Salad: Start with sliced cucumbers and diced avocado, then add veggies of your choice like cherry tomatoes and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Bell Pepper Nachos: Chop or slice bell peppers and sprinkle over nacho chips. Top with black beans, shredded cheese, and bake until cheese melts. Add avocado or jalapeño peppers for even more flavor.

---

Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini: Toast baguette slices, spread with goat cheese, and top with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey. Elegant and delicious.

Raspberry Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, fresh raspberries (or any berry you like), and granola in a glass. Repeat for a beautiful and nutritious breakfast or snack.

---

Feel free to experiment with these recipes and enjoy sharing seasonal summer dishes with your friends and family!

xx, Danae

6 Simple Steps to Creating a Picture-Perfect Picnic

There's nothing quite like a picnic, is there? It’s the ultimate flexible and wallet-friendly way to enjoy all kinds of different settings in the great outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Picnics are the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends, family, or a romantic date, no reservation necessary. You can stay as long as you’d like, and you have complete control over the menu. Oh, and done right, it’s irresistible Instagram material. As interior designers, we often can’t pass up an opportunity to style a shoot.

So, whether you're a seasoned picnic pro or amateur, I'm here to share my checklist that will make your picnic prep quick and carefree.

1. Scout the right setting

A successful picnic is all about enjoying the atmosphere, so scope out the location and check the weather ahead of time (even though you never know). Some common–for good reason–picnic destinations include a local park, beach, or riverfront. But you can also search near you for lookout points, botanical gardens, vineyards, rooftops, boats for rent, or even farms that are open to visitors. Just make sure there’s a nice, even surface to set up on, preferably far from any traffic, and check for any local restrictions or regulations that might affect your picnic plans, such as no-alcohol or pet-free zones.

2. Make up the menu

It may be easiest to pitch the potluck approach, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re aiming for an aesthetic picnic, you might need to take charge. Choose items that are easy to serve and won't spoil or melt in the sun, but also consider their presentation.

One favorite option is a simple cheese and charcuterie board (on a cute cutting board, of course). Another great option is a DIY sandwich bar with fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and condiments. Olives and nuts make great finger snacks. Mason jar salads, a crudité platter with hummus or other dip, or colorful veggie chips are healthy additions, and fruit skewers or chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert. Some great drink options are cucumber water, fresh-squeezed lemonade, flavored kombucha, wine or champagne. Remember to bring a cooler with ice!

3. Serve sustainably

Taking a cue from the mason jar salad idea, using eco-friendly supplies is a must for any responsible picnic-goer. Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils made from materials like bamboo or stainless steel. Glass champagne glasses can add an elegant touch to any picnic, unless you have small children or pets running around. Consider investing in a set of reusable cloth napkins. Not only do they look cute and Instagram-worthy, but they're also much more environmentally friendly than their paper counterparts. All of these items can be washed and reused for future picnics, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.

4. Create a cozy atmosphere

Being comfortable is essential to really enjoying the experience, and no one wants to sit on a hard, bumpy surface for even 5 minutes. Bring enough cushions for each person to sit on, and even a few extra blankets for the ground or in case it gets chilly. Or bring foldable chairs and a table, if sitting on the ground isn’t your thing. Consider bringing a portable shade canopy or umbrella to provide an escape from strong rays. And if you're worried about pesky bugs, light a citronella candle and keep food covered when possible. Pro tip: sprinkle chalk or talcum powder around your picnic blanket–or use a DIY bug spray with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint with water–which deter ants from crashing your party.

5. Add low-maintenance activities

While eating and chatting the afternoon away may be more than enough to keep you busy, it can be fun to play some games. With so much already going on, you’ll want to keep these activities low-maintenance. So choose simple games like frisbee, fishbowl, charades, giant jenga, cornhole, or a deck of cards (beware of windy days!) that can provide hours of entertainment without too much setup or clean up. Another great option is to bring along a Bluetooth speaker and put on a collaborative playlist (be sure not to disturb others nearby). For a more serene vibe, activities like yoga or painting can be a fun addition. Or if you must go all out, why not set up an outdoor cinema with a portable projector?

6. Style the shot

Every element mentioned above is an opportunity for a visually appealing addition to your picnic scene. So think about what theme or color scheme you’d like to follow. Romantic Mediterranean? Colorful hippie? Sweet and rustic? Starting with the quintessential picnic item, your picnic blanket, and choose matching cushions. A classic wicker picnic basket is always charming, or opt for a more contemporary take. Other items that can serve as props in your photos include cute serving trays, fresh flowers or greenery, straw hats, sunglasses, books, or even someone’s bike! Remove unappealing objects such as any wrappers, phones, or other personal items that only add clutter. Take photos at different times to catch flattering lighting, such as the golden hour. Try photographing your picnic from a variety of perspectives, including from above, showing a bit more of the environment, and of course, including your loved ones to capture the wonderful memory.

Picnicking isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your loved ones. By following these tips, you can elevate your picnic game and create a delightful setting that reflects your personal style. Remember to be flexible, and don't worry too much about the small details. So grab your picnic basket, embrace the spontaneity, and have fun every step of the way.

Happy picnicking!

xx, Danae