July Recap (Summer Decorating, Shopping and More!)
Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight! Each week, I focus on a different theme or topic to inspire you. This week, I’m sharing a July recap of things that didn’t make the blog during the month…along with a few ideas from past summers. From home decorating ideas to shopping and recipes, I hope to inspire you with my look back at the month of July!
*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
July Recap – Simple Summer Decorating:
Flowers, flowers everywhere…
In our backyard, the hydrangeas are in full bloom! In fact, the bushes have gotten so out of control that they’re taking over the poor tree in the middle of the flowerbed. Since I love making hydrangea bouquets, I’ve already started cutting a bunch…and you can’t even tell they’re gone!
Recently, I filled my silver urn/ice bucket with fresh hydrangeas to make a centerpiece for the dining room table. I love the way they brighten up the room!
Other ways to decorate with hydrangeas…
During the summer, I’m always looking for new ways to display the beautiful blooms from my yard. One year, I created a simple DIY flowerbox centerpiece using burlap and a long cardboard box.
And one year, I decorated a coastal table with hydrangeas. In our yard, we don’t have any blue or white hydrangeas so I had to buy some to go with my color scheme. During the summer, you can’t go wrong with blue and white!
July Recap – Beach Reading:
A new release from one of my favorite authors…
If you’re heading to the beach this month, I recommend bringing along the latest novel from Josie Silver – Slow Burn Summer. Over the years, I’ve read all of her books including the hugely popular, One Day in December (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick). In Slow Burn Summer, Josie Silver once again created charming characters that are easy to fall in love with. The book was filled with romance, surprises and a bit of silliness. Although a few of her ideas were a bit far fetched and the title could have been better, I blew through the book in a couple days and loved it!
July Recap – Family Favorite Recipe:
My modified version of the Barilla Oven Ready Lasagna recipe…
With my boys home from college all summer, I tend to cook their favorite recipes. They’re big fans of lasagna so I made it in July. Basically, I follow this recipe off the back of the Barilla Oven Ready Lasagna box. To tweak it a bit, I add a small can of tomato paste and when cooking the meat, I add onions and garlic. When searching for recipes, I have always had good luck following the recipes off the brand packages. After all, they want you to love their product so they usually provide a great recipe to follow!
July into August Shopping Finds:
For the end of July, here are some things I’d like to share…
In an effort to switch over to healthier products, I’ve been using this dishwashing tablets and I’m very happy with the results. They’re are a more natural alternative to the toxic plastic-covered pods we used to use and they seem to clean just as well!
For college kids heading back to school this month, the classic blue bags are must haves! Now that July is over, you’ll want to grab them before they sell out!
Whether your decorating for later summer or early fall, this pretty basket would make a nice addition to any home!
Before summer is over, gather some friends and serve them farm stand veggies on a pretty melamine platter!
If you want to stock up on beach towels for next summer, these classic ones are perfect! (Plus they’re on sale too!)
For even more July (and August) ideas, here are some summer finds from around the internet:
Summer decorating, DIY projects etc…
- If you’re like me and love island-style, check out this gorgeous tropical tablescape!
- For Christmas in July ideas, here are DIY projects to do now!
- While it’s still grill season, here’s a great Greek chicken kabob recipe!
- To plan a future summer trip to Nantucket, this Day Trippers Guide to Nantucket is super helpful!
For more end of summer inspiration, here are some ideas…
- For more ways to decorate with hydrangeas, read – 7 Easy Ways to Decorate with Hydrangeas.
- To see what else I shared this July, read – Middle of July Decorating.
- Or, take a look back at a previous summer home tour here – Summer Foyer and Beyond!
- If you’re ready to start planning fall decor, read – Blue and White Fall Decorating Ideas.
What does your July recap look like?
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