July is traditionally vacation month and often we think we need to go FAR away. But how about going away as close as your backyard (the menu may be limited but the drinks are a great price!) Here are some thoughts for a July Ed Says:
Take a Back Yard vacation
Why not make a cabana outside your patio door? Try using a big piece of either colored burlap, canvas, or sheath of sunbrella fabric. Get 2 tall bamboo poles and attach corners of fabric by twisting wires around corners of fabric and pole. You can make it however long or wide you wish by sewing panels together. Tack opposite corners to soffit to roof and angle out the bamboo poles a bit before anchoring or burying in ground. Use this little lean to to shade an outdoor furniture grouping or even just a bunch of pillows.
Have fun with your decor, use bright colors, neutrals or a theme like blue and white. Drag out old furniture from the garage or a garage sale to use for the summer as buffets, tables, bar areas or cocktail tables. The more funky it is the better, leave as is or whitewash everything if you need a more cohesive look. You're making a small adult play area so there are no rules other that tossing things together that you like. Use this new little oasis to host your summer soirées, after work drinks, a morning coffee or a place to read and nap! You're on vacation!
No fire pit? Group a bunch of pillar candles or use hurricanes for your lighting besides a few strands of outdoor lights. No pool? Get 2-3 zinc tubs and fill with warm water and bath salts for a relaxing foot bath as you sip on a nice rosé and think of all the traffic you're avoiding!
I am a huge fan of discovering local treats your town has to offer. Don't wait for weekend guests to arrive to find things to do, take the time to explore them on your own. READ your town HamletHub. One of my favorite places to take a break at is the New Canaan Nature Center. Part of an original century old farm, this historic herb and specimen garden is run by master gardeners (using today's ecologically sound prinicipals of best practice gardening; drought resistant, low maintenance, organic, perennials and annuals)
Visit it with friends. Last time I was there the lavender garden was in full bloom and I felt like I was in Provence! All without CROWDS, queuing, airports, passports and packing!
Must Travel
Again, try local. The new Sono Bowtime Cinema 8 Ultimate seating and restaurants, Lockwood Matthews Mansion (Norwalk) Grace Farms (New Canaan) The Keeler Tavern Museum (Ridgefield) Farmers' Markets, The Bedford Post Inn (Bedford).
Also: just a note, backyard vacations don't necessarily have to be in your own backyard. Why not visit your friends with a few cold bottles who have a lovely garden, pool or fire pit??
Live local, eat local, shop local and avoid long trips in the car and sitting in traffic!
Happy 4th! Enjoy
Follow me on Twitter: @edwardsTable
Image Credit: Lux / Decor