House Call

Stock Up On Some Summer-Ready Staples

Good designs for the warming weather

May 24, 2022

Welcome to the extended version of my weekly newsletter, House Call (and if you haven’t subscribed, what are you waiting for?) This is where I spend some time pondering a theme, answering a question, and helping you shop smarter—or at least find some new inspiration. Reach out if you ever need recommendations. I’m happy to search the internet for the most specific furnishings, decor, and knickknacks.

With Memorial Day Weekend on the horizon, I feel like that summer sensation is almost here. I’m starting to get invited to picnics and pull out my warm-weather wardrobe. The farmers markets are bursting with produce and the fruit trees are showing off. This time of year also seems to make me feel the opposite of spring cleaning—I want new sandals and beach chairs and floral-patterned everything. All the sunshine seems to put me in a blissful mood in which I want to celebrate everything from iced beverages to barbecues.

Here’s a roundup of products to get in that summer state of mind.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1/9
Serax Fish & Fish Bottle by Paola Navone
$50
Food52
I love this herring-shaped bottle. Designed by Italian artist Paola Navone, the green-tinted, Depression-Era glassware-inspired piece is a perfect mainstay for summer entertaining. There are even matching glasses, if you can’t get enough.
2/9
Little Sun Original Solar Lamp
$30
Goodee
This little solar-powered, flower-shaped lamp is perfect for spending time outdoors. It can be a flashlight or serve as a little evening glow. Even better, one lamp is donated to the brand's partners in rural Africa for every sale.

3/9
Zeal Ramp Vinegar
$28
Brightland
Now is the time for highly seasonal produce like rhubarb, fiddleheads, and ramps. Brightland recently launched this ramp vinegar that is so delicious I find myself putting it on everything.
4/9
Dusen Dusen Striped Napkins and Placemats
$45
Coming Soon
Since stripes are the essential summer pattern, these Dusen Dusen napkins and placements will brighten up every meal.

5/9
Floral Garden Gloves
~~$29~~ $26
West Elm
These aren’t just any old gardening gloves, but a pair from the new collaboration between Plant Kween and West Elm. I’d be more inspired to do some weeding with this cute floral option.
6/9
CampStove Complete Cook Kit
~~$250~~ $187
BioLite
This Biolite portable camp stove is a really fun option for grilling on the go. The lightweight device not only lets you cook food, but it also charges your phone with the power of twigs and sticks.

7/9
TOMS X Wildfang Mallow Crossover Sandals
$70
Toms
Not only does this cushy pair of sandals look ideal for walking around the house or going to the pool, but a third of the profits support people working to build equity. The exclusive design is a collab between Toms and Wildfang, so nab them asap.
8/9
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30
$18
Vacation
While I’m quite dedicated to wearing sunscreen year round, I always like stocking up on extra bottles for beach days or long hikes. Vacation makes a nice-smelling option with nostalgic packaging.

9/9
After Sun Aloe Vera & Cucumber Soothing Mist
$15
Babo Botanicals
Since we’re being smart, why not be prepared with some soothing aloe mist that is great for sensitive skin.