FRIDAY FINDS VOL. 2

FRIDAY FINDS

Vol. 2

Hello, Summer! A lot of my projects are wrapping up the furniture phase. Which means for this volume of Friday Finds, I got to shop for things that struck my fancy. If I were to give it a theme, I’d call it Summering. Think: falling in love with your everyday life by pretending to be on vacation. It’s a mix of garden seating, open air activities, and stuff to keep the heat away and the party going. This could be a party of two, or twenty; planned to the placeholder cards, or purely accidental; in the sun by the pool, or at dusk with strung lights in trees. In the heat of these mid-Summer days, I hope to slow down, and walk the line between relaxation and the good kind of boring. Here’s to being hot and unbothered.

Ice Cream Maker

Last week we had some friends and their kids over for lunch and outdoor play. Homemade ice cream was on the menu, but instead of making it in advance, we did so after guests arrived, to then savor at the end. An activity and treat all in one, et voila: ice cream makers are memory makers. We have an electric one but tbh, I would prefer a hand crank, to increase participation. Don’t forget the scoop and bowls.

Sun Cover

We think of hand umbrellas as mostly a rain thing, but I think parasols deserve a second chance. This vintage one from Wynn Hotels is pretty.

Daybeds

Take your boredom lying down. These Charlotte Perriand daybeds are perfection. In the fantasy where they are mine, I drag one onto the veranda for some vitamin D and a good book (currently, un-ironically, reading Winter Journal by Paul Astor).

Moka Pots

After dinner espresso is the classy way to keep the party going. Since it’s Summer, make it a cocktail with soda, lemon, and ice. I like how the Italians do it - in a moka pot! This two-server is charming. Also enjoy this one for an unexpected red moment.

Bistrot Tables

In the french film The Taste of Things, there’s an outdoor scene where two lovers sit and discuss the nature of their romance. They tease each other coolly, as twilight turns to dark, and a symphony of pond frogs whir in the background. Between them, a bistro table covered in a white clothe is set with digestif, tiered deserts, cakes, and tea. To me, this is the definition of success. And a successful Summer will be measured in how many nights I re-create this scene in my own life. Get yours here, here and here.

Brutalist Garden Chairs

Sets of two and four. A great combination of “pretty and gritty.” No need to buy an entire set all at once. Build your collection one at a time, and disregard whether or not they are a perfect match.

Lounge Sets

My idea of a perfect garden lounge set is a cluster of moss-dappled loop chairs by Willy Guhl. If a pool is involved, then I’d pivot to these Salterini’s, and have them covered in cabana stripe cushions. In the end though, I’d actually buy this pair.

Fans

Ceiling fans work great but as the saying goes, they ain’t got no alibi. Old-school desk fans are more the vibe. Cool cube from Carefully Picked in Chicago, IL.

Indoor/Outdoor

If there’s one thing I have in common with the bohemians, it’s putting wicker furniture inside. This vintage Ralph Lauren piece would be handsome in the corner of a kitchen or on a screened-in porch. Also in love with this very unique chaise/bench with built-in canopy. The drama! Finally, this double caned plantation chair and ottoman from locals Lessons of Things is worth a look.

Plein Air Painting Kits

Going on a long walk? Consider bringing a travel painters box. A mini-studio in a briefcase, it’s meant to go into the heart of nature. I’d plan to stay awhile and make it a picnic with one of these sturdy baskets (which double as tables). Or if it’s a date, with this portable bar.

Performance Clothes

Linen and cotton are the original GOR-TEX fabrics. This top is special. As are these deadstock desert pants from Barnaby Jack. Tip: to find natural fiber blouses with interesting and romantic details, try searching for “vintage Edwardian blouse,” or “vintage dirndl” on Etsy.

That’s it! Stay cool, hot, or whatever. xo Liz