Favorite Summer Rituals

Real Simple Magazine

Some of the ways our readers celebrate the season

Andrew McCaul
Andrew McCaul

By the Sea
I love to walk along the shore at low tide with friends or family and look for beach glass. Ocean-polished hues of Coke-bottle green, iridescent clear, lapis blue, and dark green all look beautiful in a shallow dish or a clear vase at home. Trash becomes treasure. I began this hobby with my grandmother in the 1960s, and it continues to provide wonderful memories of time spent with those I love in my favorite part of God's creation.
Karen Maurer
San Clemente, California

It wouldn't be summer where I live without going scalloping. We head to the Gulf Coast and spend the day on a boat out in the peaceful waters, snorkeling and diving for scallops. It's both relaxing and adventurous: I've seen huge stingrays, giant flounder, and amazing starfish. At night, when we're hungry and pleasantly tired, the reward is a fabulous dinner of sautéed scallops that couldn't be any fresher.
Cynthia McFarland
Williston, Florida

Also See: Summer Party Planner


Playtime
My signal for the start of a great summer is when, after a long winter, I can take my two dogs to the park so we can all jump in the creek and play. It's my own personal fountain of youth.
Sarah Burcker
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

My favorite summer pastime is eating watermelon with my kids, then running through the sprinklers with them to rinse off the sticky mess.
Debra Smith
Lewisville, Texas

Just after we moved into our house, neighbors started putting a sign out on Friday afternoons inviting people to come to their backyard for drinks, snacks, and conversation. A group of regulars formed, and several years, close friendships, and kids later, that sign has come to represent lazy summer evenings spent with friends.
Tracey Johnson
Portland, Oregon

My husband and I are huge Shakespeare fans, so every summer we attend the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. One of the best of its kind, it stages all the classics with great sets, amazing costumes, and famous actors. We love spicing up our romance with Shakespearean love stories.
Nicole Lamb
Orem, Utah

Also See: Summer Party Menus


House Proud
As the days get longer, I change my decor to suit the season. The deep red and orange pillows and throws that warm my living room's white upholstery during our cold, rainy winters are replaced by cool blues and greens. A dhurrie in the same colors is all that decorates the bare floors; the Oriental rugs are stowed away in the attic.
Mary Flaherty
Sausalito, California

I bring as many fresh flowers as I can into each room of my house. It makes it feel as if summer is all around me.
Lynn Phillips
Santa Paula, California

Also See: 50 Fun Summer Activities


See more of readers' favorite summer rituals


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