I don’t know about you, but I have my bags packed and one foot out the door in anticipation of summer. Whether you’re headed for some serious beach time in the Hamptons or the Jersey Shore, visiting the cool mountains and streams of the Catskills or the lush hiking trails of the Berkshires, summer weekends are all about hanging out with friends and family. And maybe enjoying a backyard barbecue or two.
Here are some tips for getting your summer house in shape — whether you rent, own or crash.
1. Hate the musty smell of a summer rental when you first walk in? Banish it quickly with some fabulous scented candles. Diptyque is a must in any Hamptons house: Try Cypres for a woodsy aroma or the minty/herbal Menthe Verte ($28 and $60); the scents come in room sprays ($60), too. Nest candles by Laura Slatkin are also delicious; try the black fig and honey ($32). And Jonathan Adler makes the Hamptons-centric candles Shelter Island (a fresh, beachy scent) and Southampton (with ivy and floral notes), both $28.
2. Renters: Pack up the owner’s personal items (or ask them nicely to do so before you arrive), to get rid of that rental feel immediately. Those “Gone to the Beach” signs and nautical knickknacks can definitely cramp your style — and if you break a prized Kentucky Derby glass, they could take it off your security deposit. Pack some Sterilite 25-gallon bins ($53.48/set of four at target.com) to bring your belongings in, and then use them to store items the owner left out as décor.
3. No one loves a barbecue more than I do, and it pays to invest in a good set of tools — whether it’s your grill or the owner’s. I like the Weber Style 6445 set; it’s crafted using professional-grade stainless steel and looks good, too ($25.99 at amazon.com). Before you light a flame, check your grill for any leaks or cracks and other damage.
4. Owners: Save money on your summer electric bill by investing in a good ceiling fan. The Artemis Contemporary ceiling fan by Minka-Aire complements any contemporary décor ($529.95 at amazon.com), as does the Hampton Bay Marta brushed nickel ceiling fan ($199 at homedepot.com).
5. Who wants to use the threadbare provisions the owner left behind? Bring your own sheets and towels, and opt for pretty and summery ones. Bed, Bath & Beyond offers Kate Spade’s Garden Grove sets in 100 percent cotton sateen and a cheerful print ($79.99-$129.99). You can also pick up a stack of thirsty DKNY “Urban Tide” towels, which will also look great back in the city ($7.99-$14.99).
6. Whip up a mean margarita or a tasty and healthy fruit slushie with the Sunbeam DM0500 Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker ($199.99 at bestbuy.com).
7. Owners can give their deck a quick face-lift before the vacationers come by renting a power washer, or get friends to help scrub it by hand using long handled bristle-brushes and warm soapy water. A cup of bleach added to two gallons of water will remove mildew and dirt.
For more tips and advice, visit barbarasway.com.