Shop our edit of must-have essentials for summer
Whether it's picnics, garden get-togethers, beach trips or staycations, check out our top buys that will make surviving the summer hols that bit easier
It’s finally happened. THE SUN HAS COME OUT. Which only means one thing – us mums are out too. Which is why we’ve come up with a nice little edit of all the things we’ve been coveting that will make life a little easier when it comes to entertaining the kiddos, friends and family over the summer months. Whether you’re planning playdates, picnics, trips to the beach, family barbecues or staycations, we’ve got you covered here at Nest magazine, with co-editors Sophie and Charlotte sharing their top picks. Now we just need the weather to stays good, so we might actually get to use them too! Enjoy!
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CHARLOTTE’S TOP PICKS
The ultimate beach wagon
Pre-kids, I was always a bit bemused when I’ve spotted people on UK holidays trekking along the beach with one of these in tow. As a parent of two small children I now totally get what a godsend it would be to have something like this. And I now fully intend to be one of those grown-ups on our next trip to Norfolk, smugly trundling one of these along to save the bribery, tears and tantrums involved in getting back to the car (obviously parked miles away) that inevitably means you end up trying to simultaneously carry a toddler alongside a cooler bag, change bag, annoying pop-up tent that won’t fold back up, umpteen pairs of jelly shoes etc. Perfect for beach days, summer festivals and camping, it’s definitely worth the investment don’t you reckon?
A portable (and pretty) solar lamp
I’ve been testing solar lighting recently for my bread-and-butter job and I totally fell in love with the Jour Solar Cordless Table Lamp, £39.99, from The Solar Centre. I love that it’s pretty enough to sit inside as well as out and we’ve used it in all sorts of places since we got it – it’s obviously great for alfresco dining and nightcaps, but it would also be useful for camping trips or as the kids’ night light on staycations. It has three brightness settings and turns itself on automatically at dusk. I also like the fact it comes with a cable so you can recharge it quickly if need be. Plus you can use it during the winter months indoors!
2-in-1 beach and picnic blanket
I’ve always loved Dock & Bay’s products but I think these supersized beach and picnic blankets are genius. They’re made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and they have a waterproof layer underneath (no soggy bottoms here) while the top layer is sand repellent and quick drying. There’s even a hole in the middle for an umbrella or parasol, perfect for keeping the kids out of the sun, with plenty of pretty designs available to choose from.
SOPHIE’S TOP PICKS
A super fun den building kit
My kid’s love building forts at home using blankets, sofa cushions and old bed sheets. But I’m not going to lie, they’re not the most stable of structures. Which is why I’m planning on gifting my daughter this Den building kit from The Kid Collective for her birthday present this summer. It’s sure to offer hours of fun and play for little (and big) explorers alike and, hopefully more likely to stay up than our previous den building attempts! All the kit, including a large waterproof camouflage tarpaulin, a durable ground sheet, pegs, wooden mallet, jute rope, as well as camouflage face paint, come packed up in a handy haversack with a comfortable shoulder strap so you can easily bring it with you on day’s out, too!
Comfortable (and portable) outdoor seating
I love nothing more than a day out at the seaside or enjoying a picnic in the park during the summer months. My back, however, doesn’t feel the same way. Gone are the days of being able to head out with a blanket and while away the hours basking in the summer sun! I now need comfortable seating like this folding seat from Sunny life which has 6 adjustable reclining positions. It also comes with a carry strap for easy transportation and a removeable cover, which is treated in a water and fade-resistant coating so it’s easy to keep clean.
Multifunctional outdoor furniture
I know we harp on about storage and multifunctional furniture all the time. BUT if you’re anything like our family, you’re likely have endless outdoor games, balls and blankets just lying around your garden all summer long until you box it all up in the loft or shed until the next year. So, when I came across this outdoor coffee table from Ikea that has hidden storage inside, I was sold. It looks great, will suit any garden style and is the perfect piece of kit to store all the kids toys during the summer while also doubling up as a surface to place my well-deserved Aperol Spritz at the end of a long day!
Pretty indestructible alfresco tableware
It’s all fun and games eating outdoors until one of your finest chinaware gets dropped on the ground and shards are shattered everywhere. Which is why we always turn to our melamine plates and bowls when dining outside in our household. Not only are there some beautiful designs currently available to buy, but they’re also lightweight, virtually indestructible and fairly inexpensive. We love the Ikat Brights range from Marks and Spencer’s summer collection, which is sure to add a bit of colour to your alfresco table setting! Prices range from £9.80 for the oval picnic platter or salad bowl to £10.50 for a set of 4 cereal bowls or £12.60 for a set of 4 dinner plates, all from Marks and Spencer.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this week’s newsletter as well as find out what other shopping features you would find useful for your family home. Please do share in the comments below!