If you’ve been here a while, you probably know how much I adore Ina Garten. There’s just something about the way she lives—slow, intentional, beautiful—that inspires me in every season, but especially summer.
She makes even the simplest things feel elevated. A bowl of fruit on the counter. A casual dinner outdoors with friends. The sound of jazz playing while dinner’s in the oven. That’s the kind of summer I want to have. Not rushed. Not overly planned. Just full of ease, fresh flavors, and beautiful little details that make everyday life feel special.
So this season, I’ve been leaning into what I call my Ina Garten summer mindset. Here’s how Ina Garten changed the way I do summer.
How Ina Garten Changed The Way I Do Summer
1. Making the Ordinary Feel a Little More Special
Ina has this lovely way of turning a Tuesday dinner into something memorable. I’ve started lighting candles even when it’s just the two of us at home, using cloth napkins, and taking a few minutes to make my cappuccino look cute in the morning. It makes such a difference.
→ I love this hammered glass pitcher that’s perfect for everything from lemon water to weekend sangria.
2. Saying Yes to Flowers, Always
Ina always has fresh flowers around, and now I do too. Whether it’s a little $8 grocery store bunch or a few orchids I have blooming in the yard, it’s become a sweet ritual to arrange them in the kitchen or on the dining table.
→ I keep coming back to this glass hurricane that feels coastal and pretty on the counter.
3. Wearing Linen and Keeping It Easy
Linen button-downs, easy pants, slip-on sandals… it’s the kind of outfit Ina would wear while prepping dinner with a glass of rosé. I’ve been reaching for breathable pieces that still feel pulled together but are so comfortable for summer days.
→ This white gauze button-up is my current favorite. I’ll wear it over swimsuits, with jeans, or layered on cooler nights.
4. Letting Hosting Be Simple and Fun
Ina says to make a few things really well and let the rest be store-bought. I love that. A beautiful cheese board, a signature cocktail, and dessert from the bakery styled in your own dish? Done.
→ I just love this teak footed board that will make my little cheese spreads look so elevated.
5. Leaning Into Outdoor Dinners
We’ve been eating outside a lot more lately—nothing fancy, just plates of pasta or salad with music playing and Goldie at our feet. It feels like a little escape without leaving home.
→ I love using these acrylic glasses out back—they’re beautiful and hold up well.
6. Slowing Down the Evenings
Instead of rushing through dinner cleanup, I’ve been letting it be a slower process. Music on, candle lit, maybe a little treat after dinner. These little rituals have brought so much joy into my weeknights.
→ I recently added this linen table runner and it makes even a casual meal feel pulled together.
7. Keeping a “Weekend Vibe” All Week Long
This is probably the biggest shift—I’m not waiting for the weekend to enjoy summer. Ina reminds me to enjoy life now. So if I want a glass of wine on a Tuesday, or to bake something pretty just because, I go for it.
So if you’ve ever watched an Ina Garten episode and thought, I want my summer to feel like that, I’m right there with you. Whether it’s lighting a candle at dinner, putting on a breezy striped dress, or keeping a bottle of rosé chilled just in case friends pop by—these little things truly add up. I’ve rounded up a few beautiful touches below that bring that effortless, coastal Ina mood home: this sweet woven ice bucket that’s perfect for porch cocktails, a pretty white linen dress I’ve been living in, and even a classic gold cheese knife set that’s just so her. Here’s to channeling that Barefoot Contessa ease all summer long—no Hamptons house required.
If you loved this post, you will want to read about, These 10 Home Finds Instantly Gave My Space That Nancy Meyers Coastal Vibe.
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