The theme of the summer? Low-fi, throwback, unplugged. In that spirit, here are our editors’ favorite summer essentials for 2018 (many of them eco-friendly).
Above: The laid-back staple of the summer? Annie and Julie spotted the Enea Woven Fan from Someware Goods, small enough to tuck in a bag and woven by artisans in Cordoba; $20. (Act fast: As of writing there are only three left in stock.) Above: “I love classic striped deck chairs and have my eye on this modern Dutch version, the Beach Chair by Erik Stehmann and Raw Color from Weltevree,” reports Margot; it’s available for €198. Above: Fan says: “Come summertime, I usually have at least three kinds of berries in my fridge at any given time. I usually put the berries in a small glass prep bowl for my berry-mad son. Within 30 seconds of handing the bowl over to him, I’ll hear from the other room, “More, please!” I need a bigger vessel. And I’ve found the perfect one.” The Vermont Berry Colander from LA-based Sheldon Ceramics is seven inches in diameter and goes from sink to table; $80.
Above: For elevating outdoor dining of all kinds: a three-piece Camp Set, with a stainless steel knife, spoon, and fork in a simple carrying case; 1,944 JPY. (And the knife doubles as a bottle opener.) See also Monochrome Campware from a Japanese Maker.
Above: Annie loves the look of simple blue-green paper berry boxes out on the counter. These ceramic versions by a Pennsylvania-based ceramicist (who has created designs for chef Dan Barber) are a more permanent take; available via Etsy shop Heirloom Home Studio.
Above: Another fan option, and a staple for the bedside (or for replicating summer breezes on workdays): Muji’s Low-Noise Desk Fan, operated by USB cable, is $29.50. Above: There’s something about drinking a glass of lemonade from a straw that feels quintessential. But amid all of the conversation about banning plastic straws, we’re embracing reusable versions (see Beyond the Plastic Drinking Straw: 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives). We particularly like these stainless steel straws, $6.95 for a set of four from Crate & Barrel. Above: A step up from blue gel-filled freezer packs: slim stainless steel ice packs, perfect for picnics. They’re $16 each from Food52. Above: Julie recently ordered a borosilicate glass drinking bottle for the summer months, with durable, lab-quality glass that doesn’t impart a taste to water (and is eco-friendly to boot). The Kablo Glass Water Bottle, designed in LA, is $31.99 on Amazon.
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