Outfits, ideas and activities to see you through the mini heatwave this week …
There’s nothing quite like an Irish summer – no matter how short it may be. Make the most of the sun, the heat and this summery weekend by getting into the garden, taking lunch outdoors, cooking from scratch, dressing the part, staying topped up on SPF and diving into a great book. Remember to stay cool, hydrated and find shade during the midday sun – and take extra care with kids and pets. Animal welfare experts recommend walking your dog in the early morning or evenings, when temperatures are cooler, and to watch out for signs of heatstroke. Here is our guide to handling the heat …
GET OUTDOORS: Make the most of the good weather and host a picnic in the sun this weekend. Four experts share their ideas for tablescaping, menu ideas and cooking on location. You don’t always need a full set-up to take the cooking out of the kitchen. For example, with a little camping gas stove you can warm flat breads or heat up lunch without hassle. The main takeaway? “The magic of it isn’t about perfection, but about the delightful surprise of enjoying something special in an unexpected location,” says Cliodhna Prendergast. See our glossy guide to summer picnics HERE.
STAY COOL AND LOOK COOL: We’re taking inspiration from our European and New York-dwelling counterparts on how to look good when the mercury rises. See Sarah Macken’s heatwave dressing inspiration HERE.
ALFRESCO DESTINATION DINING: There’s nothing quite like dining by the sea, with the sun shining and the freshest Irish seafood on the menu. Ciara McQuillan finds five of the hottest tables to nab this weekend – from a cool city spot in Dublin to dramatic cliffside dining in Ardmore and a gloriously unpretentious pub perched at the edge of the Beara Peninsula. With temperatures soaring, these five fabulous spots will bring the magic to your weekend meal. See more HERE.
GO FLOWER-PICKING: For a lovely day out, visit one of these flower farms around Ireland to pick your own blooms for an extra special occasion. See the full list HERE.
A MENU FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING: Sardinia-based food writer Letitia Clark is passionate about lemons, as revealed in these Italian-inspired recipes for lemon carbonara, possets and sorbet, perfect for summer entertaining. See the recipes HERE.
SPEAKING OF LEMONS … : For a sunny lunch in the garden, nothing beats a pasta salad. Tom Jackson, author of Cool Pasta, shares a recipe he created in Procida, an island off Italy, known for its lemons. This is the perfect recipe to make in the heat. See Tom’s recipe for Lemon Pesto Pasta Salad HERE.
BBQ SIDES & PICKY BITS: Kitty Coles shares a recipe for the most delicious lemon, garlic and chilli braised courgettes and shares four different ways to eat them. “I love to braise courgettes like this – it’s so simple and is great when courgettes are in abundance during summer. I’ve got four ways for you to use these.” See Kitty’s recipe HERE.
DRESS THE PART: Hamptons-style dressing seems like a good option for the heatwave. Fashion has long had a love affair with the Hamptons and its surrounding hamlets. The look is timeless, relaxed and, most importantly, always beach ready. Striped shirting makes a statement. Bold, thick prints eclipse softer styles. We say: embrace full prep with a pair of boat shoes. Luxe leisurewear comes into its own here with striped crewnecks and elasticated cotton shorts, team them with a hat from aptly-named brand Sporty & Rich. Ensure you have a polished floral dress to hand – it’s the perfect attire for sipping a sundowner in an Adirondack chair. See Sarah Macken’s shoppable list of the best Hamptons-inspired summer buys HERE. Image; Ralph Lauren.
GET INTO THE GARDEN: Cordelia de Castellane’s Flower Couture, From My Garden to My House, published by Rizzoli earlier this year, documents the gardening secrets of the French designer and director of Dior Home and Baby Dior, with each chapter covering a colour of her favourite flower, plus her tips for entertaining, tablescaping and recipes. See some more garden inspiration HERE.
TAKE OUT THE OUTDOOR FURNITURE: Invest in some chic outdoor furniture so you can lounge in style. See our selection HERE.
PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN: Weather-resistant cabinets, built-in barbecues, pizza ovens and wine coolers are essential for creating a fully functional outdoor kitchen and entertaining space. See the tools to have at the ready for the heatwave HERE.
DIVE INTO A GOOD BOOK: Edel Coffey shares the best new books to add to your summer reading list. We advise you pick one up, find a shady perch and dive right in to pass the warm summer days. See Edel’s choices HERE.
WEAR YOUR SPF: We know this by now, but it’s always worth repeating: UV light is the number one cause of visible skin damage. If you don’t protect your precious skin with SPF, that’s what you’re signing up for. The sun causes 80 per cent of premature skin ageing – that’s wrinkles and pigmentation appearing on your face earlier than they should. See Sarah Halliwell’s selects HERE.
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