The first long weekend of the spring/summer season is fast approaching, and sadly, in my neck of the woods at least, it doesn’t look like conditions will be overly ideal for much dockside lounging. I have to assume that somewhere across this great nation of ours, the weather will cooperate and families will head to the cottage/cabin/lake in droves to honour the birthday of Queen Victoria, or honour the invention of the two-four of beer – whichever suits your fancy.
If it’s too cold and rainy to actually sit on the dock this weekend, perhaps you can spend an afternoon dressing it up for sunnier, warmer weekends to come. Here are five basic yet stylish must-haves to help you create the perfect summer water-side set up.
The Cooler
Limit the number of trips back to the house by keeping the beverages cold and close-by. And there’s no reason why your cooler can’t actually look cool. This 54 qt Stainless Steel Belted® Cooler is sleek and stylish. It’s a Coleman classic and it’s also available in red and green. I’m getting thirsty just looking at it.
(54 qt Stainless Steel Belted® Cooler, Coleman, $209.99)
The Towels
Use them to dry off after a dip, wrap around your shoulders if there’s a slight chill in the air, or fold up under your head as you bask in the sun. The bigger and fluffier the better. I love these adorable polka-dots! They are over six feet long, made of 100% cotton terry and they even have UPF 50+ for UV protection. Plus, they come in four lovely colours, so you can assign one to each family member or guest.
(Shadow Dots Beach Towel, Lands’ End, on sale $21.20 each)
The Shade
Unless you are lucky enough to have a dock-side boat house or cabana to retreat to for some shade on super-hot days, you’ll have to bring some along with you. The reflection of the sun off the water can create especially dangerous burn-conditions and while a golden glow is great, a blistery burn is the quickest way to ruin your long-weekend! This simple umbrella from Ikea is affordable and cute. Just remember to buy a heavy base to go with it and always pack it away at the end of the day.
(Karlso Parasol, Ikea, $49.00)
The Lounger
While lying directly on the dock and listening to the water lap softly through the slats is a nostalgic and romantic vision for me, fact is I’m too old to do it anymore. These days I prefer to lounge in a little more style. If you have the luxury of space on the dock, pick up a couple loungers and dress them up with pretty cushions. Your bones will thank you. Added bonus? The wheels on this model make it easy to move them to a sheltered area later.
(Kvarno Chaise Lounge, Ikea, $199)
The Flair
Rustic is charming to a point, but adding a chic accessory or two can definitely up the experience from fair to fabulous. Try adding a few slick lanterns with candles. They’ll add visual interest by day and look stunning lit up on sweltering summer nights. Look for a style that’s sturdy, like these pentagonal stunners from West Elm. Hint – use citronella candles to help keep bugs at bay.
(Pentagonal Lanterns, West Elm, $29 - $49)
What are your dock-side must-haves? Share with us below.
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