Spring has faded to the background and Summer is right around the corner. I, for one, am so anxious for it to get here! With that in mind, I started my summer decorating a few weeks ago. But my kitchen presented a problem this year.
My herb themed summer kitchen would not work this year. Availability and nursery closings made it impossible to start as early as I needed to. I needed a new theme. Since lemons have long been a much loved symbol of Summer, I decided to run with that. Decorating with lemons would be a great way to welcome the new season to my home!
I have always been drawn to a kitchen full of lemons but have never gone that way in mine. Mostly because in years past, I’ve always had several herb gardens going inside for the summer months. With so many herbs everywhere, I just didn’t have the space. That has changed along with so many things this year.
Although the stay at home orders have mostly been lifted in Colorado, I have not felt comfortable yet hitting the stores. I did purchase a few herbs for the kitchen while at the grocery store but that is no where near my usual routine.
Most years I would have started months ago with grow lights and several trips to the nursery. Since I wasn’t able to do that, I decided to change things up. The old saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” really resonates this year. I’m fairly certain, for most of us so far, 2020 has certainly given us lemons! What we do with them remains to be seen.
Fillable Lamps
Fillable lamps are a great place for lemons. From the mini lemons offered at Hobby Lobby this year, to the full size, leaves and all found at Kirklands, fillable lamps easily become a summer favorite. My sister chose lemons this year as well so we were able to share ideas. She used the small lemons for her lamp and it is adorable. I went with the larger ones.
Tiered Trays
Likewise, tiered trays are an easy way to bring your lemon theme to the kitchen. Greenery is a must though for contrast and balance. Using her galvanized tray in this display, my sister was able to really showcase the bright yellow and green.
I do miss having my herbs around, so I chose to add a few to my tiered tray. It sits next to the window so I think they will do just fine.
Lemon Printables
An easy way to showcase lemon decor is through printable art. I am just beginning to load my summer printables into the library but you will find several lemon themed ones there now to get you started.
Flowers
Since I have gone crazy with black and white buffalo checks in my kitchen, lemons bring such a welcome burst of color. This bright yellow Kalanchoe fits in perfectly! I love having fresh cut flowers in the kitchen all year long! But, in keeping with the weirdness of 2020 so far, several flowering bushes and perennials just didn’t bloom this year. The official reason for this was a terrible freeze we had just as the blossoms were starting to open. But since the overall atmosphere this year resembles an episode of the Twilight Zone, I am not convinced. I was able to do at least one good lilac display from 3 different bushes but they were much more fragile then normal. Like I said…Weird!
Summer Coffee Bar
Part of the fun of a coffee bar is being able to change it for each season. Staying with the lemon theme, I have added a lemon printable, a mini colander filled with lemons, and the fillable lamp to complete my summer bar.
Summer Tablescape
Since it is often just my husband and I for dinner, I tend to keep the table set for two. With the beautiful weather coming, we will be taking more meals outside but it will be ready for the rainy days nontheless!
Kitchen Wreaths
Wreaths are a great addition anywhere but I love having them in the kitchen. Adding just one lemon to my everyday wreath brought it in line with the theme. I was badly in need of a replacement for my back door wreath as well. Covering my old grapevine wreath with greenery, bright ribbons, and lemons, I’m happy with summer kitchen! If lemons just are not your thing…there are some amazing DIY wreath ideas from Country Living Magazine that you won’t want to miss.
Decorating with lemons is a bright sunny way to welcome the new season to your home! Bring on Summer! I’m ready!
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This lemon and coffee printable is exactly what I had in mind. Love it. Enjoyed this blog.
Thanks so much Marie! I’m working on some new lemon printables for this year so I hope you’ll stop by again soon!