If you think plaid is reserved for the winter months, have we got some great (and easy!) summertime decorating ideas for you.

It’s true that this popular pattern is often found on warm flannel sheets, cozy down bedding, and curtains fit for a snowy retreat. But as madras shorts have shown us, plaid can do so much more—select one in bright color an airy style, and this pattern can also be a sweet addition to your spring and summer decor.

You don’t need to redecorate to incorporate plaid–in fact, you probably wouldn’t want to go all out with the pattern.  But try one of these ideas in a room you’d like to give a summer vibe.

In the Bedroom

You’ll get a big style impact easily if you switch out your wintry down comforter in navy, maroon, and forest green for a similar trio in summer shades, like this vibrant mix of pink and turquoise. And if changing out your whole bed set for something new isn’t in the cards, you can still brighten up your bedroom with a set of plaid sheets in a pretty pastel, like this lovely set in lavender.

Pictured: Nautica Sutter Creek Quilt, Laura Ashley Sophia Sheet Set

In the Bathroom

One of the easiest ways to add plaid to your bathroom is with a shower curtain. This summer, ditch a plain curtain a sunny, mod plaid (left). If that’s too much pop for your neutral-toned bathroom, you can a bit of plaid with more muted one, in grays and yellows.

Pictured: Park B. Smith® Wavy Plaid Shower Curtain, Barton Fresco Shower Curtain

In the Kitchen

Spring and summer are all about letting the sun shine in. What better way to do that then with a pair of pretty plaid curtains? Try a set in gold, or in a crisp, country blue:

Pictured: Rowan Gold Plaid Window Treatment, Bristol Plaid Window Curtain Tiers

A less permanent way to introduce a plaid pattern is to simply dress up your table with a plaid tablecloth, or go even lower-commitment with plaid placemats.

Pictured: Summer Check Tablecoth & Napkins, Summer Check Placemat

In the Living Room

Incorporating summer plaid into your living room decor doesn’t mean completely foregoing the already established scheme. Instead, switch out wintery accent pieces for those in a lighter, brighter version of this pattern. We’re talking throws and toss pillows in summer pastels like the one below:

Pictured: Rose Tree Summerton 18-Inch Square Toss Pillow

Megan Mostyn-Brown

How do you do summer plaids? Tell us about it in the space below.

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If you’ve been grilling for even a little while, you’ve likely heard the terms “direct and indirect” cooking. Simply put, these are really the only two ways to grill, and knowing what to do when can make a huge difference to your grilling success. Grilling can be very intimidating to many, but a grill is really just an oven and stove that is outside, that’s it. If you can make a pizza or roast chicken inside, you can make a pizza or roast a chicken outside – it’s just all in the set up. So watch the video and try it at home yourself. This can literally open a whole new world of outdoor cooking for you – and this time of year, why not?

Sam the Cooking Guy

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When the going gets tough, you head to a day spa. There’s no better way to ditch the daily grind than with a deep tissue massage and a hydrating facial. But primo relaxation comes at a hefty price, and in this economy, it may not be the wisest way to spend your weekly paycheck.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to give up treating yourself to the good life. Instead of heading out for a little R&R, stay in and wash the day away in your own private oasis. Creating a spa at home is easier than you might think: With a few nifty tools and some luxe-looking accents you can make a Zen-like spa space in your very own bathroom.

Work Out the Kinks

A spa just isn’t a spa without a massage. While you may be able to get your significant other to give you an expert rub down, in the off-chance they’re not around, there are plenty of tools to get the job done. A basic hand-held massager is a must-have. Look for one with an extendable handle so you can get to all those hard-to-reach places. Nab a foot massager to give your toes the royal treatment. And for those looking for full-body relaxation, invest in an acupressure mat.

Put Your Best Face Forward

Sorry to report, but slapping on a face mask and investing in expensive lotions does not a home spa make. Step it up a notch (and give wrinkles and fine lines a run for their money) with pro-tools like a dermabrasion facial brush, an at-home skin renewing laser and a penetrating light therapy system. Though these products are an investment, over time they’ll actually save you money — so you’ll have more than just your skin to glow about.

Invest in the Smelly Stuff

Aromafloria® Aroma Therapy Ocean Mineral Bath Salts

Who doesn’t love indulging in fabulous smelling bath products? Go the whole nine yards with your at-home spa and purchase candles, oils, bath salts, lotions, bubble bath and scrubs in your favorite scents. Be careful not to go overboard — too many different smells can create an olfactory overload. For best results, stick to a single soothing scent like sandalwood, lavender or vanilla.

Don’t Forget the Warm and Fuzzy

Elizabeth Arden Ultra Plush Robe

Scratchy towels and cheap robes begone! A home spa needs the luxe, fluffy stuff stuff. We’re talking hotel-style robes and towels so fluffy you could literally get lost in them. Really treat yourself and keep these pieces at the perfect temp with a towel warmer.
Don’t forget your toes– cold feet are so un-spa-like. Give them some post-massage TLC, by slipping them into  a pair of cozy slippers or thermal socks.

Setting the Scene

Talking Message Center

Now that you’ve stocked up on the major pieces, it’s time to finish off your space with the right accents. Look for extras like a bath mat and hand towels in calming colors like sea foam, taupe or cream. Set the perfect Zen-like mood by installing adjustable lighting and playing some dreamy tunes from your speaker dock. Most importantly, stick a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the bathroom door to keep the outside world from disturbing your inner peace.

Bonnie McCarthy

Make a mean at-home face mask? Music that magically gets rid of stress? Share the secret in the comments.

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I’ll be the first to admit that a grilled salad doesn’t sound all that good – but it is. And when you add in diced bacon, tomatoes and Parmesan, it goes from good to great. Not to mention it’s super easy, and since the grill will already be hot from the Flat Iron Chimichurri you made him (you watched that blog video, right?) it’s a no brainer. Happy Father’s day to all the dads out there – you deserve a wonderful day, make that a wonderful week.   

Sam the Cooking Guy

Grill for Dad

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It may sound corny, but I really think cooking for someone comes from the heart way more than most other gifts you can give. Anyone can pull money out of their pocket and pay for dinner, right? But taking your own time, effort and energy to craft a meal on your own — now that means something.

And why not cook for dad the way he cooks for us — on the grill. So here’s a delicious and simple little “flat iron Chimichurri” you can. I’m sure he’ll love it. Oh, and if you don’t grill — start.

Sam the Cooking Guy

Flat Iron Grilled Steak with Chimichurri

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Sam the Cooking Guy

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Sam the Cooking Guy

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