Curate an Italian Summer from the Comfort of Your Home

Almost everyone covets an Italian summer, but unfortunately, it’s not the most affordable or practical destination to spend an entire season (for the average person). The idea of spending long days by the water reading while sipping on an Aperol Spritz is the ultimate fantasy. And the idea of consuming heaps of pasta, bread and wine without having anything to show for it is but a dream. Alas, while some may be living this reality this summer, a good majority will be spending most of the season at home, still working and having life’s responsibilities to attend to. Not all hope is lost though, you can still conjure the feeling of the Italian summer from the comfort of your home through a couple lifestyle changes.

Most people living around the Mediterranean don't sit down to eat at dinner right at six — certainly not Italians. Dinner is a later event, typically around nine, even pushing 10. Eating dinner at a later hour (despite what doctors have to say about it) naturally changes the energy of the whole day. It allows for longer evenings spent with friends and loved ones and an overall more lax approach to spending your days — exactly how you would if you were vacationing in Sicily. Cook a simple pasta, pour yourself a well-deserved glass of wine, take things outside, if possible and enjoy the summer night air.

Aperitivo is one of Italy's most underrated gifts to society. Sometime in the early evening you can whip up an Aperol spritz, a Campari soda or a glass of prosecco. Add some small bites to snack on like olives, cheese or a few slices of cured meat and you’ve successfully created an Italian atmosphere. You can do this by yourself or invite a few friends over as part of a progressive evening.

Linen was made for summer in southern Europe or hot weather wherever you’re located. It’s breathable, it’s simple to wear and it requires almost no effort to look put together. Opt for trousers, oversized shirts or loose fitting dresses in neutrals. Dressing this way at home — not just when you go out — creates that on-vacation somewhere along the coast in Italy vibe.

A well-curated playlist can transport you from an ordinary afternoon at home to a home along the Mediterranean sea. Look for classic Italian pop from the 60s and 70s or lean into Neapolitan jazz and acoustic guitar. Play it in the background while you cook, eat or lounge with a book by the pool.

The Italian summer is spent mostly outdoors and near water. If you have a pool, make good use of it and whip out an easy beach read and a cold cocktail. No pool? A lake, a river or a local beach will do. Even if you don’t have water nearby, you can get an affordable inflatable pool or simply spend more time outdoors. The main idea is to soak up the sun (comfortably) and indulge in a more laissez faire lifestyle.

Italian mornings are a lot more quiet and slow than the hustle and bustle American lifestyle. If you can, take a slower start, prioritizing coffee, a nice read and maybe some light journaling — even if you only have time for this on the weekends. For coffee, a stovetop moka pot is the closest you'll get to a proper Italian cafè at home. Have it with a simple breakfast like a piece of toast or a cornetto and soak up the morning sunlight before worrying about what’s next on your schedule for the day.

Italians love a passeggiata — their beloved evening stroll. After dinner, it’s not unusual for people to spill into the streets and take a casual walk. It’s good not only for digestion, but genuinely enjoying the end of the day. It’s a great social activity if you have guests over or live with family as well and it reinforces the basic fundamentals of an Italian summer — savoring every last bit of la dolce vita.