We’re All Going on a…Long Summer Weekend!
18 ways to make the most of the next few days
It’s here:1 the final 3-day weekend of the American summer, officially a celebration of US workers and, unofficially, the cut-off date for wearing white.
In our house, it’s also the beginning of the mad annual scramble known as Virgo Birthday Week, when three of our four family members celebrate birthdays. Of course, VBW overlaps with back-to-school and back-to-work chaos, and while every year I vow to be more organized, it always seems to catch me by surprise! We’re not throwing any parties, but there will be three special birthday meals, three birthday desserts, three sets of candles to blow out, three mornings spent opening gifts, and many feelings about the passage of time…
Speaking of gifts, I received a lovely pre-birthday surprise a few days ago when Cup of Jo, one of my favorite (and award-winning!) women’s lifestyle sites, linked to my recent issue on travel tips, sending lots of wonderful new readers my way and giving me a thrilling confidence boost.
What are you up to this weekend? Whether you’re traveling, entertaining at home, watching the US Open tennis tournament, or embracing the true spirit of the holiday and resting, I’ve collected some hopefully helpful ideas for making the most of the next few days. xo Amelia
Ideas for Entertaining!
Confetti Corn: side dishes are the real stars of any gathering, and this Ina Garten recipe is always a winner. It's perfect for kids with braces and anyone who doesn’t like the messiness of corn on the cob (Virgos!). It's so simple you barely need a recipe; I make it without any butter, and it’s fun to add green or red peppers for color.
Pavlova: as an Australian, I’m biased, but I happen to believe this is the ideal summer dessert - and it’s gluten-free! Some notes on this recipe: it does not specify caster aka superfine sugar, but I think using it makes a real difference to the meringue. You do NOT need to sweeten the whipped cream - the meringue is already incredibly sweet. And finally - once the cooking time is over, just turn off the oven (don’t open it!) and let the pavlova cool down, ideally overnight.
The Easiest Appetizer: ever since reading this piece by
I’ve followed her three-piece strategy to give guests something tasty but not too filling to nibble on pre-dinner. I typically serve salt and vinegar potato chips, a bowl of olives, and some nuts.Two Fun Playlists: my husband, Jim, enjoys creating playlists, and this summer, we’ve had two, in particular, on repeat. I highly recommend Sunny Easy Breezy Patio Mix for casual grilling and hanging out by the pool and Summer Anthems for getting the party started!
Ideas for House Guests!
When it comes to host/hostess gifts, my favorite strategy is to show up with a bottle of wine and whatever else the hosts have requested and send a gift and thank you note afterward. This way, I can pay attention while we’re in their home to figure out if there’s something I can give that will be a welcome addition or fill a need. For example, on a past summer weekend trip, when the hosts bemoaned their lack of beach chairs with cup holders, I knew exactly what to send as a thank you!
Furbish Needlepoint Pillows: embroidered with cute, clever, and saucy sayings, these make fun gifts for the hosts who have it all. They work for almost every occasion and personality, from the holidays to Dolly Parton fans.
Heather Taylor Home Tissue Box Covers: I feel strongly that a naked tissue box is an affront, but finding pretty and sturdy covers can be tricky. These linen covers are as classy as they come: pair one or two with boxes of tissues for a unique gift!
What to pack and wear: earlier this summer the fabulous
put together a genius—and realistic—packing guide for a two-day trip that included what to wear on the commute, plus outfit ideas for activities from a horse show, trips to pools, coffee runs, grilling, and lounging around.
What to Read!
I Miss You When I Blink: Essays: Mary Laura Philpott’s memoir-in-essays about life, love, family, and happiness is perfect for days when you will be able to sneak away to read but are likely to be interrupted.
Sandwich: by Catherine Newman is a quick, charming, and often funny story about a family's annual vacation week on Cape Cod, replete with bittersweet memories, delicious summer meals, and family secrets, new and old.
The Perfect Couple: an Elin Hilderbrand classic, this book was recommended by Scribles reader, Sally M, to read ahead of the TV series starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schrieber, and an all-star cast, which comes out next week. It’s a rich family saga cum murder mystery set on Nantucket during a wedding weekend. Is there anything more perfect to read on a long summer weekend?!
The Guest: if you haven’t already read it, last summer’s “It Book” about a young woman houseguesting in the Hamptons in the week before Labor Day is another great idea for this weekend. The vibe is dark as the book skewers the rarefied enclave of the wealthy.
Nora Goes Off Script: if you’re in the mood for something light and lovely, Annabel Monaghan’s novel about a divorced, middle-aged mom’s love affair with a famous, handsome, and rich movie star is a fizzy, charming escape.
Open: if you’re watching the US Open and want to get inside the mind of a champion, may I suggest Andre Agassi's excellent memoir about his tennis career and ambivalent feelings about it; family background, and marriage to Brooke Shields.
You Will Be Watching All Tennis All the Time!
When you’re laser-focused on what’s happening at Arthur Ashe, here are some tennis-themed shows and movies to fill the gaps between matches…
Challengers: in this year’s hit movie, Zendaya stars as a tennis prodigy turned elite coach at the center of a love triangle with two male players. While it’s billed as an erotic psychological thriller, there’s more action on the tennis court than in the bedrooms, and I enjoyed it for exactly what it was: beautifully filmed entertainment (Zendaya glows!), with a great soundtrack, and style. without any real depth.
Battle of the Sexes: my favorite tennis-themed movie is set during the lead-up to the infamous 1973 Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King match. It’s astonishing, maddening - and ultimately inspiring - watching King (played by Emma Stone) and her fellow female tennis players working to further the standing - and pay - of professional women’s tennis; and of course, beating the big-mouthed sexist Riggs (played by Steve Carell) on the court.
King Richard is the incredible true-life story of tennis prodigies Venus and Serena Williams, their father’s extreme determination, and the sacrifices made by their entire family.
Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker is a riveting documentary that follows the rise and fall of the German superstar who was jailed in 2022 for financial fraud. Becker speaks candidly about everything from his tennis wins, losses, and rivalries, to his questionable financial and relationship decisions.
Break Point is a 2023 documentary showcasing the stars of today’s professional tennis tour. It’s an eye-opening look at what it’s really like to be a pro, from their romantic relationships, punishing physical regimens, peripatetic lifestyles, and the sheer amount of losing they contend with.
📆 August 2024 Recs // 📖 Books // 📺 TV Shows // 🍿 Movies
In Case You Missed It: More tennis content: is there anything juicier than an old-money-versus-new-money showdown at a storied private club?! via
// Welcome to Montauk. “You’ve either got three houses or three jobs.” // 🤣A hilariously passive/aggressive email exchange about bedtime with a baby // An adorable and easy summer appetizer // What Victoria from the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders is up to now, “I do think I am thriving, and I do hope they see that. I think they do.” // Are bookstores a waste of space? // A shoe that goes 65 miles per hour! // A trend I can get behind: Time to ditch your leggings // What is the “soccer mom aesthetic?”⚽// I will not deny it, I am tennis mad…🎾
That’s it for me! Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you next Friday! xo Amelia
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when does this particular long weekend begin: today, Thursday, when everyone mentally checks out, or at 5 pm on Friday?!
Adore this list and your confidence boost from ACOJ!! 🥰
Yes to confidence boosts! Your travel tips are gold. I just bought new face oil from a tiny shop on holiday and now I have a lovely memory. 💓