Summer is right around the corner, I can almost taste it! The anticipation for those warm, sunny (and hopefully less windy) days, and of course a break from work over Christmas, has me looking forward to all the special things that come with this time of year. Sipping a glass of wine out in the sun, slow mornings, time in nature and lots of cheeseboards.

So, today I wanted to share my November picks for drinks, food, music, home decor and more. These are small things that have been bringing me joy as the weather gets warmer and the holidays are in sight. Whilst it can be easy to count down the days until then, enjoying the present is so important, and I find some of these little things help me do that…

Fave Drink:

Aperol & Tonic / Campari & Tonic

For a lot of us, Summer and the Xmas season can involve some indulgence, in sleep, food and drinks. So, in order to not get too ahead of myself, I’ve been enjoying a few beverage options that are lower in alcohol, but still have that relaxing Summer vibe.

There’s something about pouring yourself a drink at the end of the work day and sitting out in the sun that is simply unbeatable, and whilst that’s just as enjoyable with a non-alcoholic beverage in hand, I’ve found that an Aperol and tonic or Campari and tonic is the perfect middle ground. These drinks also have the added bonus of being gorgeous vibrant colours that just scream Summer!

Fave Eat:

The Ultimate Cheeseboard / Platter

I’m certainly not reinventing the wheel here, but Summer always gets me in the mood for a good cheeseboard or platter. Whether that’s out and about at a vineyard over in Martinborough, or more likely a homemade concoction of all our favourite little nibbles.

Over the years, Jason and I have perfected our ultimate homemade cheeseboard and I’ve even been known to occasionally create such an epic one that it ends up becoming my dinner! It’s also quite fun to play around with the presentation of said cheeseboard and create an aesthetically pleasing spread to pick away at. Here are some of my personal favourite elements to include on your next cheeseboard or platter…

Tinned mussels & cream cheese on water crackers
Prosciutto & melon
Watermelon & feta
Aged cheddar & fresh bread
Truffle brie & crackers

Fave Decor Piece:

HAY Palissade Outdoor Chairs

The lead up to Summer can be the perfect time to tackle that awkward area in your outdoor space, the one that’s been on your to-do list forever! We can sometimes overlook the potential of small nooks in the garden that can be enjoyed over the warmer months. Whether you’re on a budget, or looking to treat yourself, there are so many ways to jazz up your outdoor living space, (I got into this topic much more in last week's journal if you’re interested).

I had been longing for HAY Palissade chairs on our compact back deck for the past five years, so I can’t tell you how excited I was when my two Iron Red HAY chairs arrived a few months ago. The rear deck is now the perfect spot to sit under the Eucalyptus tree, listening and watching the boisterous Tuis dart and flitter above. Also claiming the last of the sun on our site, I have no doubt that some serious time will be spent this Summer enjoying my special summer sitting spot.

Fave Listen:

Oasis

There’s nothing like seeing a group or performer in person to reignite your enjoyment of their music – and seeing Oasis live in Sydney last Friday has certainly done that for me! Oasis were the backing track of Jason and my early/mid twenties, and judging by the 70,000 other people at Accor Stadium (and that’s just the first night), we aren’t the only ones.

I expect Oasis Essentials on Apple Music will be on repeat for a while yet to bring in the summer vibes.

Fave Scent:

‘Home’ Essential Oil Candle by Totem Road

While in Sydney one of my favourite excursions is walking up Oxford Street through the Paddington shops. There I love popping into several fantastic furniture stores such as Jardan, MCM House and Totem Road. It’s in this last shop that I stumbled across what I’m picking as my summer scent, their Essential Oil candle ‘Home’.

As a bit of a scented candle fan (12 of them around the house at last count!) It takes a bit to lure me from my tried and true, but this one’s a keeper and I will be looking into how to get a few spares shipped to me for the summer months ahead.

Shop ‘Home’ by Totem Road Here.

Fave Local Spot:

Cuba Street Tavern

If you’re a regular reader of this Journal, you probably know about our mission at AFP to support local in Wellington. We’ve had an incredible year of exploring various local shops, cafes and coffee shops around Wellington’s city and suburbs, so I feel like a bit of an expert in this area!

If you’re looking for your next Summer hang out spot, somewhere close to the action but with unique vibes, great food and plenty of indoor / outdoor spots to enjoy, Cuba Street Tavern is the place. We visited Cuba Street Tavern when it first opened earlier this year and we loved the relaxed interior and gorgeous outdoor courtyard space. They even host regular live music events in the courtyard and have quickly become one of Wellington’s coolest inner-city eateries.

Anji’s Picks - Summer’s Coming!