Summer reading. Two words that work beautifully together. Make use of these longer, languid days and have yourself some lazy summer reading. Here’s a step by step guide to how….
Step One: Find a spot. Summer reading is all about location. Banish the blanket, throw off the duvet and venture outside for the perfect reading spot. A shady spot in the garden in dappled sunshine would be perfect. As would a deckchair on the beach. Find a place where the scent of summer is all around you – by a rose bush, in your back garden with the smell of your neighbour’s barbecue wafting over.
Step Two: Select your book. To me, perfect summer reading should be about transporting you away – to a different country, a different time, a different world – even if you’re not going on holiday. They should be books with a hint of the enchanted about them that make you fully appreciate the magical promise that lurks in the air in summertime. At the moment I’m reading The Seven Sisters by Margaret Drabble, about a group of women travelling around Italy. Miranda’s Notebook has some excellent suggestions for your literary summertime here.
Step Three: Food and drink. I love the idea of a literary picnic – I’m imagining a wicker hamper filled with books and food. I love the practicality of this vegetarian picnic loaf by Paul Hollywood (make sure you use a veggie pesto). I’ve been adding blueberries and raspberries to my ice cubes to make a colourful and delicately flavoured water or lemonade.
Step Four: Optional extras. Now for a little staging. Hang up pretty, floral bunting, light scented candles, lay out a blanket and put up a parasol. As for sound, you could have some jazz in the background to lend an air of decadence or simply be content with the sound of birdsong and the rustle of the breeze in the trees.
For more summery ideas, read my 7 Ways to Enjoy Summer post here.
What are you reading this summer? Let me know in the comments section below...
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