How to Have an Ina Garten Summer
Published: July 15, 2025Summer is the favorite season of many for good reason. Everything feels alive and fresh and new. The days are longer and even the most mundane activities, such as cooking, come to life with an abundance of fresh food.
One of the cornerstones of Ina Garten’s recipes are fresh yet simple ingredients combined in a way that is relaxed yet inviting.
The Idea of Personal Style as an Aesthetic
In the land of Instagram and TikTok, everything is an aesthetic now. From cottage-core to light academia to coastal grandmother, there are a million different styles out there. I don’t consider myself a trendy person typically, but I will be honest, I am loving the idea of an Ina Garten Summer.
I doubt that Ina would consider herself an aesthetic. In fact, I would guess that she would laugh at the whole idea. I doubt any of us would consider our personal style as an aesthetic, but if you find yourself gravitating to a certain color scheme or a particular culture of time period, chances are your style could be the next aesthetic.
My point is, we all are “influenced” by others’ style, even if we never step foot into the feeds of Instagram. I would expect that most of us have developed a personal style by the time we have reached adulthood. That style has probably evolved as time has passed.
I love when someone has a cohesive and consistent style, but I will be honest, I also have respect for someone who isn’t afraid to reinvent themselves. The bottom line, always be authentically you. If you aren’t sure “who” you are, that’s okay too. It can be a process to settle into your own personal style.
I have found no better way to enjoy the daily requirement of making dinner than to romanticize my time in the kitchen with good music and fresh ingredients. Chef’s kiss.
What Exactly is an Ina Garten Summer?
According to Caitlyn Richardson, “…there’s no real recipe for an Ina Garten summer. Just good ingredients, good intentions, and a willingness to slow down long enough to enjoy it.”
The most important aspect of creating an Ina Garten summer is to treat every meal as if you are creating a relaxed and cozy dining experience. Create a kitchen playlist, maybe even light a candle, gather a bouquet (or buy one) as a centerpiece, and do not be afraid to use the good stuff.
The “good stuff” can be your fine china that sits tucked away in a cabinet or the good drinkware that feels to fancy for a random Wednesday. Use cloth napkins with napkin rings. Decorate the table with a lovely tablecloth. (You can find some amazing ones at thrift stores.)
Helpful Homemaker Hint
Keep an eye out when thrifting or antiquing for simple elements that will easily elevate your dining experience. A pretty vase, a simple table cloth, or even a basket that can double as a utensil caddy will make any meal feel a little more put together.
Above all else, try to elevate your meal with quality ingredients. If you have ever watched Ina Garten’s show Barefoot Contessa, you know if a recipe calls for olive oil, Ina will tell you to use the “good olive oil.” (In case you were wondering, Ina Garten’s favorite Olive Oil is Olio Santo Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
The meal shouldn’t feel stuffy or overly complicated. You never need to order expensive or hard to find ingredients (unless you want to), as Ina says, “store bought is fine.” No overwhelm needed. No stress allowed.
Start a Cookbook Collection
Whether you are a book lover or not, a collection of cookbooks can add some variety to your culinary skills as well as double as decor. A small shelf or a dedicated space on your counter is perfect for 2 or 3 cookbooks.
If your collection of culinary inspiration somehow grows too big (as mine has), then a bookcase may be helpful. If you cannot fit a bookcase in your kitchen, no worries. A pantry, extra cabinet, or even a bookcase in the next room works just as well! Get creative with your space and your cooking. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your home space and decor. If you love it, it’s right.
Some of My Favorite Cookbooks…
No Stress Dinner Parties (for 2 or more)
If I am being completely honest, 5 years ago I would have died laughing at the idea of “no-stress” and “dinner party” being in the same sentence. For me, dinner party would have equaled allllllllll of the stress. Until I figured out a few simple tips to lower the anxiety level, I wouldn’t have even considered hosting anyone at our house.
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