Classic Summer
June 9, 2025
No Summer backyard gathering would be complete without the requisite stack of white paper plates. A modern classic, the plain white paper plate has served up it’s share of burgers, potato salad, watermelon and pie. But it might be time for an upgrade, something studier and more dependable. These matte finish porcelain plates are just the ticket, possessing all of the original charm but with additional strength. No chance of that burger ending up in your lap now. And, no trees were harmed in their production.
plate photos: The Lost Kitchen All other photos: gp
Dog Days
August 25, 2023
What can be better than the long hot days of August? Taking the time to soak them all in…long afternoon shadows, nature’s bounty, simple pleasures. Here are just a few simplequietmodern later Summer favorites.
A trip to any farmers market or farm stand bursting with local goodness. Fresh corn to use in a roasted corn salad, Kirby cucumbers for pickling and heirloom tomatoes for that simple tomato sandwich or BLT. Maybe some figs to serve up with blue cheese to start or fresh local melons sliced up to end a perfect summer supper.
A refreshing outdoor shower after a long walk on a secluded rocky beach followed by a smart fresh cherry old fashioned while relaxing in from of an early evening fire.
Fresh locally grown seasonal flowers from hydrangeas to hops, bright dahlias to my personal favorite’s, white Michigan gladiolus.
photo: Food52
photo: Remash
photo: Loll
Unless otherwise indicated, photos: gp
Let Freedom Ring
July 4, 2023
Happy Independence Day!
Photos: gp
O’re the land of the free,
July 4, 2020
and the home of the brave. It’s a new kind of 4th. Be safe, mask up….keep your distance.
photos: gp
From ev’ry mountainside…
July 4, 2019
let freedom ring.*
* America ( My Country ‘Tis of Thee” Samuel Francis Smith
photos: gp
Going Long
July 3, 2017
What better way to kick off the 4th of July than with an extended holiday weekend? Plenty of time for some DIY projects, maybe a local road trip, enjoying some seasonal favorites and simply kicking back. On your mark…get set…where’s that hammock?
From the top:
First things first…get that flag up.
Add in a new plant material and see how it performs the rest of the summer.photo: http://www.highcountrygardens.com/bouteloua-gracilis-blonde-ambition
How much fun could a tree swing be? Photo: https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/all-new/products/wood-rope-tree-swing
After a bit of work a rewarding lunch near the water could be a good idea.
Cold watermelon and an 80 degree day…perfect.
A bag of marshmallows, a box of sparklers and a yard full of fireflies should finish the holiday off nicely.
photos: gp, except where noted.
All Set
July 3, 2016
Flag. Check. Burgers, watermelon and sparklers? Check, check and check. That was simple.
photos: gp
A Complete 180
July 26, 2015
You can’t get any further from Winter’s icy grip than the middle of July. A near ninety degree Sunday calls for a simple plan, spending as much time as possible outdoors. Maybe a little yard work, to bring that Spring clean-up back on schedule, followed by a big slice of watermelon. Perfect.
photos: gp
Watermelon Gazpacho
August 12, 2012
It definitely says summer. Few ingredients…5 minute prep…overnight chill… done and done. The little kick from the hot sauce or some red pepper flakes makes all the difference. Why not serve it as a cocktail or appetizer “shooter” with a feta cube and mint leaf garnish (would a shot of vodka be so bad?) . Or, you can serve it up with a skewer of grilled shrimp like they do over at Meatballs and Milkshakes who created this recipe. Not a bad offering for these 90 + degree days we’ve been having.
http://meatballsandmilkshakes.com/2012/07/10/watermelon-gazpacho-and-grilled-shrimp/
simplequietmodern 