By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

June 2025

The Rewards of Waiting!

June is finally here and there’s lots to celebrate: Father’s Day, the summer solstice, graduations and many weddings on Nantucket. There’s something fresh and full of promise about June—the light lingers longer, the garden begins to show off, and the island is bursting with optimism as a new season begins. Get your home guest-ready by making it feel light and lived-in, where you can kick off your shoes and sip a glass of lemonade topped with a sprig of mint from your own garden! 

Edit, Replace, Restore

Simplify your lifestyle and live more intentionally. A simple lifestyle can symbolize freedom and serenity at home. Go through each room eliminating things that have lived past their prime and upgrade where necessary. Take stock of garden tools, table linens, sheets and towels, and cookware, The grill that you promised yourself to replace last year is a great Father’s Day gift, with delivery and setup included. From Cuisinart’s Gourmet Collection, the Programmable Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte coffeemaker are prefect for a celebratory breakfast with fresh baked Morning Glory muffins from Wicked, or blueberry muffins from Nantucket Bake Shop. Kid’s gift to Dad Idea: Start a summer memory jar with a clear container to hold little souvenirs from a beach walk.

Freshen Up the Front Entryway

As I walked around my neighborhood, I noticed author, Nancy Thayer’s house on Orange Street has a new coat of paint in an attractive grey/blue historic color with a shiny silver knocker and new numbers set above it. Her historic home brightens my corner and made me take a fresh look at my own door. A new doormat, a pot of bright flowers on each side of the door and voila! An instant mood booster every time you come home. 

Simplify the Guest Room

Pamper guests with luxurious Matouk and Sferra sheets and towels in their soft island palette. Add a hydrangea blue cotton throw at the end of the bed. Think ahead to who’s coming. It might be wise to buy a sofa bed or an inflatable mattress before the season’s in full swing. Found space: Store winter bedding in an under-the-bed storage bag. Clear a drawer or shelf. Fill a little basket with toiletries—someone always forgets their toothbrush and leave a note with the WiFi password.

Entertaining With Ease

The best gatherings feel a little imperfect and relaxed. This is achieved with careful planning so you can be a guest at your own get-togethers. Be inspired to create a table setting based on the bright colored napkins and placemats in Housewares. Tip: a centerpiece with individual pots of herbs and candles to match. Housewares is overflowing with new cookware, unbreakable glassware for outdoor parties, pretty dishtowels (great for a barbecue) large tray (a must!). I was reminded that I need a lobster pot and several claw crackers and while I’m thinking of summer evenings, I added a blender for making Margueritas. The summer solstice is a reason to host a simple dinner cooked on your new grill and toast the longest day of the year with friends. The 28” lightweight, portable table that folds into a bag, makes impromptu beach parties so do-able. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Deck The Deck

My flowerpots are filled with blue and yellow flowers to match my outdoor cushions. An abundance of planters in different shapes, sizes, colors and textures fill the outside area of Housewares. Hard to resist. I always have sprigs of basil, parsley, or mint in a glass Mason jar on my kitchen counter. Just in: A new version of the popular gurgling fish pitcher. Stunning for a bouquet of early bloomers or a house gift. I was overjoyed to find  touch to turn on/off, Glow Led Table Lamps - perfect on my deck or for a sunset picnic on the beach. Tip: Leave a stack of beach towels in a brightly colored Scout bag by the door.

DIY Projects

            My friend Peggy refreshed all her outdoor plant stands with bright white spray paint to hold blue and white pots of blue flowers. Transform an old side table, wicker or wooden chairs with a shiny or matte finish. I love the spray milk paint from Magnolia. Sage green is soft and blends with the surroundings.  I am seriously considering having a pergola built over my outdoor dining area with strings of fairy lights for a romantic setting. Maybe next month’s home building project!