By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Monicelli)

July 2023

Island living is something we cherish and there’s no better place to spend a July day than on one of Nantucket’s beaches - whether it’s the ocean, the Jetties or a beach you’re lucky to find off a beaten path.  When I saw the new Telescope beach chairs in Home Furnishings, I knew it was definitely time for an upgrade. They’re so classy in navy with white stars or bold red and white stripes!  And, I absolutely had to have one of Marine’s exclusive Matouk luxurious beach blankets with our world-known ACK monogram. Fold them into a canvas Scout tote with matching stripes as a welcome gift for house guests or for a special party host. 

Summertime is a gift, a time to entertain casually, to relax with family and friends, to have fun, to give yourself a pass on your usual “neat and tidy” standards. Extend the July 4th patriotic theme for entertaining throughout the month. 

1. Group potted red geraniums in the center of the table and tie them together with a wide red, white and blue ribbon..Or put them into a striped Scout beach bag. 
2. Remove the sticks from little American flags and string the flags on a clothesline to hang from tree to tree over your deck or lawn.
3. Choose food with the color scheme. Strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, a berry pie, cupcakes with white icing and red and blue sprinkles.
4. For a buffet table: Use a red sand pail to hold individually wrapped red or blue handled utensils (Housewares) with red, white and blue Sophist paper napkins tied with ribbons. Better yet, use the stars and stripes cotton/linen dishtowels as oversized napkins for a barbecue, or bibs for a lobster feast. Add Sophist gold-rimmed red, white and blue striped plates and bowls. 
5.   For a clambake: the lobster/anchor serving dishes are perfect along with lighhouse-shaped salt and pepper shakers (good hostess gift!). Reminder: Don’t forget claw crackers and other lobster accessories. Be sure to get enough.
6. MUST HAVE for a beach party! A red, white or blue Yeti cooler and I can’t say enough about the Weber Beach Grill Q1200; small, compact, light and incredibly easy to take anywhere you want to set up a cookout. 

Presidential 4^th of July Facts: 

Do you know how many U.S. Presidents were born on the 4^th of July?

Two signers of the Declaration of Independence, who served as Presidents, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, coincidentally died on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was the 50^th anniversary of the original signing. James Monroe, one of the founders, was the 3^rd President to die on July 4^th, 1831. And Calvin Coolidge, our 30^th President, was the only President, so far, born on July 4, 1872.

Photo by Leslie Linsley Enterprises