Happy Hour : 5 Quick Summer Tricks

Every been in a restaurant when it turns "Happy Hour?" You notice the mood instantly changes as everyone is ready for fun. Whenever I'm having a Bad Hair Day, my cure is always a personal Happy Hour. Of course, I'm hopeless addicted to interiors; so for me, this hour is all about decorating. In this series, we'll look at some quick and happy mood changers for our very own Happy Hour. Each should take about an hour - a mere 60 minutes - to perk up our minds and our rooms. Let's get the party started.

Hope you're enjoying your summer! In a quick Happy Hour last week, I infused some summer into my main rooms. Hope you agree summer shouldn't just be outside. Let's take a look.

Paper Lanterns ~

Paper lanterns from San Francisco's Chinatown found in my basement. Rather than hang from the ceiling, I clustered them in the entry way. Paper lanterns are affordable - less than $10 on Amazon - and once displayed, you've got an instant summer party.

Weathered Outside Decor ~

When a new boyfriend first visited my Portland home, we were having a fun talk until he asked me why I had an old pitch fork standing in the living room. I didn't know how to answer except to say I was knee-deep in my 1980's cottage chic phase. P and I had a good laugh. So bring in an old watercan (I still this one to water my porch pots) or some aged terracotta pots but maybe not a lethal weapon.

Summer Bouquet ~

In the spring, I have an urn of ferns in the entryway. I added a handful of hydrangeas to create a Nantucket vibe. All artifical, unfortunately. Hydrangeas (HomeGoods) + IKEA foldable chairs.

Fruit

Decorating with fruit on my kitchen counter. I can envisage a large table display with pineapples, grapefruit and watermelons. I want to do that but skylights over the kitchen table get too much sun. $6 at Safeway

Straw Hats ~

Gather up straw hats to update a kitchen coat rack. Or how about laying an old mitt+baseball or croquet balls around? The sky's the limit - just anything summery.

That's my 5 quick summer do-ups. If I could add a 6th to the list, it would be music. Last week, I updated one of my Pandora playlists, so I'm immersing myself in '60's Brazilian music ("Tall and tan and young and lovely"). My older car still plays CDs, so I'm listening to Paul Simon's Graceland, friend Ricardo's summer San Francisco soundtract ("Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair") and of course, superb Bob Marley's reggae. Enjoy your summer Sunday!

After reading this post, friend Suzanne sent me this photo - she has a pitchfork in her living room! They use to hang coats on. Very practical and stylish!