Newsflash, there are just a few weeks left of Summer. Like always, the long days and balmy nights have disappeared under the weight of holiday shopping, holiday eating and, if you’re a parent, school holiday survival. But it’s not too late to soak up the last of Summer. We’ve got a few tips up our sleeves for how to level-up your game and make the most of these golden days of 2026.
Step it up
Look, we all love a Summer sleep-in, but now is the time to take advantage of daylight savings – seize those early morning rays for all they’re worth. Grab your besties, or your best romantasy audio book and hit the pavement. We are big fans of audio books these days, and really, anything Luke Bateman recommends on Insta is going into the queue. Don’t forget, 2026 is the year of all things self-care and that starts with sunscreen and a good hat.
Plan a dinner party
Before we all get stuck into the every day routine, carve out some time to set the table properly, plan a themed-food night and crack open a few bottles of wine with your friends. The good news is pot luck is back – give everyone a dish or course to cater so you’re not doing all the heavy lifting yourself. We’ve been known to throw a few lemon parties ourselves – think limoncello, spaghetti al limone, lemon meringue pie… the list goes on! We’ve had good fun trying out a few new homewares for our summer soirees. The Corelle Winter Frost Dinner Set is our new best friend. These babies are bright, clean white, so you’re totally justified in going wild with patterns and colour for your tableware, napkins and place settings. Oh is that just us? Anyway, the glass plates are triple-layer strong glass so there will be less chips in your future. And they stack up nice and compact. There’s also a handy serving platter for charcuterie, or as we like to use it, big heaping serves of salads. And if you are really embracing laid back Summer, we’ve got a good dessert cheat for you. A tub of Bulla Splits Lemon-Lime ice cream from Woolies. So much nostalgia for hot Summer days right there. Corelle Winter Frost Dinner Set, $199
Jazz up your drinks
We are leaning in hard to a Summer gin & tonic sundowner (more on that below) and have been giving these fun new glasses a whirl. The Anchor Hocking’s Alistair Drinking Glasses feel equal parts retro and glam and we love it. Start your dinner party with some mint or cucumber water, bring them out for the G&Ts and then round out the time by busting them back out again for a whiskey night cap. The glasses come in sets of four and best of all, can go straight into the dishwasher at the end of the night. Alistair Drinking Glasses
The Summer gin and tonic. In case you can’t tell, we are here for it in a big way. And these days we are all about the brand new Saint Juniper Red Lime Gin (No. 5). You’d be forgiven for not having heard of this boutique brand but Saint Juniper has been the talk of the gin scene since arriving in 2024. The micro-batch beauties are all carefully crafted with great intention – founder Paul Walton is committed to being considered in his approach, using a curated mix of botanicals based on balance rather than trends at the time. You’re also invited into the process, via The Tasting Panel, a process where you choose a curated set of gins, share your insights through a formal feedback process and are credited $50 for your next gin. The No. 5 blends Southeast Asian botanicals (think lemongrass and ginger) with native finger lime. Walton suggests serving with tonic, lime and a ribbon of ginger – our Summer cocktail on repeat. Available at Dan Murphy’s or Saintjuniper.com.au, $69
Give the gift of a sleep-in
If you’re a parent, you might be wondering where all the time for these ‘summer sleep-ins’, and ‘table setting for dinner parties’ comes in. We hear you. The days are long and the years short, so the saying goes. Our silver bullet this Summer has been the Toniebox 2. Hours of screen-free (so guilt free for us) entertainment for tiny tots up to the tweens. The audio device is addictive in that you’ll be collecting Tonies for you (we mean your kids!). Our pick is The Magic of the Faraway Tree Tonie for a nostalgic storytime that has us emotional just thinking about it. Kate Winslet narrates this collection of Enid Blyton’s stories. For a change of pace, try out Snoop Dog’s Doggyland Tonie – hip-hop inspired nursery rhymes, need we say more? Toniebox 2 Starter Kit, $189
Pop the bubbles
Life is too short not to bring out the bubbles! And we need to talk about this bottle for a second! Because Brown Brothers’ Limited Edition Aluminium Premium Prosecco Brut isn’t just brilliant wine it’s a total game-changer in packaging. Same 750ml of liquid gold, but in a 40% lighter than glass, infinitely recyclable, chills faster and eliminates the need for additional labels – and frankly, a genius aluminium bottle. This is the Prosecco innovation we’ve been waiting for without even knowing we needed it. Think picnics where you’re not lugging glass around. Beach days without the anxiety. Poolside sophistication without the breakage risk. And here’s the kicker: inside this clever little package is proper, King Valley, single-vineyard Prosecco. The drier, sophisticated kind with Granny Smith apples, zesty lemon, and those impossibly fine bubbles that make every sip feel special. At 11.5%, dangerously drinkable. Get it while you can. Brown Brothers Prossecco Limited Edition $25
A different kind of Victoria’s Secret – Kings Reach
King’s Reach is a brand new premium Australian label, built around old vine fruit from Victoria’s most respected regions King Valley, Sunbury, Heathcote from long-term partnerships with the local growers who’ve tended these vineyards for generations. Produced in collaboration with Marnong Estate’s winemaking team, I’m already sold before I’ve even opened a bottle. I start with the Prosecco and it’s bright and lively with pear and citrus dancing around in my glass. My favourite by a long way is the Pinot Grigio, it’s aromatic, but big and beautifully fruit-forward with apple and pear with a gorgeous gentle finish At $30 a bottle, the PG is punching above it’s weight. Two Shiraz releases dropping in April, I’m already watching the calendar. King’s Reach Wines – from $30 Available via Marnong Estate and select retailers
Be back to school cool
Okay parents, we see you. There’s the book contacting, the lunch box planning, the list goes on. Enter Tape Zoomie. This gadget is going to change your life. Invented by Perth mum Inge Heath after a particularly harried present wrapping session, the Tape Zoomie allows you to cut 18 pieces of sticky tape at once. Wham bam thank you mum. It’s big in schools already and the coolest crafters have all got one in their kit. It’s a little secret weapon when it comes to all your tape dispensing needs. You’re welcome. Sold on Amazon, viral on TikTok, it’s now available in 12 different countries. Tape Zoomie, $31.90
Keep it real fresh
NEU is the new kid on the block. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves! Seriously though, this might just be your Summer thirst quencher. Good vodka, all natural ingredients, plus electrolytes. It’s just 99 calories, and doesn’t have any carbonation. That’s right, no bubbles. The Lemon crush fits with our dinner party theme, and will be right up your alley if you’re all about all-natural flavours. NEU, $19.99 for a 4 pack at Dan Murphys, https://neudrink.com.au
Keeping pups cool – Rywell Cooling Mat
Unlike other cooling mats on the market which are plastic and slippery which means my pup hates them. The Rywell cooling mat has a soft quilted topping. Within minutes Maggie the Greyhound has crash landed in her fav spot by the door. The mat starts changing colour – turning white as it soaks up the heat. It’s like a mood ring for dogs. The thing actually works too. Made with Japanese arc-chill cooling tech, it brings the temperature down by 2-5°C. No batteries, no electricity, no freezer. I like that it’s 1.5cm thick so it’s genuinely comfy (not that flimsy nonsense that basically offers zero cushioning), OEKO-TEX certified so there’s no nasties, and the waterproof bottom means… this mat handles them gracefully. It’s also foldable, which means it’s coming with us to a local cafe. It comes in four sizes, we had the XL. Buy here RRP $59.99
This vegan kimchi is about to become your new fridge staple – bibigo
I’ve been obsessed with their Mandu dumplings which are the best in Australia. Now they launched their new kimchi range. First up, the ‘Traditional Refreshing Style’. It’s got a classic garlicky kimchi aroma but is lighter, cleaner and much crispier thanks to matchsticks of radish. The fermentation is spot on with a tangy, balanced punch. Then comes the Mild ‘Tomato Blend’, and this one surprises me. It’s sweeter, softer, more approachable. Think kimchi’s less intimidating cousin who’s just as fun at the party. It’s still got a lot of chilli kick. Bibigo uses a patented CJLM119 lactic acid strain, approved by the Australian government, which gives their kimchi a signature flavour. I’m getting gut-friendly, superfood goodness. Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just someone who wants their fridge to look impressive give them a whirl. Suitable for Vegans Kimchi Range Available at major supermarkets