These are the things that we've got our eyes on, which we can use over the summer and as we head into September. Just remember to make sure you give yourself and your family to sit back, play games and relax.
To treat yourself
Hats & Caps - sur la tête Monaco Packable Sun Hat - Navy Blue, £26.95
India Knight pointed us towards this stylish linen cotton mix hat in her Sunday Times Style column and for good reason. It's fantastic value for a well made hat that looks as good on as it does off. The brim is sufficiently wide to keep the sun off your face and works in both the city and on the beach (or countryside). You can of course wear the hat with the brim turned upwards. Buy here.
Nrby - Summer Wave Print Scarf, £35
A scarf is an easy thing to pack and when buying this colourful one from Nrby, you won't have a guilt trip. We love the sun rich colours that you can wear as a sarong, around your shoulders on a chilly evening or simply to cheer up a dull day. Buy here
To treat your family
Wibergs Pine Hand Wash, £15
For fans of Wiberg's pine bath essence, the new hand wash is an exciting addition to your daily routine. The refreshing scent of pine and essential oils will give you a spark whether you have a bottle by your sink in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Buy here.
L'Occitane - Lavender Foaming Bath, £29.50
Transport yourself to Provence with this rich foaming bubble bath and relax in the scent of lavender. Switch off and let the rinse away the cares of the day. The foam leaves your skin feeling supple and smelling delicious. Plus a little goes a long way so you can luxuriate all summer long. Buy here.
To enjoy
The Fleece Company - Muslin Blanket, from £64
Whether you're renting a cottage during the holidays or staying at home, this muslin blanket is easily packed and works very well in hot weather. At bedtime, use it over a top sheet instead of a duvet or wrap around you to keep warm in the evening chill outside. The lightness and weave of muslin creates airflow and helps regulate temperature naturally. Buy here.
Twizzell - Indian Hand Block Print Tablecloth, Pink & Red Stripe, £80
Pink and red make a great combination at summer meal times. This long tablecloth, 3m by 1.7m, made in Jaipur using traditional block print techniques, will bring sunshine and cheer to lunch or supper. It's easily washed in the washing machine and you'll need to dry it on a line. Buy here.
John Lewis - Stainless Steel Rolling BBQ Grill Basket, £9.99
Up your BBQ game with this basket that you can use for cooking vegetables, chopped meat or prawns. Fill the basket and then turn regularly to ensure a good browning. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Buy here.
The White Company - Melamine Collection, now from £6.40
Breathe new life into you picnicware and invest in some stylish melamine plates and bowls. We love the simplicity of The White Company's collection which has organic shapes and a simple matte-white finish, smart enough to use inside as well. Buy here.
To eat and drink
The Uncommon Rose Bubbly, £6
What's not to love about a tin of bubbly that can be chilled in the fridge and then thrown into a chill bag for a picnic or to enjoy as you watch the sun go down. This rosé, called Eleanor, is made from English pinot noir grapes and is naturally low in sugar. It's won awards both the wine and its packaging, which is lovely as well. Buy here.
Christopher's Premium Cordials, £11.50 per bottle
Belvoir cordials roll over as there is a new kid in town, namely Christopher's Cordials, the brainchild of Tom Parker-Bowles and Jolyon Fenwick. The Times is enamoured and asks, 'Is this the world's poshest cordial?' given Tom P-B's mum is our dear Queen. These are proper cordials where no corners are cut in the making. They stand proudly alongside alcoholic drinks whilst offering non drinkers a pretty fine non-alcoholic snifter. They're made with pure fruit juice, a little organic cane sugar and a subtle mix of organic botanicals. Flavours include blackberry and blueberry, gooseberry and lime and Sicilian lemon and redcurrant (our favourite). Buy here.
Tracklements Sweet Mustard Ketchup, £3.80
Once you've tried this ketchup, you'll be smitten. Its sweet with a strong kick: just what you need to serve at your BBQ. Tracklements use both wholegrain and smooth mustards, with a balance of sugar and spices to make this delicious ketchup/sauce. Serve alongside steak, burgers, sausages, chicken or chops. Plus you can use it as a base for a tasty salad dressing. Find this mustard ketchup at Amazon or buy here, at Ocado.
To play
Hasbro Monopoly Deal Card Game, was £6, now £4.50
Every home should have a deck of these playing cards. No holiday is complete without a game or two of this addictive Monopoly game. The good thing about Monopoly Deal is that a round can be played sometimes within fifteen minutes. To win, a player needs to collect three complete property card sets, each in a different colour. In true Monopoly form, you can swap, steal and scheme. Such is its popularity that Amazon has sold out at the moment, but we've found it on sale at Argos. Buy here.
Jaques of London - Full Rounders Set & Carry Bag, was £32.99 now £29.99
How about a family game of old-fashioned rounders that even little ones can play. The kit includes an oversized safe-play ball and come in a useful carry bag. Just what you need to stow in the boot of your car. Buy here.
To dream
At Home In Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France by Jeany Cronk, £27
You might not be in France or somewhere hot over the summer but it doesn't stop you dreaming. With a glass of rosé in hand, read about the Cronks' journey from their early days of setting up Maison Mirabeau to the everyday rustic charms of living amongst their vines that make the award winning rosés. There are some very good recipes in here as well: we've been tempted to try Coq au Vin Rosé. Buy here.
