Summertime is pure magic. But when I think about the poolside summer habits of my youth — not enough sun protection, too many burgers and hotdogs, unhealthy drinking choices — it gets me thinking about how those dog day afternoons really affect my body. This summer, we’re feeling more determined than ever to find that elusive balance between soaking up the sun, and still maintaining our wellness habits, and today we’ve teamed up with Truly Spiked and Sparkling to do just that. It all starts with this beautiful, delicious, super satisfying spread of summer favorites that can all be purchased in one trip to the grocery store. Keep reading to learn how to pull off this show-stopping spread with ease.
photography by Ashleigh Amoroso
1. Mochi Ice Cream
This Japanese confection is a pool goers dream. Grab ’em from your favorite grocer, then bring them out mid-party for a hand held ice cream bite that will make your guests freak. These colorful cuties get cleared out in minutes, so no need to worry about them sitting out and melting… and bonus points for that built-in portion control.
2. Hand Fans
They’re not just for playing dress up! We love setting out hand fans at our summer gatherings because they seriously work, and these natural woven ones add to the island feel of this spread.
3. Truly Spiked & Sparkling
We love Truly for its crispness and refreshing taste, and because as a spiked sparkling water with 5% alc./vol. and only 100 calories, it keeps us refreshed and having fun at the same time. Their exotic flavors like Colima Lime and Grapefruit & Pomelo also pair perfectly with seasonal tropical fruit, plus, everything tastes better when sipped out of a cute can.
4. Sunscreen
This one’s a no brainer, but really, no outdoor spread is complete without this summer must-have. We like setting out lots of different options — higher and lower SPFs, sensitive skin, waterproof — so that every guest has protection for their skin type.
5. Fresh Fruit
Sliced watermelon is always a welcomed summer treat, but for something just a little more elevated, we like filling a halved melon with even more refreshing goodness. Greek yogurt, berries, fresh herbs, and pineapple are all fool-proof additions.
6. Tropical Flowers
Don’t overthink this one, guys! No arranging is necessary when vibrant orchids are pretty enough on their own. We tucked the bright fuchsia blooms into serving pieces and around the table to take our beat-the-heat spread to the next level.
