Cruel Summer

So those of us in the Northeast have yet to see any semblance of summer weather, and already June's nearly over. Damn the weather forecast - with the solstice behind us, I'm declaring it summer regardless. With the fireworks and festivities of July 4 just around the corner, I'm in a beachy mood. Here are my picks to help inspire the same feeling in you:

Nothing says summer like a bunch of photos of tanned, hunky, shirtless lifeguards. This nicely done book will do just the trick. Added bonus: you can pass it off as "art" instead of something decidedly more illicit.

Lifeguard on Duty, $45, available at amazon.com

When just lying around in the park gets old, break out this pétanque set, the sparkly French cousin to bocce. This gorgeous set is the perfect antidote for a gloomy day (like the ones we've been having), and the solid teak construction will ensure this piece lives to see another summer.

Teak Pétanque Set, $160, available at Design Within Reach

And should you need a refreshment during the game, reach for this. Only recently available in the States, this relative of Campari has a delicious orange flavor. Try an Aperol Spritz - 2 parts prosecco to 1 part Aperol with a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange wedge. It's quite refreshing, and it's low alcohol content (11%) will keep you from getting sloshed.

Aperol aperitivo, $25.99, available at better liquor stores and BevMo!

And if your travels take you to the beach, make sure you're not bumming around in a baggy pair of board shorts. By no means does this give you license to attempt a "Daniel Craig in Casino Royale" maneuver, but your shorts should FIT. Not too tight, though. If you've got skinny legs (guilty) then wearing big shorts is only going to accentuate the issue. One classic option lies in Birdwell Beach Britches, which come in a variety of lengths (nothing beyond the knee, please) and colors to suit your frame. And the price is right, too.

Birdwell Beach Britches, $50, available at Kona Sports (photo, New York Times)

Cheers to summer.