"One summer when I was back home from college, my siblings and I spent a good chunk of our days doing nothing but watching episodes of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. Ina Garten had us fully engrossed in her simple yet elegant cooking style, the soothing cadence of her voice, her quietly hilarious sense of humor, and her sweet romance with doting husband Jeffrey. To this day, classic Ina catchphrases like “How easy is that?” or “Store-bought is fine” are a key part of our family lexicon, and several of her recipes are mainstays on our Thanksgiving table. Although she’s made headlines recently thanks to the recent publication of her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, the truth is, Ina has always been an icon.
While some champion Martha Stewart or Nancy Meyers as the ultimate lifestyle inspiration, Ina Garten’s particular brand of laid-back elegance has always been more my style. This year, I’m resolved to have myself an Ina Garten summer, and you can, too (no house in the Hamptons required). Keep scrolling for 11 easy ways to channel Ina Garten this summer. Isn’t that fabulous?
1. Make dining al fresco a regular thing
Throughout Barefoot Contessa (and now on her new show Be My Guest), Ina regularly invites her famous friends over to dine outdoors on the patio, and I would, too, if I had a house in the Hamptons with a gorgeous garden. But alas, the backyard of my suburban Midwest home will have to do. Eating outdoors is the perfect way to romanticize a simple meal and soak up the beautiful summer weather, and it doesn’t have to be reserved for when you’re hosting. Make use of your own outdoor space (big or small) for weeknight meals, or snag patio seating the next time you’re dining out.
2. Use the “good” stuff
Ina’s whole approach to cooking revolves around making simple dishes special by using fresh, quality ingredients. She often touts the importance of using “good” store-bought items (instead of cheap, low-quality ingredients) to elevate the dish, and this philosophy can totally apply to other facets of life, too. Whether it entails baking a batch of cookies with the “good” vanilla, using the fancy plates for a regular weeknight dinner, or wearing that outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion, don’t be afraid to use the good stuff to make your everyday a little extra special.
3. Start a garden
Ina has a beautiful, thriving garden at her East Hampton home where she grows all manner of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. She often shows it off on her Instagram, and you can just tell it brings her so much joy. This year, I’m aiming to channel some of that same satisfaction with a garden of my own (albeit on a much smaller scale). Whether you have space for a whole vegetable garden or you’re limited to just a few pots on a balcony or windowsill, gardening can be such a rewarding hobby that lets you get your hands dirty and create something beautiful out of it.
4. Find a signature summer cocktail
Who could forget the April 2020 Instagram video of Ina mixing up one absolutely massive cosmopolitan using almost an entire fifth of Grey Goose? Ina is not shy about her love for a good cocktail. This summer, spend some time playing mixologist as you nail down your own signature drink. Practice making the perfect dirty martini at home, or find the spritz recipe you’ll want to sip on a patio all summer long. Then make sure your bar cart is fully stocked with all the necessary ingredients.
5. Take a minimalist approach to your summer wardrobe
One thing about Ina is that when she finds something that works, she sticks with it. Her clothing choices are one of the most obvious examples. Ina’s on-screen wardrobe consists almost exclusively of long-sleeved, button-down shirts—often made of denim and sometimes paired with a scarf tied demurely around her neck. While I’m not likely to commit to one outfit formula for the rest of my life, I admire her commitment to a signature look. Let this inspire you to nail down what works for you and lean into it. Whether that means phasing out your denim shorts or fully embracing linen everything, pare down your summer wardrobe to only those things that make you feel comfortable, confident, and truly like yourself.
6. Host a dinner party
Oh, what I would give to have an invite to a dinner party hosted by Ina Garten (preferably with a seat between Stanley Tucci and Michelle Obama). Until that day comes, I’ll be channeling Ina by hosting dinner parties of my own. Sitting down to a table full of good food and surrounded by great friends is my idea of the perfect evening. Plus, hosting is not as stressful as you might think, especially when you follow a few of Ina’s golden dinner party rules: Never make a recipe you haven’t tried before, and if it’s too complicated to make it yourself, store-bought is fine.
7. Frequent the farmers market
Like any good cook, Ina often sources ingredients from her local farmers market, and this is an easy way you can level up your cooking, too. Head to a farmers market near you to peruse locally grown produce, artisanal baked goods, fresh flowers, and other specialty items. It’s so much more fun than wheeling a cart around the grocery store, and you can’t beat the freshness. Instead of starting with a list, fill up a tote bag with whatever looks best, then find a recipe to make with your ingredients.
8. Buy fresh flowers
Having fresh flowers around the house is one of those simple things that can add a touch of elegance to your everyday, and that’s what Ina is all about. I just imagine her walking out to her garden each morning to cut flowers for her kitchen table. If you don’t have a garden full of blooms right outside your door, you can easily grab a pre-packaged bouquet from the grocery store or pick up a bunch at the farmers market for a similar effect. It’s the perfect way to feel a little extra fancy without spending a ton of money.
9. Cook something special for someone you love
You just know Ina is about to whip up an absolute banger of a recipe when she says, “Jeffrey’s gonna love this.” Jeffrey clearly loves Ina’s cooking just as much as Ina loves to cook, and it’s a good reminder that cooking for someone can be such a special way to show them some love and appreciation. Whether it’s for a partner, friend, family member, or neighbor, make a meal for someone you love the next time you want to make them feel appreciated and cared for.
10. Relax by the water
On episodes of Be My Guest, Ina often ends the day by driving her guest (in a top-down convertible, no less) to the beach for a cozy chat by the water. Even if you don’t live on the coast, find a body of water near you where you can channel those laid-back beach vibes. It could be a lake, river, or even a pond at your local park. Bring a book and find a cozy spot to sit and read, or take a walk along the shoreline while taking in the view. Just being near water can have a relaxing, restorative effect.
11. Start a cookbook collection
When I can’t decide what to make for dinner, I often turn to Pinterest for inspiration, only to end up making a recipe from some random blog that turns out to be a complete flop. This summer, I’m vowing to stop the cycle and start using actual cookbooks for dinner ideas. There’s just something about flipping through a physical cookbook that’s so much more inspiring than scrolling an app. Ina herself has published over a dozen cookbooks, with themes ranging from make-ahead meals to party-ready recipes, so you’re sure to find one that offers the inspo you’re looking for.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Feature graphic images credited to: Cora Pursley | Dupe, Laurel Segrist | Dupe, Margaret Molloy | Dupe, Emma Masur | Dupe, Cora Pursley | Dupe, Kyle Drago | Dupe