Summer bucket list ideas for adults (that don’t require a holiday)

Every summer I convince myself this is going to be the year.

The year I become someone who wakes up early, goes to farmers markets, spends every evening outside and somehow magically has plans every weekend. Then July arrives and I remember… most of us are still working, replying to emails and trying to remember whose turn it is to book dinner.

So if your summer isn’t looking like a European itinerary and twelve airport outfit posts - this is your reminder that summer can still feel special.

Sometimes all it takes is making ordinary plans feel a bit more intentional.

Host a tapas night (and make it a whole thing)

This might genuinely be one of the easiest ways to make an evening feel like summer. 

Forget trying to cook one impressive meal. Buy lots of little things instead. Put everything in the middle of the table. Bread. Olives. Cheese. Drinks. Crisps. You can even ask each of your friends to bring something along - that way the cost is split, and you all get to try new snacks!

One of my favourite hosting tricks is opening a few different Que Rico flavours and putting them out together - it’s an immediate crowd-pleaser, and a great kickstart to conversations. Everyone always has a favourite - whether they think Spanish Sea Salt is classic for a reason, or someone else thinks Spicy Chorizo is the perfect accent to a tapas board. 

Create a reading day instead of waiting to “have time”

If your screen time report has been humbling lately, this one is for you.

Choose one afternoon to bring your current book outside. And if you don’t have a book already, treat yourself by going to an actual book store (yes physically), and picking out something that you’ve been wanting to read.

Reading feels completely different in summer because suddenly it stops feeling productive and starts feeling indulgent. Especially when you combine it with a refreshing, fun drink and a little treat. Some of my favourite combos include:

• A glass of white wine with Que Rico’s Sea Salt & Sherry Vinegar crisps

• A lemonade with Que Rico’s Serrano Ham & Rosemary crisps

Romanticise brunch

This is your sign to stop treating brunch like an expensive event. You don’t have to book a boujee restaurant to have brunch with your friends. I love to make my kitchen or dining room into an at home ‘coffee shop’

Pick up some pre-made pastries, some fun coffee syrups and pull out your favourite mugs. Invite everyone to wear pyjamas and spend the morning stood around the kitchen or sat around the table gossiping.

And if you want something fun to get your friends talking: try pairing croissants with Que Rico’s Spanish Sea Salt crisps. It sounds like the weirdest combination, but the saltiness of the crisps mixed with the sweet, butteriness of the croissant is so delicious!

Stay out later

As adults with full-time jobs we often put Summer plans on the backburner due to having little time after work. But sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective - try staying out a bit later. It doesn’t have to be everyday, just once or twice a week can make a huge difference.

Walk home. Say yes to one more drink. Watch the sunset at the beach. Sit outside after dinner. Find the magic of Summer again.

The truth about Summer as an adult

Summer rarely looks like it did when we were younger. There are fewer six-week holidays and more calendars, routines and trying to fit plans around real life. But that doesn’t mean Summer has to feel less exciting.

Staying at the table longer. Making ordinary evenings feel special. Saying yes when your first instinct is to go straight home.

These can all help to bring the excitement back into your Summer.