It’s a delicate balance, having caviar dreams with a tuna fish budget. As much as I wish I were working from a seaside mansion in the Hamptons, it’s not in the cards just yet. What I can do, though, is match the aesthetic for much cheaper. Especially with all the summer collections launching from our favorite designers, there’s so much elegant decor to choose from, without the high price tag. Take Joanna Gaines’s summer drops at Target.
In scrolling through Gaines’s newest decor, one motif immediately stuck out to me: blue-and-white gingham, alternated with khaki brown. The same color scheme you’re likely to find if you spend 24 summer hours in any New England town. The pieces look sophisticated, but all of my favorite pieces were under $50. So I’m loading up my cart with affordable finds I can enjoy in the backyard or tote with me to the beach.
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I found everything from non-tacky pool floats to melamine bowls for outdoor snacking and chilled rosé. Woven blankets and throw pillows with classic navy blue-and-white striping transform any backyard. The whole collection is much cheaper than a house in the Hamptons, but it brings the same style to your backyard. My summer just got way more chic, and I didn’t have to break the bank to do it.
What is a Hamptons summer without a chic place to picnic and enjoy the beach? This striped, fringed picnic blanket almost blends into the sand, and it’s soft enough to stretch out on during lazy summer afternoons.
A great tablecloth can refresh even the most rickety dining table. This one has a sharp, striped navy design for a classic, not-too-beachy look. Plus, it’s woven from cotton that’s OEKO-TEX certified against harmful chemicals.
This circular throw is small enough that it’d fit well on an armchair, on a guest bed, or as one of a few pillows on the couch. The blue stripe design is versatile, so if your furniture looks a bit basic, this will give it some dimension.
Yes, even your kitchen towels deserve a summer upgrade. These come in a duo, one with alternating navy blue stripes and another with dramatic white piping. At just $10, these machine-washable towels are an easy kitchen upgrade.
In case you haven’t caught on yet, melamine is having a major moment in the world of entertaining. The sturdy material is ideal for hosting outdoors or for serving kids who might drop delicate china. This four-pack of mini bowls is made for aperitivo hour.
Part of getting that bougie Hamptons feel in your home is the sensory experience when you walk in. So not only does this ceramic jar candle fit right in with blue and khaki striping, but the eucalyptus and santal notes make any home smell that much richer.
Pair that picnic blanket with a beautifully woven picnic basket for a truly stylish beach lunch. It’s not just a pretty face, though. Of the two inner compartments, one side is meant for dry foods, with a classic gingham lining. The other zips shut and has an insulating foil lining, for anything you need to keep cold or hot.
If you prefer to tote your snacks around in something a bit softer, this canvas cooler is just as fashionable. At under two pounds, it’s super lightweight, and it can hold up to 10 cans of your favorite drink at once.
I’m a big proponent of having a separate blanket and towel at the beach or pool. You don’t want to get one soggy and be stuck with it all day. This absorbent towel is double the width of the typical beach towel, so you can wrap yourself up in it to dry off in the sun.
Outdoor lighting helps extend the shelf life of your outdoor furniture, ensuring conversation and relaxation can continue late into the night. These woven lanterns look like decor by day, and come to life at night. They come in a small and a large size, each under $50.
It’s honestly pretty hard to find a kiddie pool that doesn’t look tacky, but Gaines went ahead and solved that conundrum. This striped pool is designed for up to two kids to play together. It’s the perfect place to cool off without becoming a backyard eyesore.
If you’re blessed with a full-size pool in your backyard (or a reliably clean public one), then your pool floats deserve the same non-tacky upgrade. This one has a built-in cup holder, and it gets a “12 out of 10” from our Digital Director, Blair Donovan.
If you’re desperately trying to make your life a bit more analog, might we suggest a cute portable radio? Make your summer days screen-free with this brass-handled radio, with both AM/FM and Bluetooth capability.
Ina Garten has sung the praises of a great set of linen napkins, and it’s our favorite tablescaping hack. A gingham set like this one is a lightly preppy addition to your table, woven from soft, machine-washable cotton.
Remember: beachfront properties can get pretty chilly once the sun goes down. You’ll want to have a cute throw blanket at the ready. Burrowing under the multicolored stitching will make you want to stay on the patio all night.
Another versatile throw pillow in Gaines’s collection, this one would please the minimalists and maximalists alike. The striped pattern has a subtle, contrasting blue border for depth, while the brown and cream colors still blend into a more neutral home.