Summer is in full swing, and if you're looking to refresh your kitchen with some fun and functional finds, HomeGoods is the place to be. As an expert editorial writer, I've scoured the internet to bring you the top 11 kitchen must-haves that will brighten up your space for the season. From table linens to cocktail kits, these picks are sure to inspire your inner chef and entertain your guests. But before we dive into the list, let's talk about why HomeGoods is such a treasure trove for shoppers. The retail giant specializes in everything from home decor to kitchen essentials, and its catchphrase, 'Go finding,' is a testament to the unique and ever-changing inventory. So, without further ado, let's explore the 11 summer kitchen must-haves that will make your home feel like a beachside oasis.
1. Bright, Colorful Table Linens
One of the best things about summer is the opportunity to experiment with bold and vibrant colors. And what better way to do that than with your table linens? I personally think that a floral, watermelon-pink tablecloth is the perfect way to set the mood for a summer brunch. But if you're more of a traditionalist, an apricot-colored option is also available, and it would look smashing as a decoration for a Sam's Club-fueled summer brunch. The key is to have fun with it and let your personality shine through. So, if you see a tablecloth that speaks to you, don't be afraid to take the plunge and add it to your cart.
2. Cocktail Syrups, Kits, and Garnishes
Summer heat calls for icy cold cocktails and mocktails in all the fruity flavors. And HomeGoods has you covered with a plethora of delicious ingredients to prepare your favorite drinks or to find something new to try. Not only can you find alcohol-free wines in many stores, but there are also cocktail kits and syrups in which you just add your booze of choice. There are also bags of drink garnishes, like trendy dehydrated citrus slices. Additionally, you can sometimes find everything you need to make a pitcher cocktail, with the pitcher included. So, if you're looking to impress your guests with a refreshing drink, HomeGoods is the place to be.
3. Lemon Salt and Pepper Shakers
Nothing brightens up a kitchen in summer quite like some citrus decor. And an Instagram user showcasing their HomeGoods finds featured a fantastic lemon salt and pepper shaker set. Glossy ceramic lemons acted as the shakers for salt and pepper, both of which sat on a green tray shaped like a leaf. Curves and vine tendrils gave the whole set movement, so definitely pick this one up if you happen to come across it. The key is to add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen, and these shakers are the perfect way to do that.
4. Lobster Plates and Seashell Bowls
It's not unusual to find sea-themed kitchen pieces at HomeGoods during the summer, and these bowls and plates we found on Instagram are just a couple of examples. The trio of white bowls are adorned with blue seashells and are a perfect size for cereal, oatmeal, soups, and ice cream. The plates are made in Portugal and have a thin blue border and a simple depiction of an adorable lobster in the middle. The key is to add a touch of coastal charm to your kitchen, and these pieces are the perfect way to do that.
5. Printed Cocktail Spoons
Spoons can be silver, black, or gold in color, but they can also be printed, which adds a fun touch to your summertime parties. A channel on YouTube found an impressive stash of these gems at one HomeGoods store. Packs of four spoons were printed with plaid, berries, lemons, and other fun patterns. These are perfect for serving dips, placing in jars of jam, and adding to condiment bowls on summer grazing boards. The key is to add a touch of whimsy to your table setting, and these spoons are the perfect way to do that.
6. Orange-Shaped Juice Pitcher
We found several pieces on Instagram that depicted a big, juicy orange, but it was an orange-shaped pitcher that really caught our eye. A robust, round orange shape complete with orange peel dimples made up the pitcher itself while the spout and handle looked like orange leaves. We can't help but imagine serving freshly-squeezed orange juice from this gorgeous piece on a sunny summer morning. The key is to add a touch of natural beauty to your kitchen, and this pitcher is the perfect way to do that.
7. Food Domes
Screened food domes (sometimes called a cloche) are staples for anyone who likes to eat or entertain outside during the summertime. They are typically assembled with a platter to place your food on and a breathable, domed cover to go over the top so bugs don't help themselves to your food. HomeGoods does a great job stocking these handy pieces in many shapes and sizes. The ones we found on YouTube are large enough to build a charcuterie, fruit, or veggie spread and enjoy it alfresco. The key is to add a touch of elegance to your outdoor dining experience, and these domes are the perfect way to do that.
8. Sailboat Napkin Holder
People who love spending time at the beach or lake during the summer will love this fun wicker napkin holder we spotted on Instagram, which is shaped like a sailboat. Navy blue and white in color, it gives off nautical vibes alongside pure Americana. Of course, HomeGoods is constantly stocked with seasonal, colorful, festive napkins, so go ahead and show them off in this piece. The key is to add a touch of coastal charm to your table setting, and this napkin holder is the perfect way to do that.
9. Flamingo-Shaped Basket
We first spotted a bright pink, flamingo-shaped basket on Instagram and then we found a reel on TikTok of an entire display of flamingo pieces at a HomeGoods store. Needless to say, the Barbiecore birds are hot for summertime. Our basket pick is a great vehicle for holding bags of snacks, flatware, napkins, candies, flowers, and whatever else you can dream up. It might also be adorable placed by your kitchen sink. The key is to add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen, and this basket is the perfect way to do that.
10. Whale-Shaped Ice Bucket
Add this to the list of 'things you don't need but are too cool to pass up.' You tend to find a lot of things like this at HomeGoods, which makes shopping there that much more exciting. A YouTuber found this metal ice bucket which is large enough to hold ice and some bottles of drinks, all surrounded by a wicker whale. It's perfect for a beach-themed tablescape, but is also awesome enough to use all the time. The key is to add a touch of fun and personality to your outdoor entertaining, and this ice bucket is the perfect way to do that.
11. Stanley Cups
Surely it was only a matter of time before super trendy (and super-expensive), insulated Stanley cups made their way to HomeGoods stores, and it has officially happened. As one Instagram user showed us, the store was stocked with several sizes and colors at excellent, discounted prices. On a different post, we spotted more colors alongside a collection of YETI tumblers. Both brands are perfect for staying cool and hydrated during the hot summer months. The key is to add a touch of sustainability and style to your outdoor adventures, and these cups are the perfect way to do that.
In conclusion, HomeGoods is a treasure trove for shoppers looking to refresh their kitchens with fun and functional finds. From table linens to cocktail kits, these 11 summer kitchen must-haves are sure to inspire your inner chef and entertain your guests. So, the next time you're out shopping, keep an eye out for these pieces and don't be afraid to take the plunge and add them to your cart. After all, summer is all about having fun and enjoying the little things in life, and these finds are the perfect way to do that.
