If you follow along on social media, then you’ll know that recently I’ve begun a second career as Licensed Real Estate Agent at Compass in the Hamptons. I specialize in home buying, selling, and rentals. As summer is kicking into high gear, everyone is after the perfect summer home. Whether you own a second home—or if you’re looking to buy contact me, even if you’re not looking in the Hamptons, I can help you connect to the perfect agent wherever you’re looking—, renting, or just looking to make your primary residence the perfect summer oasis, I wanted to share with you some key items that make the perfect summer home.

Over the past few years, my wife and I have had 8 incredible summer rentals in the Hamptons, and as a Private Chef, working in the Hamptons market, we wanted to share our unique insights on how to set up your summer home. So, let’s go!

1. Create an outdoor space. Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors. Often, a home will allow you to create multiple spaces to enjoy—deck dinning, an outdoor firepit, swimming pool—but even a small balcony or patio (remember, we moved to Sag Harbor from Manhattan, so we know how to navigate smaller spaces!) can give you the opportunity to set up and enjoy early sunrises and late sunsets from the comfort of your summer home. Outdoor spaces can get really luxurious and extravagant, but you only need a few basics for the perfect summer space: comfortable seating, a small table—to hold your magazines, books, cocktails, or coffee—, an outdoor rug to warm the space. Below are some linked products that we love for summer.

2. Easy Organizing and Serving Pieces. This category is a bit general but the purpose is really to stock your summer home with some items that make hanging out and entertaining easy and enjoyable.