Ahhhh summer …and the opportunities it gives us to convene outside over meals and conversation, cocktails and camaraderie, on special occasions or just because. For all you need to make this summer outside the best ever, look no further than these great local retailers.
Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop
With planters like these from Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop dressing up your outdoor space, you may never come back inside! Customized to what you love, Nielsen’s plant designers work with you to create containers authentic to your style and the spaces you seek to accessorize. Find Nielsen’s at 1405 Post Road, 203-655-2541, nielsensflorist.com. Pricing varies.
Palmer’s Market
Looking to keep summer meals easy? Look to Palmer’s Market at 264 Heights Road. Savory or sweet, they have you covered with sides like this Summer Couscous & Quinoa Salad and treats like this pink velvet cupcake (and so much more!) from their Gourmet to Go foods and made-from-scratch bakery. Shop in person or order ahead at 203-655-2077 or palmersdarien.com. Pricing varies and they deliver!
Season’s Too
What’s summer outside without a great place to gather? For a full range of the best brands in outdoor seating choices, including this Kingsley Bate table and chairs, and skilled artisans equipped to store, clean and repair existing outdoor furniture of all types as well, check out Seasons Too, 836 Post Road, 203-655-8444. Pricing varies.
Ten Twenty Post
When the summer outside you seek is anything you need not conjure yourself, Ten Twenty Post awaits. With expanded outdoor seating, its best-anywhere oysters and summer specials such as gazpacho and fresh crabmeat, it never disappoints. Find them at 1020 Post Road, 203-655-1020.
The Town Cellar
Champion of smaller producers, family-owned wineries, distilleries and craft brewers who focus on great farming and skip the common additives found in most commercial beverages, The Town Cellar breaks the mold to deliver special in every bottle. Find them and their great selection of best beverage picks for summer like those shown here at 1089 Post Road, 203-655-1031. Pricing varies.
Darien Sport Shop
Light your table in style with these handcrafted, luxury Italian Meloria spherical candles. Made in Livorno using techniques perfected over seven generations of this family-owned business, these lacquered candles set the stage to make any occasion a ball! Find them at the Darien Sport Shop, 1127 Post Road, 203-655-2575. Check store for pricing.
Sur La Table
What better than frozen drinks to put the fun in summer outside? With Sur La Table, now in Darien Commons at 106 Heights Road, there’s no need to cross town lines for the gear you’ll need to pull off all manner of summer food and drink fun. Shown here: Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender, $699.95 and recycled glass margarita glassware, $13.95 each.
Darien Butcher Shop
Why not a new twist on your backyard BBQ this summer with burgers made from ground bison, elk and venison? You’ll find all this and more at the Darien Butcher Shop, 13 Grove Street. They also have bison hot dogs – and best cuts of all the regular stuff, if you’re game for less adventure. Pricing varies.
Ring’s End
Keep it chill on the hottest days – your drinks at least – with this YETI Tundra cooler from Ring’s End at 181 West Ave. Yes, you’ll find it there, along with a full line of YETI drinkware – and anything else you might need to create your perfect outdoor space. To order online, visit ringsend.com. Cooler price: $300
