Summer has a way of rushing by, especially on the homestead. The days are long, the garden is calling, and the preserving season is in full swing. But even in the busy, sun-drenched days of July and August, there’s a deep need to slow down and make space for the moments that matter most.
In this heartfelt Kitchen Roundtable episode, I'm joined by three other homesteading mamas to reflect on their favorite summer memories and the intentional ways they’re working to create lasting traditions for their own families.
Whether you're an empty nester, raising littles, or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with ideas and inspiration to help you savor the season.
In This Episode:
- Why Summer Memories Stick – We share our most cherished childhood memories and how they were often simple (bonfires, family meals, county fairs), and how those moments have shaped what we now try to recreate.
- My Reflections on Family & Time – With one child out of the house and the other nearing adulthood, this season of motherhood is making me more intentional about capturing summer moments and drawing our family together.
- The Power of Simple Traditions:
- Camping trips with extended family
- Potlucks packed with home-cooked favorites
- Blackberry picking as a seasonal rite of passage
- Homemade birthday parties and bonfire gatherings
- Creative Ideas for Lasting Summer Traditions
- Friday night escape room outings as a modern “family night”
- Backyard campfires with s’mores and connection
- Game nights and potlucks with friends to foster community
- Making it Easier to Host – We all share our simple tips for taking the pressure off of summer hosting:
- Simplify the menu—store-bought buns are okay!
- Use paper plates (yes, even on the homestead!)
- Ask guests to bring a specific dish to avoid 10 potato salads
- Focus more on gathering than perfection
- How Summer Traditions Evolve as Kids Grow – From camping with toddlers to game nights with teens, we talk about how family rhythms shift, and why being flexible and present is key.
- The Thread of Food, People & Place – Nearly every story circles back to this: summer memories are woven with food, laughter, and time spent with loved ones, whether that’s making homemade blackberry dumplings or hosting a last-minute backyard BBQ.
Whether you're harvesting tomatoes, planning a weekend camping trip, or just trying to slow down and savor a summer sunset, this episode will remind you that the best traditions aren’t fancy, they’re rooted in love, presence, and intention.
