Southern Life, Southern Traditions

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin’

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin’

A couple of weeks ago on Instastories, I asked you all to share your favorite Southern traditions, as I’m hoping to highlight many of them here on the blog. When my friend Maile messaged me that her favorite Southern activity is drinking wine in the summer heat, I knew that would be the first tradition I’d write about. We are right in the heart of prime porch sittin’ season as we speak!

Obviously, you don’t have to necessarily be on a porch to fully enjoy a fantastic summer beverage. Sit out on your patio, in your lawn, or by the pool…wherever you’d like to be! But, you get Southern bonus points if you can find a porch with a rocking chair (or better yet, a porch swing!).

Here are my suggestions for everything you need for a magical afternoon or evening of porch sittin’!

1. Comfortable furniture. This is not the time to sacrifice comfort for fashion. We want to be comfy while we’re hanging outside! Before you buy outdoor furniture, be sure to sit in it to make sure you will be comfortable in it.

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin' | Fairly Southern

2. String lights. Just put up a strand of twinkly string lights, and even the most drab of concrete pads suddenly feels like a fairy tale.

3. A fan (or a breeze). In the heat of summer, a breeze is imperative! Either sit in a spot where there is a natural breeze, or create one yourself by installing a fan overhead. You will thank yourself!

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin' | Fairly Southern

4. Stylish but comfy clothes. Make this occasion feel fun and special by ditching your t-shirt and gym shorts and opting for something a bit more chic. Comfort is still key though…it’s hot! Pick lightweight, breathable fabrics. Make sure it’s something that won’t wrinkle as you snuggle into your rocking chair!

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin' | Fairly Southern

5. A cheese plate. When it gets really hot come July and August, I don’t want anything heavy to eat. A loaded cheese plate does the trick! You need several types of cheese, a variety of crackers, at least one fun spread (such as truffle honey or fig jam), nuts, and some berries or grapes. Boom. Easy, refreshing dinner!

6. And finally, you need some good wine! I love cool, refreshing Prosecco in the summertime heat. Biltmore Estate Chenin Blanc is also a favorite. On a milder evening, I’ll reach for a Meiomi pinot noir. For something more casual (or if you’re worried about having glass at your particular location, i.e. by the pool), get you some wine in a can! I can’t wait for an opportunity to try this Simpler Wines Rose that I picked up at Trader Joe’s last week!

Southern Traditions: Porch Sittin' | Fairly Southern

A final bonus item that is suggested but not absolutely necessary: good company! I do recommend some friends to help you enjoy your wine, but every now and then it’s nice to retreat into refreshing solitude as well. Take your pick!

There you have it…my six essentials for good porch sittin’ and sippin’! Did I miss anything?

Be sure to share your favorite Southern tradition with me in the comments!

xoxo Laura

P.S. โ€“ I was not compensated for this post in any way.  All opinions are my own! This post does contain referral links, which means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive compensation.

5 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.