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Many of my favorite quotes revolve around the energizing, transformative beauty of spring. But Rilke’s words may be my favorite: “It is spring and the world is like a child who knows poetry by heart.
I always return to poetry in times of need — when I need a language to capture what I feel. And in May, that feeling is unmistakable. The season is in full swing: long days, blooming blooms, and a warm breeze that pulls you in and keeps you there. There is alchemy in this season. Something is changing. I’m the same person, but I feel like I’ve just woken up in my life, in my habits, and in all the little things that I suddenly feel deserve attention.
31 Things to Do in May to Welcome the Warm Weather
May, more than any other month, invites us to start again. And with it comes a great opportunity to fill our days with things that feel as good as they are simple. Consider this your invitation: 31 ways to lean into the season, make your days romantic, and make May feel truly yours.
Get Out (Stay Awhile)
It can change the way you spend your time. The light fades, the air softens, and suddenly your evening stretches a little longer than planned. Even the smallest plans—a hike, a run to the farmer’s market, a last-minute picnic—start to feel like something else.
1. Plan a backyard garden party. Turn on the lights, set a simple table, and let the fresh blooms decorate. Start with a few simple dinner party menu ideas to set the tone.
2. Take a sunrise or sunset tour. Choose one golden hour this week and follow it.
3. Catch an outdoor movie night. Blankets, snacks, and a projector are all you need.
4. Plan a local picnic. Keep it potluck-style and low-effort—it’s an easy way to build community.
5. Try a new water activity. Paddleboard, kayak, or just float (probably my favorite?). May it be your time to jump.
6. Play tennis! As a collegiate player, I will argue: the best racquet game. (Ping pong is a close second.)
7. Go on a wildflower hike. Bring a basket or guidebook and make an afternoon of it.
8. Visit your local farmer’s market. Let what you find—strawberries, asparagus, herbs—shape your menu for the week. Write down the in-season produce and keep your eyes on filling your basket with that.
Gather, Cook, Celebrate
This time of year allows for gathering. The food goes out, the ingredients feel fresh, and the hospitality becomes something you indulge in rather than aiming for perfection. A few thoughtful details go a long way.
9. Make Mother’s Day brunch at home. Keep it simple, seasonal, and a little festive.
10. Try a new non-alcoholic drink. Start with NA recipes that taste just as good as your favorite cocktail.
11. Set up a signature table for Memorial Day. Keep it casual but done with purpose—linen napkins, something seasonal in a vase, and a menu that feels easy to share. Find all the table settings you need.
12. Make a spring salad to crave. Think fresh vegetables, herbs, something creamy, something spicy. These are the types of salads you’ll come back to all season long.
13. Pack a picnic and go to the park. Share the dishes, bring a blanket, and keep it casual.
14. Plan a Friday night dinner. A few friends, a simple table, and recipes made for a golden hour that don’t overcomplicate things.
15. Create a summer dessert board. Fresh fruit and bite-sized candies are what you need.
16. Host a cookbook supper club. Pick a book (these are Camille’s favorite cookbooks), assign recipes, and let the inspiration flow.
Revitalize Your Space with Style
There is a natural desire at this time of year to change your surroundings. Windows open, drawers are cleaned, and small updates begin to change the way your home feels from day to day. Even one project can reset the tone.
17. Try a home reset for one week. Focus on one small area each day and let progress build.
18. Make spring cleaning easy. Set a timer, play music, and keep it moving. Dividing these six areas of your home makes the job less intimidating (and a lot more fun).
19. Start a window garden. These are the easiest herbs to grow at home.
20. Build your own warm weather capsule wardrobe. Focus on pieces that feel simple, repeatable, and completely you. Our style editor shares tips for decorating your dream spring wardrobe.
21. Build an outdoor recreation area. A chair, a throw, and a quiet corner can be your favorite place to be….
Focus on Feeling Better
May brings a soft kind of reset. Your energy is returning, and it feels like there’s more room to explore what you really need. Small shifts tend to stick a lot.
22. Spring clean your mind. Clear the mental clutter. This 7-day mind reset can create more clarity, focus, and ease in your day.
23. Start walking outside without your phone. Trust me on this: it will quickly become a habit you crave.
24. Book a massage or spa treatment—no event necessary.
25. Revamp your skin care routine this season. Think light layers, plenty of water, and daily SPF. Here’s how to get maximum brightness.
26. Start a morning walking ritual. We all swear by it.
Add a Little Joy
Some things this month should be done just because they sound fun. A new show, an automatic plan, a change of scenery… These are small decisions that change your attitude in ways you don’t think too much about.
27. Start a new program and let yourself be free from it. I love season 2 of your friends and neighbors. If you don’t get into watching hours of Jon Hamm and James Marsden—I’m sorry, I can’t tell.
28. Visit a local gallery, gallery, or art show. I have found that one of the most exciting things in life is to put yourself on the path to new things. You never know what you might come across or interact with.
29. Plan a trip for Memorial Day weekend. It doesn’t have to be far to feel like a reset.
30. Create your summer playlist. Something you’ll want to play on repeat throughout the season.
31. Make your summer bucket list. Write it down, come back to it often, and see what happens. (Hint: revisit your idea board to get an idea of what you want more of this season.)
This post was last updated on May 1, 2026, to include new information.
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