Savor the Sweetness of Summer: 7 Ways to Celebrate Before School Starts

The final stretch of summer has a magic all its own. The days feel warmer, sunsets look a little softer, and there’s a gentle whisper in the air; school’s just around the corner. Whether you’re counting down the days on a back-to-school countdown calendar or clinging to every warm evening, there’s still plenty of time to pack in a few more memory-making moments.

At Embers Candle Bar, the best way to wrap up summer is to savor it slowly. Think laughter-filled afternoons, family fun before school starts, and cozy, creative evenings that bring everyone together. So, let’s make the most of the season’s grand finale with these seven sweet, soul-filling ideas.

Here are seven cozy ways to celebrate summer before school starts, from simple family traditions to small luxuries that make the season feel just a little bit more magical.

1. Host a Summer Picnic

Warm breezes, a blanket on the grass, and a basket full of your family’s favorites, simple perfection. A sunset picnic is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward way to connect. Head to your favorite park or even your backyard to watch the sun dip below the horizon. To make it extra special: bring along one of our summer-inspired candles, think bright citrus, tropical coconut, or fresh sea breeze scents, to keep the vibes alive long after the sun sets.

Why it works: Picnics feel intentional and memorable without requiring days of planning. Plus, a scented candle instantly turns it from “just a picnic” into a cozy, intimate experience.

2. Have a Backyard “S’mores and Stories” Night

Nothing says summer send-off quite like roasting marshmallows under the stars. If you don’t have a fire pit, you can get creative; s’mores in the oven work too! Add in a few of our campfire or toasted marshmallow candles to set the mood, and invite friends or family to share their favorite summer memories.

Pro tip: Pair it with an outdoor projector for a backyard movie night. Candles + blankets + chocolate? Pure magic.

3. Schedule a Candle-Making Day

If you’ve been meaning to visit us at Embers Candle Bar, now’s your chance. Bring your friends, your kids, or even just yourself, and design your own signature scent to remember the summer by. Whether it’s fresh fruit, floral, or a cozy, warm vanilla blend, you’ll head into fall with a custom candle that takes you right back to these sunny days every time you light it.

4. Throw a “Taste of Summer” Dinner Party

Invite your favorite people over for one last summer feast, grilled veggies, fresh salads, and maybe even homemade ice cream. Set the table with a few of our seasonal candle scents to tie the whole experience together. Want to make it interactive? Ask your guests to bring a dish that reminds them of their favorite summer memory, and light candles that match those flavors, like lemon, berry, or vanilla.

5. Make a “Summer Memories” Jar

Grab a large jar and some colorful slips of paper. Every family member writes down their favorite memory from this summer, a trip, a lazy Sunday, a great book they read, and drops it in the jar. Place the jar somewhere special and pair it with a small candle to encourage everyone to stop, smell the scents, and remember those moments all year long.

Why it’s great for kids: It helps them appreciate the little things and gives you a way to look back when the colder months hit.

6. Plan a Candlelit Self-Care Evening

Summer can be go-go-go, and before school starts, it’s worth taking a night to slow down. This one's for all the parents and teachers! Draw a warm bath, light a calming lavender or eucalyptus candle, put on a face mask, and just… breathe. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Sometimes it’s just about creating an atmosphere that helps you feel grounded, and nothing does that better than the right scent.

7. Host a Back-to-School Bash (with a Twist)

Instead of focusing just on the school year ahead, make it a celebration of summer memories made. Decorate with bright, cheerful colors, have a slideshow of summer photos, and let everyone make their own small candle at Embers Candle Bar to take home as a keepsake. You’ll send everyone into fall with full hearts and a sweet-smelling reminder of the season.

Why Candles Are the Perfect Summer-to-Fall Bridge

Here’s the thing: scents are powerful memory keepers. That whiff of salty air that takes you back to the beach, the aroma of sunscreen and fresh-cut grass, the smell of your grandma’s kitchen in July. When you choose a candle that captures summer’s essence, you get to carry those memories with you long after the season fades. At Embers Candle Bar, we can help you capture your version of summer, whether that’s zesty, fruity, floral, or sweet and cozy. And the best part? You create it yourself.

Make the Last Days of Summer Count

You don’t need big vacations or endless free time to savor the sweetness of summer. Sometimes, the simplest moments, a picnic, a cozy candlelit bath, a homemade s’more, are the ones you’ll remember most. Before the school bell rings, treat yourself to one last season-inspired adventure. Come see us at Embers Candle Bar, where we turn memories into scents and candles into experiences. Your summer story isn’t over yet. Let’s make the ending glow.