“Somewhere in Northern Italy”…
We’ve probably all dreamed of having an Italian summer at some point. Some of us have even been lucky enough to experience one for ourselves. Regardless of our past travels, the desire for a peaceful summer in the Italian countryside is undeniable.
“Call Me By Your Name” is a 2017 film that beautifully captures the relationship between 17-year-old Elio (played by Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (played by Armie Hammer). The film’s gorgeous cinematography displays the beauty of rural Northern Italy while following the course of Elio and Oliver’s relationship. From riding bikes to lounging outside by the pool, Elio and Oliver experience the beauty of love and an unforgettable Italian summer.
Call me by your name and I’ll call you by mine.
—Oliver, “Call Me By Your Name”
Photo from Pinterest.com
While a trip to Italy may not be a part of this summer’s plans, there are still ways to manifest the feelings of a tranquil Italian summer. To help, VALLEY has come up with some suggestions to experience the aesthetic of a “Call Me By Your Name” summer.
Pack a Picnic
Photo from Pinterest.com
Having a picnic outside with family or friends is the perfect way to live out your Italian summer dreams. Grab a basket, fill it with all of your summer favorites and find a shady spot on the grass at your nearest park.
For an Italian-inspired picnic, VALLEY suggests packing fresh bread, cheeses, grapes and maybe even some wine. Enjoy your snacks and perhaps listen to Sufjan Stevens’ “Mystery of Love” to truly feel like a “Call Me By Your Name” character.
Embrace The Outdoors
Photo from Pinterest.com
Similar to having a picnic, spending time outside and soaking up the sun is another great way to romanticize your summer. Grab a towel and head to the beach, the pool or your favorite summer spot that’s most convenient for you. Lie down and try going unplugged for a couple of hours, maybe listening to music but staying off social media. Enjoy the warmth of the sun, the fresh air and the ground beneath you that supports you every day.
Taking a moment of your day to live in the present can help you experience the true beauty of summer. You can even close your eyes and imagine you’re in Italy — we are strong supporters of the occasional daydream.
Is it better to speak or to die?
—Annella, reading from “The Heptaméron” in “Call Me By Your Name”
Bake With The Windows Open
Photo from Pinterest.com
If you’re a lover of sweet treats, this suggestion is for you. Baking doesn’t just have to be a winter activity — there are plenty of summer recipes to try such as strawberry shortcakes, lemon loaves and fruit pies.
Pick out a recipe that speaks to you and try baking with the windows open. Enjoy the warmth of the summer breeze while you make your summery dessert. When you’re done, you can even set up a table outside to share your treat with loved ones. After all, enjoying good food with good company is the epitome of the Italian aesthetic.
If only you knew how little I really know about the things that matter.
—Elio, “Call Me By Your Name”
Go For A Bike Ride
Photo from Pinterest.com
Going for a bike ride is another great way to embrace the Italian summer aesthetic, just like Oliver and Elio do in the movie.
Invite a friend or go solo for your outdoor adventure. Take your bikes to the nearest town and enjoy the buildings, or ride to the closest park and relish the summer nature. If you wind up in town, might we suggest a side quest for ice cream (or should we say gelato)? The destination is up to you.
I remember everything.
—Oliver, “Call Me By Your Name”
Give Your Summer Fling A Chance
Photo from Pinterest.com
Our last suggestion to have a “Call Me By Your Name” summer is — you guessed it — to embrace your summer fling. Whether you have someone back home or have yet to meet them, a summer romance can be a fun and unexpected addition to your plans. “Call Me By Your Name” is a romance movie after all, so why not give that person a chance? You never know what might happen.
Whether you try one or multiple of these activities, VALLEY hopes you have the most amazing, Italian-inspired summer yet.
How are you going to live out the Italian summer dream? Let us know on Instagram, @VALLEYmag.
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