Many of my favorite quotes are based on the energizing and transformative beauty of spring. But Rilke’s words are perhaps my favorite: “It’s spring again. The earth is like a child who knows poems by heart.”
I always come back to poetry in moments of desire, when I’m looking for language that can contain what I’m feeling. And in May, that feeling is unmistakable. The season is fully here: longer days, vibrant flowers, and warmer air that draws you in and keeps you there. There’s a chemistry this time of year. Something changes. I’m the same person, but I feel newly awakened to my life, my routines, and all the little things that are suddenly worth noticing again.
31 Things to Do in May to Welcome the Warmest Season
May, more than any other month, invites us to start again. And it’s the perfect opportunity to fill our days with things that are as pleasant as they are simple. Consider this your invitation: 31 ways to lean into the season, romanticize your daysand make May feel truly yours.
Go out (and stay a while)
Can change the way you spend your time. The light lingers, the air softens, and suddenly your evenings stretch a little longer than expected. Even the smallest plans—a walk, a run to the farmers’ market, a last-minute picnic—start to feel like something more.
1. Plan a garden party in the backyard. Turn on the lights, set a simple table and let fresh flowers decorate. Start with a few easy menu ideas for an outdoor dinner to set the tone.
2. Take a sunrise or sunset hike. Pick a golden hour this week and follow it.
3. Host an outdoor movie night. Blankets, snacks and a projector are enough.
4. Have a neighborhood picnic. Keep it potluck and effortless—it’s the easiest way to build community.
5. Try a new water activity. Paddleboard, kayak or just float (maybe my favorite?). May is the perfect time to get started.
6. Play tennis! As a collegiate player, I will say: this is the best racquet sport. (Ping-pong is a close second.)
7. Take a walk around the wildflowers. Bring a basket or guidebook and make an afternoon of it.
8. Visit your local farmers market. Let what you find – strawberries, asparagus, herbs – shape your week’s menu. Take note of seasonal products and aim to fill your cart with exactly that.
Gather, cook, celebrate
This time of year lends itself to gatherings. Meals are served outdoors, ingredients seem fresher, and accommodation becomes something you become familiar with rather than planning to perfection. A few thoughtful details make all the difference.
9. Organize a 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 are as festive as your favorite cocktail.
11. Set a signature table for Memorial Day. Stay relaxed but intentional: linen napkins, something seasonal in a vase, and an easy-to-share menu. Get all the inspiration you need to set the table.
12. Make a spring salad that’s worth it. Think crisp greens, herbs, something creamy, something crunchy. These are the kinds of salads you will come back all season.
13. Pack a picnic and head to the park. Assign the dishes, bring a blanket, and keep it casual.
14. Plan an outdoor dinner on Friday evening. A few friends, a simple table, and recipes made for the golden hour It doesn’t complicate things too much.
15. Create a summer dessert board. Fresh fruit and sweet bites are all you need.
16. Host a cookbook dinner club. Choose a book (these are Camille’s favorite cookbooks), assign recipes and let the inspiration flow.
Refresh your space and style
There is a natural urge at this time of year to change your environment. Windows are opened, drawers are emptied, and small updates begin to change the feel of your home every day. Even a single project can set the tone.
17. Try a one-week home reset. Focus on one small area each day and let progress grow.
18. Make spring cleaning lighter. Set a timer, play some music, and keep moving. Declutter these six areas of your home makes the task much less intimidating (and so much more joyful).
19. Start a windowsill garden. These are the easiest herbs to grow at home.
20. Build your warm-weather capsule wardrobe. Focus on pieces that look easy, repeatable, and entirely you. Our Style Editor Shares Tips for Curation your dream spring wardrobe.
21. Create an outdoor corner. A chair, a throw and a quiet corner can become your favorite place to… be.
Focus on feeling better
May brings a kind of gentler reset. Your energy returns and you feel like there is more room to check in on what you really need. Small changes tend to be the most impactful.
22. Cleanse your mind in spring. Eliminate mental clutter. This 7-Day Mental Reset can create more clarity, focus and ease in your day.
23. Start walking outside without your phone. Trust me: it will quickly become a habit that you look forward to.
24. Book a massage or spa treatment, no occasion necessary.
25. Update your skincare routine for the season. Think lighter layers, more hydration, and daily SPF. Here’s how to get the ultimate glow.
26. Start a morning walk ritual. We all swear.
Add a little joy
Some things are worth doing this month just because they seem fun. A new show, a spontaneous project, a change of scenery… These are small choices that change your mood without thinking too much.
27. Start a new show and indulge in relaxation. I love season 2 of Your Friends and Neighbors. If you don’t like watching hours of Jon Hamm and James Marsden, I’m sorry, I can’t understand.
28. Visit a local gallery, pop-up, or art show. I have discovered that one of the simplest joys in life is setting out on the path to something new. You never know what you might discover or connect with.
29. Plan a Memorial Day weekend getaway. It doesn’t have to be far away to feel like a reset.
30. Create your summer playlist. Something you’ll want to play on repeat all season long.
31. Make your summer bucket list. Write it down, come back to it often, and see what happens. (Hint: revisit your vision board to get an idea of what more you want this season.)
This article was last updated on May 1, 2026 to include new information.
The position Your bucket list for the month of May: 31 things to do for a fresh start this spring appeared first on Camille Styles.
