5 fresh tips to make summer evenings feel effortless

May 21, 2025 at 14:49 PM EDT

(BPT) - Summer nights are meant to feel relaxed and carefree, but when your family's schedule is packed to the brim, they can quickly become anything but. These easy tips can help take the pressure off your evenings, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the summer sun.

1. Create a grab-and-go summer station

Cut down on the chaos by keeping a bin near the door stocked with warm-weather essentials, like bug spray, sunscreen, flashlights, lawn games and snacks. With everything in one place, you're always ready for a spontaneous backyard hang or an early-morning adventure. Keep a small notepad or whiteboard nearby so family members can jot down anything that's running low, making your next store run a breeze.

2. Simplify post-dinner cleanup

Turn tidying up into a 10-minute team effort. Set a short timer, turn on a fun playlist and have the whole household chip in. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes. For little ones, assign simple tasks like gathering toys or wiping down the table to help them stay focused and feel successful.

3. Don't overload the calendar

Using a shared family calendar or group chat can help everyone stay in the loop and avoid double-booking busy nights. A quick weekly check-in gives your crew a chance to review upcoming plans, spot conflicts and keep things running smoothly.

4. Chill out - literally

Freeze water bottles overnight to keep lunchboxes and backpacks cool while you're out and about. They'll double as icy-cold drinks once they thaw. For added refreshment, try freezing yogurt tubes or fruit like grapes and banana slices for easy, portable snacks that beat the heat.

5. Make dinnertime fresh, easy and oven-free

When time is tight and the house is already warm, Fresh Express Chopped Salad Kits save the day. Flavor-packed options like the new Creamy Goddess, Orange Sesame and Farmhouse Ranch are loaded with bold dressings, crunchy toppings and vibrant veggies - and they're thoroughly washed and ready to serve in minutes. Creamy Goddess brings a zesty, herb-packed punch with queso fresco, roasted salted pumpkin seeds, and freeze-dried corn, while Orange Sesame adds a sweet and tangy twist with a fresh orange miso vinaigrette and honey sliced almonds that add satisfying texture. Farmhouse Ranch combines comforting American classics with bold flavors, from delicious garlic pepper onions for a delightful crunch to a rich cheese blend and creamy ranch dressing. Set out a few easy mix-ins - like grilled chicken or shrimp, cubed cheese, nuts or fresh fruit - so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

And here's one more fresh idea: Now through June 1, fans can enter the Express Yourself Recipe Contest from Fresh Express for a chance to win a year's worth of salads! Visit FreshExpress.com/express-yourself-recipe-contest-2025 to get inspired and enter.

With a few smart tricks - and the help of Fresh Express - your summer nights can stay cool, easy and full of flavor. Visit FreshExpress.com to check out all the Fresh Express salad flavor possibilities, including the new chopped kits.

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5 fresh tips to make summer evenings feel effortless

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