Ease through summer with style

It's summer, which means it's time to enjoy the simple pleasures — the beach, barbecues and lemonade on leisurely afternoons. Here are some "Good Things" to help you make the most of sun-soaked days.

EASY BATIK

Conventional wisdom says you should never use bleach on colored fabrics, but this decorative application begs an exception. Using a bleach pen, you can mimic the look of batik — a type of patterned Indonesian textile — on a blue runner and napkins for a coordinated table setting.

Simply fit a gel bleach pen (available at grocery stores) with a ½-millimeter stainless-steel tip (available at art-supply stores.) Test a discreet area of your linens to ensure the fabric reacts well to the bleach.

Use a water-soluble dressmaker's pencil to mark the pattern on the fabric; first draw a grid, then, where the lines intersect, draw a 2-inch square. With the bleach pen, draw a flower freehand within each square, and add dotted lines between the flowers.

Let the bleach set until the pattern has faded to the desired shade, about 20 minutes. To rinse, lay the fabric flat in a shallow pan of cold water; let stand for a few minutes. (Work the runner in sections.)

Experiment on pillowcases, curtains, canvas tote bags and more.

TIN CONTAINERS

When the garden is in full bloom, it seems like you can never have enough vases. Make a set of matching vessels by painting assorted cans, such as soup, tomato and coffee tins, in muted tones.

All it takes is a metal file to smooth the jagged edges of the cans and a nylon brush to apply two coats of semigloss latex paint to their exteriors (let paint dry overnight).

Insert a drinking glass into each container (to prevent rust), fill with water and tuck in blooms. Arrange several containers together for a bountiful display.

TOWEL TUNEUP

Are your towels less absorbent than they used to be? It may be that your choice of laundry detergent contains fabric softener, which has residues that cling to individual fibers, making towels less absorbent.

The next time you wash a load, add a cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle; it will remove the residue and restore the towels' soaking power. In the future, avoid using detergents with fabric softener when washing towels.

FLAVORFUL SKEWERS

Next time you head outdoors to the grill, try this tasty trick: Soak rosemary sprigs in water for a half-hour, then use them to skewer meat, fish or vegetables. (You may need to poke through the food first with a metal skewer.) The sturdy stalks will stand up to the grill's heat and infuse food with their garden-fresh flavor.

METAL PROTECTOR

The same carnauba wax that protects your car's finish can also do a fine job on painted metal furniture. Once every season, apply an even coat with a damp terry cloth towel to furnishings; let dry, then lightly buff with a soft cotton rag. The wax will repel water, preventing rust, and restore luster to dull paint.

GUEST BASKETS

Welcome visitors — and help shield them from bites, burns and other irritations — by offering them a supply of summertime sprays and ointments. Purchase assorted salves, including sunscreen, bug repellent and aloe gel. Set them in a portable tray or basket that can be placed in a guest room or by the pool.

BEACHY DÉCOR

Light up a party with a centerpiece that recalls the seaside. Use candle adhesive to secure tapers to the bottom of a clear glass vase. Pour in a few inches of sand, then arrange shells on top.

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