One of my favorite things to do after a long day out in the summer is come home and host a little afternoon-cap drinky poo and snack situation. It used to stress me out though - coordinating getting home, making sure you have enough snacks, and having a space people actually want to be in. A lot. I have a few secret weapons I want to share so you can be the host with the most, while doing the least.
No one will ever complain about a melty wheel of brie. I keep one in my fridge at all times, and throw it on the bbq or in the air fryer with some cute toppings and it’s ready in 10 minutes. My go to is chili crisp and honey in the summer with my favorite crackers. More topping inspo here.
If you happen to have fresh tomatoes from your latest farmer’s market haul, here’s a tip that will make people lose their minds: sprinkle a little cream of tartar on sliced ripe tomatoes. Everyone will be asking where on earth you got these insane tomatoes. Finish with flaky salt, good olive oil, and if you’re feeling wild, a glob of burrata and some good bread.
Speaking of bread, I make it a habit to always have a good loaf of sourdough on hand. It’s one of life’s great pleasures and I eat it at least once a day. Toast it on the grill with a bit of olive oil rubbed on, sprinkle with flaky salt, and no one will be complaining. Bonus points if you put out olive oil and balsamic for dipping.
If you want to go beyond the staples and spend 10 minutes, make this stupid-easy dip. I always have plain Greek yogurt on hand: add one clove of minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and some salt, and use it as your base. Top with pretty much anything: fresh herbs, flavored oils, something pickily, fresh veggies tossed in oil and vinegar. You truly cannot go wrong. And keep it simple: one great dip beats three mediocre ones every time. And a perfect dip needs to go with a perfect dip plate, I found these and I’m obsessed.
If you are slightly more prepared to do something ahead of time, cute ice always makes a good impression. Use a fun ice cube tray and freeze in some fruit, herbs, or even edible flowers for a glow-up. In a pinch? Use that frozen fruit you bought for smoothies and never touched. Or is that just me?
Once you’re cold, keep em that way. Get yourself an ice bucket and you’ll save yourself a few trips. Some are pricy but I actually found an outdoor gardening pot at Winner’s and it was perfect. Just make sure there’s no hole in the bottom.
Hot tip: if you’re in a rush to chill beverages, wrap them in a damp paper towel and toss them in the freezer for 20 minutes. Perfectly chilled beveraginos, works every time with my favorite Cabernet Franc Rose!
I love serving cocktails, but I hate standing there shaking and refilling one drink at a time just to turn around and find the first person already needs another. Hard no. Make a big batch cocktail, serve it in a cool jug, and let people pour their own. You have better things to do.
I’m a frequent flyer at every home goods store and I cannot help myself around cute paper napkins. I stock up throughout the year so I always have different patterns ready to go. No stressing about whether the linen ones are ironed or in the wash.
I won’t lie: I don’t always love dining outdoors because I genuinely hate bugs. But I recently discovered food nets and I am a changed woman. A lifesaver when you just want to sit and snack in peace.
An oversized outdoorsy tablecloth is a game changer. No one needs to know you didn’t have time to wipe down the table. I never splurge here though; it will get spilled on. BONUS You can also use it at the beach to cutesy up your picnic.
I love having cute little bowls for olives, nuts, dips, and fruit. It just feels a little more intentional than a cereal bowl. Honestly, the dollar store has come through for me more than once so no need to splurge. Though I did just get these ones and I’m a little obsessed.
Okay your turn, what’s the one thing you’d add to this list? Drop it in the comments, I’m genuinely curious and always looking to be convinced.
Such a fun post and so inspiring. And yes the cream of tartar is a great unique suggestion I’m going to try! Thank you. So creative.
Cream of tartar!! Need to try this. Makes sense. I have been sprinkling my tomatoes with Knorr Suisse tomato bouillon with chicken flavour (freeze dried tomato powder) for a few years now and it makes such a difference.