Hello everyone! Hot enough for you? I know, we shouldn't complain given our short but sweet summer, but boy this heat is stifling.
Today, we're sharing our "must haves" for summer entertaining. These are our top favourite pieces in store right now that will definitely elevate your next outdoor get together. Summer is truly the easiest season to entertain, in my opinion. You can throw together fresh, simple salads ahead of time, set your table, make a summer cocktail, and then sit back and enjoy your guests while your husband does all the barbecuing!
Setting an outdoor table requires just a few key elements. Our gorgeous textural woven placemats make a perfect base to your dinnerware and lend a cool, coastal vibe. Top your plate off with our black and white ticking stripe cloth napkins to create a fresh contrast to your dinner plates. Then add some height in the centre of the table with the modern Pompano jute lantern for some soft candlelight in the evening.
If you're in need of some culinary inspiration, have a look at the Malibu Farm cookbook. This book is full of simple, fresh recipes that are inspired by the California coast. Beautifully photographed with easy to follow recipes, this is a book you'll use on repeat all summer.
Cheese boards make an ideal summer appetizer with so many different options for everyone to enjoy. Fill them with your favourite cheese, meats, fruit, nuts, dips, breads and crackers. Our Etu Home cheese/charcuterie boards are beautifully hand crafted, and give that rustic feel that lends itself to outdoor entertaining.
Made in France, our Duralex beverage glasses come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for summer cocktails or flavoured water. And if you're looking to spice up your summer party, here's one of our favourite summer cocktail recipes from Jenni Kayne's book, Pacific Natural.
Rosemary Paloma- serves 6
Ingredients for the Rosemary Agave Syrup
- 1/2 cups blue agave
- 1/2 cups water
- 3 sprigs rosemary
Ingredients for the Paloma
- 2 cups blanco tequila
- 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 cup rosemary agave syrup
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
- lime or grapefruit sliced, for garnish
- grapefruit peels for garnish
To make the rosemary agave syrup
Combine blue agave, water, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain cooled mixture through a mesh strainer. Discard rosemary and use immediately. Store excess in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
To make the paloma
Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary agave syrup in a large pitcher and stir. Divide evenly between 6 ice-filled glasses. Garnish each cocktail with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of citrus.
Our last summer entertaining pick is our Sophie Conran serving dishes. Crafted to look like artisanal pottery with their organic shapes, these pieces make any food look like a work of art. We carry the full line of serving pieces as well as the dinnerware.
Well, we hope you're inspired to get outside and host some simple summer outdoor get togethers. Stay cool my friends!