Summer is easily my favorite season. Birthdays, reunions, and beach weeks it’s the time of year I always find myself dreaming of. Plus, it’s the season no one thinks twice about dinner parties and agrees on cheese + wine being a complete meal. Whether it’s the homemade desserts that are memorable or the wines that I always go back to there a few key pieces for a unforgettable summer party.
one. Options.
With the heat of the year it’s nice to be able to expand dinner options beyond the patio or covered porch. And with such a pretty view here in Orange Beach, the idea of crates covered in florals + food was a simple idea that got us off the porch. Our cheese, napkins and wine bottles were packed easily into the crates and turning them into a table was as simple as 180 degree flip.
Summer time is the perfect excuse to change up your scenery and discover new places of warm sunshine.
two. Simple tablescapes.
Along with the idea of a mellow summer, I like my summer tablescapes to be a bit more relaxed. I’m a big fan of blue and white china sprawling everywhere, but that’s hardly portable and essentially ends any notion of laid back. On the beach I kept it as simple as I could, foregoing silverware (because bread) and opting instead for classic white pieces.
I’m an absolute sucker for fresh florals (as I think most of us are!), but at the beach the breeze can be a bit unpredictable. So rather than me constantly battling a toppling vase, I kept our flowers tucked away into my market bag. And I have to say, multi purpose items are easily my favorite ways to dress a casual table. From the crates to the floor cushions and back to my market bag few items are ones I reach for only when throwing a dinner party.
three. Memorable drinks.
While tablescapes may be the icing on a summer party that makes many “Oh” and “Ah”, it’s the good drinks that keep everyone around the table. Flowers are pretty, but good wine is a must.
Notable wines is actually a new brand to me, so when I picked it up in the store I quickly noticed that they highlight their flavor profiles directly on the front of the bottle. Leaving the guessing game of what you are getting behind and making the wine aisle a much less confusing place!
Or as Notable simply says : follow the flavor notes.
By elegantly showcasing the different flavors their varietals have on the front label, it becomes so much less confusing with the different regions, styles and flavors! I quickly decided the oaky and buttery Chardonnay wine would be my favorite. But instead ended up claiming the fruity and crisp Chardonnay my wine of the summer! And a side note for those wondering Notable variations are not budget busters. They are in fact right in my sweet spot for when I’m picking out wines.
four. Keep it light.
It probably won’t shock you that along with everything else, I also like to keep the food simple. Few want to be slaving over a hot stove, when a light cheese plate will do the trick. With such varying flavors from Notable, picking out cheese to go along was quite fun.
The triple cream brie went all too well with the oaky and buttery chardonnay, while the light and sweet honey goat cheese was easily my favorite combination along with the fruity and crisp vacation. To say that our little dinner party was beyond impressed with Notable wines was an understatement. So much so they questioned why I only purchased two bottles!
Keep your food light and subtle. Summer is about letting loose rather than bogging your guests down with full bellies!
I certainly don’t throw beachside picnics very often, though I’m starting to wonder why! 😉 But having such portable options + memorable wines makes summer parties even more enjoyable. I’m already brainstorming summer picnic spots back home in Bozeman.
What is always part of your summer dinner parties?
How to Throw An Unforgettable Summer Dinner
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