Time flies... it's been a little more than a year living in our new home and the summer has come and gone since Ted and I hosted a wine tasting party for our new friends in town. Last year we didn't have any patio furniture so I was excited to finally have a space to entertain and use several serving pieces that have been in storage and a few new items in my collection.
Our town's Newcomers Club has a group called Winetasters where you are paired up with other couples and each host an evening of wine tasting. Confession... I missed the sign up so we actually crashed a group after meeting a few of the couples at another event. We really lucked out and I have made some amazing friends.
Entertaining isn't easy when you have a toddler running around (and are pregnant). The best part of this set up.... no cooking required. Here is the simple menu, which works for both indoor and outdoor events.
Crudité platter with hummus and dip
I got a few tips like leaving the stems for a garden look from this William Sonoma post
Cheese and charcuterie plates with fruit and rosemary sprigs for garnishes
Shrimp over ice with cocktail sauce
Marinated olives
Nuts
Most of my serving pieces are neutral, white or blue and white and I change up the linens seasonally, like this striped table runner. This will all work inside with plaid in a few months for the holidays. I'm not sure where I picked up that tip but it's helped with storage space.
If you love blue and white, then you need this ginger jar bucket. I love that it easily holds a few bottles. I have seen it re purposed as an orchid planter when not in entertaining mode. I keep mine on my bar cart for display.
What's a summer wine tasting party without rosé? I got the idea for rose ice cubes from a bridal shower I saw on Instagram. I added bottles of Fentimans Rose Lemonade to the bucket for a non-alcoholic option.
The key to making the ice clear was boiling distilled water twice (let completely cool between boiling) before freezing. I used these two inch cube trays. The roses will stick out slightly, but don't worry about that!
The best part of fresh flowers is moving them inside after the party to enjoy for days to come.
Earrings: St. Armands Designs of Sarasota
Lexi ran around in her PJs and provided entertainment for the guests. I think she has hummus on her bow...ha.
For readers local and new to Darien, you can sign up here for Winetasters through YWCA Darien/Norwalk.