Summer Apéro

 

Having previously spent many years in France, I’ve acquired an appreciation for the "apéro” (drinks and nibbles) tradition. Maybe you know it by its Italian name, “aperitivo”! Often, it takes places early evening, before a later dinner. Friends, lovers or family gather together for a glass of something fun, often champagne or cocktails depending on your crowd, with some small bites to accompany it. Olives, cubes of cheese, mini quiches, and jambon often make an appearance. It’s always a relaxed vibe (even if the outfits could be more formal), when people can have time to breathe, regroup, and mingle before sitting down to the meal.

So what can you do to get the most out of your next apéro? Here are 5 bits you could gather to set the mood with your table decor. Coffee and outdoor table approved!

  1. Lovely drinking glasses - Ideally something a bit festive, and a step up from your day-to-day drinkware

  2. Serving plates with character - Try one with a fun motif like a shell or cabbage leaf, or even a cute vintage one

  3. Wooden boards - Use it as an informal serving platter

  4. Candles - Always! A simple brass candle holder or glass tea light will work

  5. Linen - A table cloth or a even a cute fresh hand towel will help to dress up the table and ground the arrangement

 
LifestyleStephanie Felice Dahlsummer, apéro, details, brass