Can you believe it’s already August? Just like that, in the blink of an eye, July came and went! Here in the South and Sunbelt states, we are feeling summer and its heat in full force. Truly, it barely cools off enough here in the Houston evenings to enjoy a glass of wine outside. But I wanted to share some late summer entertaining ideas before we all start getting into the fall and back-to-school mindset.Â
Wine glasses // Corkscrew (also use this one regularly!) // Cocktail napkins // Plates // Cheese knives // Table
It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in our home for two and a half years! One thing we haven’t gotten to do as much as I’d like to, is entertain. So what time like the present then to share with y’all a few of my at home late summer entertaining ideas.
There isn’t an easier way to entertain, then with a wine and cheese spread. I try to keep the pieces on hand to throw one together, should I need to last minute. Mingling with friends while music is playing in the background. Sipping on a glass of vino coupled with some cheese and crackers. Sounds like the perfect evening, right? So here are my late summer entertaining ideas: grab the snacks, wine, along with a great playlist and you’ll be sure to please your company. Rosé has become one of my favorite beverages during the hot summer months. It’s not too heavy, and it’s definitely a wine I can drink in the day without issue. I’ve sampled quite a few over the last year or so, and finally found some worth sharing. Don’t worry, for those of you who haven’t found your way onto the rosé bandwagon, I’ve got a Pinot Noir recommendation. It’s one of my favorites!
If you’re looking for some easy late summer entertaining ideas, I suggest having on hand a bottle(s) of delicious rosé. It’s turned into quite the crowd pleaser this summer and last. Should you have a Trader Joe’s close by, I definitely recommend these three rosés: Carayon La Rose, Albero and Cotes De Provence.
Carayon La Rose is under $10 at Trader Joe’s (such a steal!). It’s a crisp and dry rosé with notes of fresh berries and subtle melon. I’ve found this to also pair nicely with pasta or chicken. From the Spaniards, we have Albero, a Spanish rosé. First off, this is an organic wine, made with organically grown grapes (for any with health or dietary restrictions). I really love this rosé because it’s not as dry (even though traditional French rosé is known for it’s dryness). It’s fresh, balanced and fruity with acidic notes. It also features a fruity nose of strawberries with every sip. I personally find this rosé easier to sip on when I’m not eating anything alongside.  Lastly, I love the Quinson Cotes de Provence rosé. I’ve bought this over and over again; under $15 and worth every single penny. From the Provence region of France, it is characteristically dry (ish) in it’s taste but still fruity with hints of berry, rose petals and melon.
If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s in your area, fear not! I definitely recommend Whispering Angel (mentioned above), Josh Cellars rosé, Chloe rosé, and Miraval. If you’re just not a rosé fan, I highly recommend BÖEN pinot noir. Wines from the Russian River Valley of Northern California are some of my absolute favorites. My family loves this wine and we’ve gotten tons of our friends hooked on it too! It’s reasonably priced and easy to drink. This wine is fruit forward with notes of Bing cherries, dark chocolate and a hint of smoke to taste. These wines pair great with cheese and crackers plus other snacks and aperitifs. I personally love to give everyone a cheese option. I tend to go for a Cheddar or my favorite, Jarlsberg, for it’s mild characteristics as well as a Blue cheese or a creamy cheese such as St. Andre. I’ll usually pair with some crackers for nibbling and have out some different nuts and such. If I’m feeling extra hostess-with-the-mostess, then I’ll put together a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, some cold cuts like prosciutto or salami, olives and roasted red bell peppers. You can never have a gathering without some tunes in the background! Music can totally set the vibe for a get together or party. One of my favorite stations on Pandora is ‘Hipster Cocktail Radio’ and I usually tune to it for parties or gatherings. It’s got a great mix of different artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele and I’ve mixed in some old school hits too.
Wishing you a great rest of your summer and hope your entertaining is made easier. Cheers!
Katie says
These pictures are amazing, Alex! I also love your Lilly top, it’s too cute!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.comÂ
nicholle demag says
I love putting together a cheese board! It’s so satisfying!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
Lauren Pepperman says
Congratulations on 6 months! Your photography is gorgeous.
Lauren // http://laurensjourney.com
Rachel R Ritlop says
these pictures are beautiful!! and I need that cheeseboard in my life STAT! haha
Kuleigh says
I so wish we had a Trader Joe’s! Summer water is a great nickname for Rosé.
Jenny says
I’ve actually never tried TJ’s wines but I think I will have to now.
the sophia diaries says
Omg, the rose absolutely looks delicious! Not sure about the cheese tho 😉 (saying that coz I hate cheese haha not coz it looks weird or anything!!)
Allison says
I love a good wine and cheese spread! And you’re totally right–in Louisiana it’s so hot outside that I just want cold wine in the A/C! Also, seriously loving everything about this spread!
Ashley says
I love a wine and cheese spread like no other! It’s been so hot in Boston that I love sitting in our apartment during the day, and enjoying the somewhat cooler air around 8 at night out on our deck!
Alex says
LOVING this post! Wine and cheese ‘parties’ are my favorite and I NEED to try that rose! Dry and crisp are my favorites 🙂
McKenna Bleu says
I love this! entertaining in your own home can be stressful but so fun!
kait says
Absolutely IN LOVE with your hot pink top! Looks fantastic. And these are incredible pictures xx
Jordyn says
Rose seriously is summetwater, hehe! Congratulations on 6 months of marriage!
Anna English says
I can’t wait to move into a bigger space to be able to entertain guest!
Jessica says
Wine and cheese is the best combo for entertaining! Love soft cheeses!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
jcrewismyfavstore says
These are great ideas! Now, I want some cheese!!!
Kassy Randazzo says
Trader Joes has the besttttt wine! My aunt and uncle used to call it ‘2 buck chuck’!
Taylor Aube says
You had me at wine and cheese *heart eyes emoji* Such a cute post love!!
Ashley says
That’s it! I’m coming over!
Kimberly Smith says
Love hearing about what other people buy at Trader Joe’s – will have to look for this wine next time I’m there!
Tania Cascilla says
Trader Joe’s wine never disappoint…Looks great!
Amanda says
These photos look amazing. I’m sure you had a great time!
Sarah says
gorgeous set ups! what lucky guests!
Liz says
Such a cute post! Love the photos!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Jenna Colgrove says
this is stunning!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
This is my kind of entertaining! Beautiful party girl!
Kasey | Running in Heels says
This year is just flying by! I love your photos for this party, how pretty!
KatWalkSF says
SO much YES! Give me that cheese!
-Kat
http://www.katwalksf.com/
Ashley DTKAustin says
Mmmmm, I love rosé!! Literally having a glass right now!
Ada says
These pictures are amazing. I love a good glass of rosé!
Danasia says
I’m all about wine and cheese pairings at home! Great post!
Anna Baun says
These wines look so good AND pretty! The photos are fabulous, girl! XO
Anna || A Lily Love Affair
Anastasia says
Loved your pictures! Everything looks amazing! Congrats on your six month anniversary!
Whitney says
Such fun tips for entertaining! Love your shirt too!!
Ashley Houston says
You had me at Rose! Looks delish
Meghan says
Oh I’m all about wine and cheese. I could eat that as an entire meal lol