Fall, Lifestyle, Spring, Summer, Winter · March 24, 2025

The Very Best Books About Cheese

This post is all about the best books about cheese!

For those of us who love cheese and want to learn more, or simply to display our love of fromage around the home, here’s a thorough, but not lengthy, list of great books about cheese. If you happen to be in need of a gift, any of these would great for a cheese lover (pair with a beautiful local cheese to up the ante)!

The Best Books About Cheese for Beginners & Intermediates

Cheese Illustrated is a small book filled with very helpful information. I really love it for it’s ease (and beautiful cover!). This helpful primer is organized by location/region. When you’re looking to pair cheese with a wine from the same region, this really comes in handy, as you know the saying goes, “If it grows together, it goes together!” This lovely hardcover book includes a beautiful illustration of each cheese (hence the name), as well as some helpful notes, descriptions, and suggested pairings.

The Art of the Cheese Plate is just beautiful. It really covers so much and features simply but beautifully styled cheeses and pairings on unique platters, dishes, offering a great variety of color stories. Featuring all the best cheeses, you will feel rich with information, recipes, and knowledge with this cheese book in your hands, though not overwhelmed.

The Cheese Wheel is a fun, easy guide profiling 110 various cheeses, including how to pair them with a drink, as well as which cheeses complement each other on a board. This author, Emma Young, is so knowledgable — she has touched all areas of cheese as a cheesemonger, cheese maker and even a cheese judge! In this book, she also outlines for the reader how to discern one’s personal likes and dislikes, which I think is a cool feature.

Madame Fromage’s Adventure’s in Cheese is just. so. fun! Tenaya Darlington manages to bring so much whimsy and joy to cheese education. She covers everything from the history of cheese, to “choose your own adventure” cheeseboards, to styles of cheese, and all the tips, tricks, and hints in between.

The Best Spring Cheese for Your Board: A Simple Guide

Cheese, Sex, Death is a playful and informative take on the world of cheese. Erika Kubick is so creative in her approach to educating her readers about cheese and she also has a really great Instagram account full of fun tips and pairings. With Cheese, Sex, Death you will learn about a range of cheeses and how to create a delectable cheese plate based on various buildable elements. Recipes included!

The New Rules of Cheese offers a lot of helpful modern etiquette for cheese. It’s organized by the following categories: buying cheese, serving & eating cheese, as well as rules that apply in the making of cheese. The author is a down to earth cheesemonger who brings her personality to her writing which makes this a really easy and accessible read.

Other Cool Books About Cheese

Cheese, Wine, and Bread is a book about Katie Quinn’s journey throughout Europe serving as an apprentice in England (cheese), Italy (wine), & France (bread). If you’re someone who enjoys living through others’ experiences living abroad while they explore food and culture, this one is for you.

Cheese and Culture weaves together the very rich history of cheese through expanding upon cheese making over many centuries. Through this beautiful book we learn how cultural and societal events effect cheese making process through the experience of the cheese scientist. For those of us who appreciate how culture influences food and how food influences culture, this one is a worthy read.

This Cheese Log Book is simply a reminder to make a simple record of your cheeses if that’s an enjoyable experience for you! This is also a fun gift for the cheese lover. You could also make your own record or ask your local cheese shop or cheese counter if they have a complimentary one they can give you. If you live near a Wegmans, check with the cheese counter — they do have cute little booklets they hand out.

Do you have a “best books about cheese” list of your own? If so, please feel free to share a favorite with our community in the comments — we always love hearing everyone’s suggestions — together, we’re such an awesome wealth of knowledge!

More cheese + gift idea inspiration:

What Wine for Blue Cheese? A Simple Pairing Guide

23 of the Most Perfect Gifts for Hosts When Traveling (by plane or car!)

10 Tasteful + Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

Hosting & Entertaining, Spring · March 11, 2025

Garden Party Inspiration & Tips for the Host

This post is all about garden party inspiration!

Is there a better event than one that’s centered around the garden? Beautiful hues, fresh flowers, pleasant music and outstanding weather — what more could we ask for?! If you are planning, or would love to host, a garden party themed get together, we hope you will find some elevated yet accessible inspiration here. Garden party inspiration for the host is underway!

Decorating for a Garden Party

When deciding how to create your table, focus on a color story that pairs with the season and the fresh flowers accessible to you.

Garden Party Themes: Color Story

For example, if it’s summertime, you may want to choose bolder shades like touches of fuschia, bright yellow, blues, warm reds, etc. In the springtime, pastels are always an apt choice. If you have a garden, you could use the floral hues available to you to inspire the tablecloth, dishware, and the like.

Fresh Flowers

For any garden themed party, fresh flowers are ideal. Certainly, your local market or grocer will have fresh flowers, a neighbor’s yard, or more budget friendly options like Produce Junction are all considerations. You could also purchase small pots (or larger ones) from your local nursery to sit on the table and then plant or gift after your event.

Start with a tablecloth — vintage works beautifully here if that’s your style. For this birthday garden party, I used a block print style tablecloth which boasts my two favorite colors: pink & green, which both celebrate the spring season beautifully.

I then focused on the flowers in bloom in my garden during May, which were peonies and lilacs — two of my absolute favorites. Also, as we all know, their perfume is such a treat.

And while I don’t have any lily of the valley in my yard due to their toxicity to children, I love to celebrate this flower in the spring season, so I represented it in other ways: through antique glassware, my earrings (!), a letterpress card, and a tiered stand I found on Ebay.

Once I had chosen the vases for the flowers and had an idea of where I was going to arrange them for height on the table, I chose my platters which fit the color story. I also played around with some smaller vases and other decorative items to amplify the floral and springtime feel.

Garden Party Ideas: Decorative Touches

Because this was a garden party inspired birthday for my daughter, I made this “1” from a wooden “1” I bought at a craft store. I hot glued dried moss and baby’s breath as a simple decor item to fit the theme.

For favors, I made these simple and lovely handheld ribbon wands.

This party in particular was meant to be held outside, but we had an unseasonably hot day in May — it was humid and in the 90s! I don’t have great shade in my yard, so I, regretfully, moved the garden party inside. Fortunately, it was still a beautiful celebration which felt very garden-centered, so don’t let the weather stop you if the same thing happens to you.

Garden Party Inspiration: Food & Drink

For this event we went with finger foods one might have at a picnic, but slightly elevated. We had a cheese plate as an appetizer and our main menu consisted of mini croissant sandwiches, scones & croissants with lemon curd and clotted cream, tuna tartines with frisée, and open faced cucumber sandwiches. I also threw together Manchego truffle potato chips because they are easy and beloved. We needed a chip with our sandwich bites!

You may be interested in:

The Best Spring Cheese for Your Board: A Simple Guide

Because I was hosting and also tending to a baby who is content to only be held by me, we went with wine for this event, though there are many cocktails which would be such a great fit. I chose a sparkling rosé (Sparkling Summer Water) because it felt celebratory and perfect with the color palate and the season, as well as a still rosé and a dry white. For those who did not want an alcoholic drink, we had lemonade in glass bottles.

For an extra touch of color and interest, I froze strawberries and slices of lemons and limes in the ice I used to chill the wine. Frozen edible flowers would be beautiful as well.

You may be interested in:

10 Beautiful & Easy Spring Cocktails

And lastly, this was a birthday, so our dessert was cake-centric. We had a large birthday cake, as well as these beautiful tiny cakes in pale pastel shades. This was a fun offering, as we were able to try various flavors.

Ideas for a Garden Party Theme

While there are many ways you can get creative with a garden party theme, here are a few tips which may be a helpful baseline in your planning process:

Decide which flowers are in-season, accessible, and meet your budget. You do not need to be overloaded with flowers — just a few small glass vases down the center of the table with buds and greenery will do the trick.
Based on your flowers, choose the color story for the rest of your event, including the tablecloth or table runner, napkins, dishware and platter.
Determine if you would like your event to be a sit down meal or if you will be serving handheld options. This will offer you guidance regarding the menu and the table.
Drinks should feature seasonal options. You can have one or two signature cocktails, or a prepared cocktail / punch / sangria. Be mindful of how much work you want to be doing while your guests are present and decide the drink options from there. Elderflower drinks, lemonades, spritzers, and iced teas are all great options which can be served simply or offered with various flavor profiles.

And there you have it — some simple garden party inspiration for your next event. If you have any other ideas or have hosted your own garden party event, I would love to hear them!

More hosting + entertaining inspiration you may enjoy:

Seasonal + Simple Prosecco Cocktails

Hosting an Elevated Wine Tasting Birthday Party

Lifestyle · February 18, 2025

Sophisticated Soccer Themed Bedroom Ideas

This post is all about creating a unique and sophisticated soccer themed bedroom!

My son lives and breathes soccer. Are your kids the same? When we decided to re-do his room from a “little boy” room into a “big boy” room, we leaned into a soccer theme, but I wanted something sophisticated. To do this, I considered my son’s favorite colors & soccer teams and found what I consider to be a nice balance to create a big boy, sophisticated soccer themed bedroom. I hope you’ll find some inspiration here with the tips below to guide your own space!

Soccer Themed Bedroom Overview

My son not only loves soccer, he loves the GOAT, Lionel Messi. We’re happy to support this obsession because, as far as we can tell, Messi is a stand-up guy. So, I decided to pull from Messi’s legendary Argentinian heritage to use a shade of blue similar to that of the flag and the national Argentinian soccer team. You can see the blue on the trim of the windows, as well as the mini Argentinian flag tucked in the fern. It took me a long time to get this color right. At first I color matched a paint that reminded me of the walls of the Sunday School room in the basement of the church I attended growing up. While those were pleasant memories for me, it wasn’t exactly the vibe I was going for.

I tried to color match this throw rug several times to get the shade right. Apparently, because there are shades of cream that show through (however slightly), they had a hard time getting it to the blue shade I wanted. To solve my problem, I ended up taking some of the paint color I chose for the walls, a warm white from Benjamin Moore, and mixing it in to get the closest to the shade I had in mind. After four attempts back and forth from the store, I finally called it quits and went with my custom blend.

Because my son’s favorite color is red, I knew I had to incorporate it somewhere, but I didn’t want it to overwhelm the room (it’s small). I also wanted a deeper shade of red, so it would be a bit more elevated and a little less jarring than primary red.

Once I found the 1998 World Cup poster pictured above on Etsy, I ended up color matching the red from this poster so I could paint the frame. I felt it was important to pull the red in elsewhere in the room to help anchor the color. There is a small bulletin board above my son’s desk (not pictured) which I painted this same shade of red, as well as this wicker piece which serves as his nightstand.

soccer decor — Sweet little wicker nightstand

The World Cup poster ended up serving as a guide for the colors in the room. In the poster, you can see that there are two shades of blue, red, green, and yellow. I found all these colors to be joyful for a child’s bedroom and easy to incorporate. As I noted, I used the warm white for the walls because I wanted to balance the brighter hues. To tie the room together in terms of the color story, I chose (and consulted with my son) specific soccer balls to hang on the walls. We have four floating above my son’s desk (not pictured) and three near his bed.

Soccer Themed Bedroom Decor Ideas

My son loves to find gold or antique brass items when we’re out and about and use them as “trophies” for his room. We used this one as a soccer ball stand on his desk:

This was a fun gift from Santa — a custom soccer stadium (for the US) map, which can be checked off once a stadium is visited! My son has been excited to visit as many stadiums as possible — time to plan some trips!

Soccer Themed Bedroom Ideas — Custom soccer stadium map

I pulled the green and blue from the room and used this in my son’s bedding with a simple quilt and a lightweight block print blanket. I was relieved that he liked them!

And, one of my favorite touches (aside from the vintage yellow & green lamp in the first photo!), while not soccer themed, is a great find that creates extra storage. We live in a very old home with very little storage — his room doesn’t even have a closet! These vintage suitcases:

I found these at an outdoor flea market in the Lancaster area before we even started to re-do my son’s room. I’m so glad to have found the perfect place for them!

Lastly, we found this great chair at a thrift store one cold any rainy day when we wanted to get the kids out of the house.

I bought this fabric off of Etsy in hopes that it would match the red in the room and it ended up being perfect! I used more of it to wrap a frame that hangs above the small red nightstand. You can see the corner of my son’s desk here, which I have left out of the photos because there are several personal items on and above it. But, I wanted to note that I painted his desk the same color as the walls because his room is small. This was helpful, as it doesn’t take up “space” in the room visually, and since it has a red bulletin board above it and soccer balls above that, there is plenty of other color and pattern happening.

Soccer Themed Bedroom Tips

Here are some helpful tips for elevated soccer bedroom decor:

Choose a piece of art to anchor your space (ie. the soccer poster I chose)
Pull a few colors from the art and repeat those throughout the room to create some grounding
Ideally, choose art that incorporates your child’s favorite colors and find “adult” or muted versions of those colors
Be creative with your interpretation of your child’s interest. How can you find elements of what your child loves and bring it into the space?
Incorporate some modern elements, as well as some vintage or antique
Consider adding pennants (or team flags) to your child’s walls — you can incorporate their favorite teams and make custom ones on Etsy (we have several of these hanging)
Consider creating a gallery wall with antique frames you’ve collected featuring illustrations or pictures of your child playing soccer, prints from Etsy, framed jerseys, etc.
Make sure to include spaces that are your child’s that they get to decorate how they would like (if they want to be included in the process)
Soccer sheets would be really fun — they can be tucked under a quilt and still make your child happy
Feel free to ask for cut outs of your child’s favorite soccer star when you see them in store setups (or purchase on Etsy). I did this and my son was so thrilled:

Soccer Theme Room — I definitely felt like the best mom ever when I scored this Messi cutout!

Do you have any other creative ideas to create a sophisticated soccer themed bedroom? Doing so takes some patience to find and collect items, but it’s so fun to see it all come together. Take your time and fun with it!

More inspiration you may enjoy:

10 Tasteful + Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

What To Do in Lewes Delaware

Spring, Spring · February 4, 2025

10 Beautiful & Easy Spring Cocktails

This post is all about beautiful & easy spring cocktails.

Throw open those windows and get that cocktail shaker ready! It’s time to celebrate spring with one of these beautiful and easy spring cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a spring event or would simply like to enjoy a bright + beautiful cocktail at the end of the day, we have 10 gorgeous, colorful options that will have you excited for spring!

These vibrant, easy spring cocktails also run the spectrum of spring colors — from chartreuse green, to deep pink, to pale pink, to orange (!), to pale yellow — there is a shade to compliment any table or event. We love beauty as much as we do ease around here.

1. The Spring Fling Cocktail

Peanut Butter & Fitness features this beautiful spring cocktail, which highlights the spring season not only through its flavors, but it’s bright chartreuse green hue as well. Truly, no color speaks to spring better (in my opinion), than this one!

2. The Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation Cocktail is a classic gin drink. While gin is a wonderful liquor at any time of the year, I love to feature drinks with gin especially in the springtime given its floral notes (though some brands are much more floral than others). The crème de violette liqueur gives this lovely drink its beautiful lavender color, and also pairs well with the gin to further impart floral flavors.

3. The May Queen Floral Cocktail

This stunning spring cocktail requires a bit of planning ahead, but is still simple in its steps. Combine elderflower liquor (so floral!) with hibiscus rose syrup and a few other lovely ingredients, and you have a gorgeous and veryyy sippable cocktail on your hands.

4. Empress Carrot Cake

I’m not sure about you, but the Empress Carrot Cake screams Easter to me! We often have carrot cake as one of our desserts on Easter, so this drink feels like another fun way to incorporate this flavor. This is so simple, as it calls for carrot & pineapple juices and gin. That’s it! If you want to get fancy, there are options to add the carrot cake flair, including a cream cheese foam! Oh my goodness, yes please.

5. The Peony Royale Cocktail

What represents spring more than peonies?! This is another simple cocktail calling for spring-focused ingredients like peony vodka (um, yes) and cherry juice, as well as a few others. What a stunning drink to serve your friends among the blooming flowers.

The Best Spring Cheese for Your Board: A Simple Guide

6. Wet Your Whistledown Cocktail

We love a Bridgerton theme! The creator of this cocktail explains how each ingredient is inspired by an element of the super-popular show — what awesome attention to detail which makes this one extra fun. Whether or not you are a Bridgerton fan, this easy spring cocktail truly is both simple and springy.

7. Spring Blossom Cocktail

Birds Party celebrates cherry blossom season with this one! With cherry brandy and sparkling lemonade, this cocktail is sure to please as the blossoms usher in spring.

Another super simple, yet delicious option with a similar theme from Beijos: Cherry Blossom Cocktail.

8. April Shower Cocktail

The April Shower Cocktail is stunning, isn’t it? It’s a classic drink which uses grapefruit to brighten and balance the beautiful flavors. What a fun way to celebrate April — rain or shine!

9. The Lemon Prosecco Float

I just love lemon in the springtime. For me, when I’m reaching for lemon-centered desserts and flavors, it truly means spring is here. This Lemon Prosecco Float is a delightful, classic Italian cocktail which could not be simpler: lemon sorbet, drizzle of vodka, topped with Prosecco. What a joy in a coupe this is!

10. Lillet Rosé Cocktail

This Lillet Rosé Cocktail might be one of my favorites. We love a rosé cocktail in the spring — this one uses Lillet Rosé and is topped with bubbles (and incorporates grapefruit – yes!). It’s simple, it’s bubbly, it’s pale pink, it’s bright & floral — in my book, it doesn’t get much better.

Okay friends — it’s time to start shaking + springtime sipping! Cheers to green grass, gentle sunshine, flower buds, bird song, and a beautiful & easy spring cocktail. If you try any of these, please let me know your thoughts! Salud!

More springtime + hosting inspiration for your enjoyment:

Seasonal + Simple Prosecco Cocktails

What Wine for Blue Cheese? A Simple Pairing Guide

We love to hear from you!

Fall, Hosting & Entertaining, Spring, Summer, Winter · September 23, 2024

Seasonal + Simple Prosecco Cocktails

It’s time to celebrate! Pop the bubbly and get to pouring! There’s nothing better than mixing up simple Prosecco cocktails to enjoy, whether casually with friends, or a bit more formally at a festive event. The effervescent nature of Prosecco creates a festive energy + invites a celebratory experience — the perfect fit any time of the year!

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy, and is often more affordable than champagne. It can be enjoyed on its own, or used to make a delectable cocktail or spritz. It’s a well-loved sparkling wine given it’s light, crisp, fruity nature and is perfect for both casual and celebratory occasions, and anything in between. Prosecco is also especially versatile because it can be subbed for champagne, and also comes in rosé form. Uh, yum.

Now, for the best part! Simple Prosecco cocktails, categorized by seasonality because that’s how we do things here:

Winter Prosecco Cocktails

This Winter Aperol Spritz from Platings + Pairings calls for a cranberry simple syrup and a sprig of rosemary, offering full winter vibes.

Yum! A cranberry rosemary spritz is both simple and beautiful. This spritz from The Social Sipper calls for a sparkling rosé, so rosé Prosecco is a delicious and affordable option to use.

Ethan from DineDrafts created this festive Winter Wonderland Sparkler calling for cranberry, pear, vodka, and champagne. You know the deal — go ahead and swap the champagne for Prosecco for a just-as-perfect sparkling option.

Spring Prosecco Cocktails

Elderflower has such a beautiful perfume, boasting a bit of fruitiness as well as floral notes, making it perfect for a spring sipper. When I think of elderflower, I think of the UK, and May-June is elderflower season. No question — this Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail from Truffles and Trends is synonymous with spring!

Okay, we all know that rosé = spring. Grab a bottle of rosé Prosecco, mix up this beautiful cocktail and top with some edible flowers to celebrate both the spring blooms and your friends!

As soon as the lavender begins to bloom (some varieties as soon as early spring), throw together this simple sangria with a rosé Prosecco to add some bubbles and admire the blooming, cheerful shades of spring!

Summer Prosecco Cocktails

The Limoncello Spritz is a classic drink from Italy. It’s especially refreshing on a hot summer day and calls for only limoncello, Prosecco, and club soda. Paige’s recipe calls for lemon sparkling water to amplify the lemon flavor, but feel free to go with plain seltzer or club, depending on your preference.

A stone fruit inspired cocktail is the perfect fit for a summertime refresher. This simple Prosecco cocktail calls for muddled plums and fresh thyme, celebrating the beautiful bounty of this season!

This Sparkling Berry Cocktail allows room for you to use whatever fresh berries you have on hand, or will partner best with your menu. It also has the option to create one cocktail, or create a batch — appreciate this flexibility for menu planning!

Fall Prosecco Cocktails

This apple cider spritz brings on all the autumnal energy! Add apple cider and a bit of cinnamon to a traditional Aperol spritz and you’ve got a (very simple &) beautiful cocktail, transitioning you from the summer to early fall.

Make the cider honey syrup ahead (which will add so much flavor and depth!), and throw this together just before serving. With lovely fall flavors and a bit of bubbly, this Bourbon Champagne Cocktail is the ultimate cocktail for an elevated autumnal event or girls get together.

This recipe from Half Baked Harvest also calls for a syrup (maple!) which can easily be made ahead. There are layers of flavors in this cocktail, topped with Prosecco (sub in for the champagne in the recipe), adding a fun fizz topper!

Simple + Classic Prosecco Cocktails / Spritzes

Here are a few Prosecco cocktails which I would be remiss not to mention. Some are classic, some are with a twist. Mix up these delicious drinks during whatever season you see fit!

The Bubbly French Blonde is a blend of so many of my favorites: elderflower liqueur, gin, Lillet Blanc, and Prosecco. This vibrant drink gets me excited about all these flavors just thinking about it!

The Hugo Spritz is a classic drink from Italy. While it’s been in existence for a long time, I just had it for the first time this summer. It. was. delicious! Feel free to sub the Prosecco for rosé Prosecco if you’re in the mood. It will not disappoint.

Another Italian drink, the Amaro Spritz is simple & delicious. With three ingredients (plus garnish if you’re up for it), this can be thrown together in no time.

Now, certainly, you can drink these simple Prosecco cocktails any time of year. I’ve categorized them by seasons in case you’re hosting a soiree or festivity grounded in a certain time of year, holiday, or event.

Do you have a favorite Prosecco cocktail? If so, please share! As always, happy hosting & Cheers, Salud!

Other festive inspiration you may enjoy:

Hosting an Elevated Wine Tasting Birthday Party

12 Refreshing August Cocktails for Summer Sipping

Hosting & Entertaining · September 9, 2024

What Wine for Blue Cheese? A Simple Pairing Guide

What wine for blue cheese? Does blue cheese go with red or white wine? What’s the best wine for blue cheese? These are questions I’ve asked myself many times given the powerful nature of this cheese (as well as my love of hosting wine-centered celebrations)! Let’s chat about the most ideal and accessible wine pairings for the blue on your board.

A Quick Blue Cheese Guide

Blue cheese is a complex cheese, both tangy and distinctive, and in a category all its own. It makes a beautiful, striking addition to a cheese plate or board and is often relied upon as an option to balance the other cheeses.

Now, for a bit of a blue cheese primer. Blue cheese has several outstanding flavor profiles including: tanginess/sharpness, pungency, saltiness, creaminess/butteriness, as well as earthy/nuttiness. Depending on the type of blue cheese, as well as its age, all of these flavors will vary and balance one another.

As you may be aware, in the making of blue cheese mold is introduced, resulting in the edible mold we know as a distinct marbling characteristic in our favorite blues.

A few types of blue cheese include: Roquefort (sheep’s milk from France), Gorgonzola (cow’s milk from Italy), Stilton (cow’s milk from England), Danablu (cow’s milk from Denmark), and Cabrales (goat, sheep, & cow’s milk from Spain).

And, with the right wine pairing, the power of the mold is truly a standout. With the wrong pairing, it can be really wrong. Ick.

Read on to discover the perfect wine pairings for your upcoming festivities, whether you’re welcoming everyone to your event, or bringing a cheese plate and a beautiful bottle of wine to your host!

White Wine for Blue Cheese

A white wine and blue cheese pairing can be a lovely experience, especially if you lean towards wine with a bit (or a lot) of sweetness. Consider staying in the off-dry to dessert wine spectrum to truly balance your blue cheese wine pairing.

Here are a few white wines to consider:

Sauternes

This sweet, French dessert wine is a classic pairing with blue cheese, especially Roquefort. The honeyed sweetness and rich, full-bodied nature of Sauternes contrast beautifully with the sharp, tangy flavors of the cheese.

Riesling

A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling and blue cheese combination can be a delectable match. The wine’s sweetness and acidity help cut through the creamy, salty nature of blue cheese.

Gewürztraminer

This aromatic, spicy wine often has a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the intense flavors of blue cheese. Its fruity and floral notes can complement the cheese’s complexity.

Chenin Blanc

chardonnay and blue cheese

A medium to sweet Chenin Blanc, especially one from the Loire Valley, can work well. Its balanced acidity and honeyed flavors can enhance the cheese without overpowering it.

Viognier

The rich, floral, and fruity profile of a Viognier can pair nicely with the creamy texture of blue cheese. Consider a Viognier with some residual sugar for an even better match.

Chardonnay

A bold, buttery, oaky Chardonnay can offer a complimentary balance to a pungent blue. Pairing Chardonnay and blue cheese is certainly an option, to great relief for Chardonnay lovers.

When pairing white wine with blue cheese, it’s important to consider the specific type of blue cheese and its intensity. Lighter, creamier blue cheeses might pair well with slightly sweeter or less intense wines, while more pungent varieties might need a more robust wine.

Red Wine for Blue Cheese

When pairing red wine with blue cheese focus on choosing wines that are medium-to-fuller in body to find a balanced compliment:

Port

While technically a fortified wine, it’s worth mentioning again due to its exceptional pairing with blue cheese. Its sweetness and richness balance well with the intense flavors of the cheese.

Zinfandel

A fruit-forward Zinfandel with moderate tannins can work well with blue cheese. The wine’s bold fruit flavors and spice notes can complement the tangy and creamy elements of the cheese.

Shiraz/Syrah

A Syrah or Shiraz with rich, fruity flavors and a hint of spice can be a good match. The boldness of the wine often pairs well with the strong taste of blue cheese.

Malbec

Malbec, especially from Argentina, has a robust flavor profile with dark fruit notes and a touch of earthiness that can pair well with blue cheese, particularly those with a milder profile.

Cabernet Sauvignon

A Cabernet Sauvignon with softer tannins and a bit of fruitiness can also work. The wine’s structure and flavors can stand up to the intensity of blue cheese, though it’s best to choose one with less oak influence to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Garnacha (Grenache)

A Garnacha with its ripe berry flavors and softer tannins can be a pleasant pairing. Its fruity and slightly spicy character can complement the flavors of blue cheese without overwhelming them.

Just as you would when pairing white wine with blue cheese, it’s important to consider the cheese’s strength and intensity when pairing red wine with blue cheese. Milder blue cheeses may pair well with lighter reds, while stronger, more pungent varieties may require a more robust red to stand up to their flavors.

Rosé & Sparkling Wines for Blue Cheese

If your event calls for rosé or a sparkling wine, you’re in luck! Fortunately, both wines can pair beautifully with the blues:

Rosé

The bright acidity and fruity notes of a rosé can balance the strong, tangy flavors of blue cheese, especially if the rosé is on the drier side. A well-chilled rosé with a bit of fruitiness can complement the creamy texture and sharpness of the cheese without overwhelming it. Choose a higher acidity and berry-forward wine and see how you like this pairing.

Sparkling

The effervescence in sparkling wine provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy texture of blue cheese.

Sparkling wines typically have good acidity, which helps balance the creaminess of blue cheese. The acidity can cut through the cheese’s richness, making each bite more enjoyable. For stronger blue cheeses, go for a more robust sparkling wine (Champagne, Cava), while milder cheeses can pair with lighter, fruitier options (Prosseco, Crémant).

So, what wine pairs nicely with blue cheese? So many beautiful wines! What initially presents as a challenging pairing, now becomes ripe with opportunity, offering a delectable experience for party goers with any wine preference. Happy pairing!

More hosting inspiration which may interest you:

Hosting a Wine Tasting Birthday Party

10 Tasteful + Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

23 of the Most Perfect Gifts for Hosts When Traveling (by plane or car!)

Autumn, Fall, Fall, Lifestyle · July 8, 2024

How to Host a Festive (+ Cozy) Fall Book Club

It’s time to plan a festive fall book club!

The air is changing + the leaves are rustling, which makes it the BEST time of year for book club! Fall is the most quintessential season to get cozy with a book, and it’s also the ideal time to gather with friends over delicious food, a thoughtful read, and invigorating conversation. Now, let’s make it happen!

Fall Book Club: The Essentials

The essentials for any book club meetup: the book, the menu, the drink, the setting, the conversation.

Let’s start with the centerpiece of the gathering: the book.

If you have an established book club, you likely have a technique regarding how you choose your next read. Some groups choose via their group text thread, some choose at the end of the last meeting. Others send out a questionnaire. Some even use instagram polls! Whatever your avenue, consider a book full of cozy vibes for one of your fall meetups:

Autumn: A Novel brief description: “MAN BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST • The first novel in Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet is an unforgettable story about aging and time and love—and stories themselves.” (via Amazon)

Mexican Gothic brief description: “An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . . From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.” (via Amazon)

Mexican Gothic was picked as “one of the best books of the year” by many outlets.

Weyward brief description: “Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an astonishing debut, and an enthralling novel of female resilience.” (via Amazon) Weyward is another book which has earned high ratings across various sources, as well as the winner of two Goodreads awards!

The following bloggers have also put together lists of their favorite cozy fall options, which offer an array of genres and options:

The Autumnal-Inspired Menu

I love a potluck-style book club meetup, where everyone brings something to assist. Life is busy and this can often be the most accessible option for many. If this is the case with your crew, consider assigning book club members something savory, something sweet, and drink options.

If this is not the case with your crew and the host is in charge of the food, that works well too. The host then has the freedom to plan a full menu, and maybe even try a new recipe that’s been on their autumn menu pinterest board!

Fall Book Club Menu Considerations

If your group enjoys a cheese or charcuterie board, go with it! If this is the case, choose some cheeses that are fall-inspired, whether by flavor or by color.

Cotswold Cheddar from Trader Joe’s

This cheese is delicious! Trader Joe’s has this year round (at least that’s been my experience on the East Coast). It’s a beautiful cow’s milk cheese blended with chives and onions, which adds so much flavor and looks festive on a cheese board. I’ve got a wedge in my cheese drawer right now!

Whole Foods also has a version of this cheese, labeled Somerdale Coopers Hill.

Another wonderful cheese option is Mimolette. It’s a mild cheese (though looks sharper given its bright hue) and has notes of butterscotch. The rind is a pale brown shade and is a little craggy, making it a perfect fit for an autumn or Halloween-y cheese board. PS: Pecans pair beautifully with Mimolette!

While the Mimolette picture below is linked to Amazon, we can find this at our local grocery store which has a gourmet cheese section, so I’m hopeful you may have a purchasing option near you as well.

Compliment your board with some candied nuts, which you can buy at Trader Joe’s, or most major grocery stores, or make your own very easily. Add some dried cranberries, oranges, and figs, tuck in a spray of rosemary, and you’ve got a beautiful autumnal cheeseboard to serve your guests as they walk in the door, ready to chat all things book!

Here’s a super simple recipe from Carlsbad Cravings if you’d like to make your own candied nuts:

This recipe calls for white sugar, but you could also use brown if you want a slightly deeper flavor.

To add more interest to the cheese board with both color and flavor, a red-wine soaked cheese is a good fit for fall. Many major grocery stores now carry a form of this cheese. Just look for a wedge that’s in a near-burgundy rind, with cheese white in color. If you’re unsure, take a moment to ask an employee, especially if they have their own cheese counter. They’re happy to help!

Depending on the size of your group, one or two cheeses is likely plenty if you’re also serving other bites. Add some crackers, fresh bread, and brined olives, and you’ve got a hearty appetizer. If you’re only serving a cheese board, add some sliced meats, pickled vegetables, and maybe a dip or two to balance out the board. Consider also including a soft cheese like brie or camembert or a baked feta.

Further Menu Considerations

Building upon the cozy fall book club theme, let’s consider a few other menu options:

This baked feta dip with fig jam and pecans is super simple and hits so many autumnal notes.

Here’s another great option:

For something that feels a bit more like a meal, these caramelized onion, apple and goat cheese melts from New York Times Cooking are just the thing! Make several either in a pan or in the oven, slice and serve on a big wooden cutting board.

The Fall Book Club Drink

It’s always nice to serve everyone their first drink and then have a setup which allows them to serve themselves. This way your guest feels welcome, but you can stayed tuned into the conversation without worrying about keeping an eye on drinks and getting up every so often to refresh them. Of course, it’s always nice if you are getting up to refresh your own to check-in and see if anyone else needs anything.

Mulled Wine

A fun make-ahead drink, this could hang on the stovetop under low heat or no heat (once already heated), with glass mugs at the ready. Mulled wine on the stove also makes the house smell like quintessential fall!

Here’s another option with the spices already prepared, just add wine, or apple cider, for a non-alcoholic option:

Wine Options

If you’d like to have traditional wine options on hand for those who might not favor a mulled wine, consider a Pinot Noir for red, which will satisfy the red wine drinkers, but is often light enough for the white wine drinkers.

Another great addition is a bubbly! Prosecco or Cava, which pair well with the fatty cheese options, and can be spruced up with a little apple cider, or mulled spice syrup (which you can easily whip up with the mulled spices). For a white option, try a Sancerre or Pinot Gris (both can boast pear and apple notes).

The Festive + Cozy Setting

If your location (& weather) allows, head outside around a fire pit for your initial drink OR flip flop and have a drink inside while everyone is arriving and then gather a plate of food, refresh drinks and head outside for a cozy conversation around the fire.

Our summer book club post has some great suggestions for fending off any straggling mosquitos or bugs, as well as cozy blanket, and string light options. Whether you’re inside or out, having a few cozy blankets folded or tossed over the seating options not only warms up the setting, it also invites your guest to get cozy, which is our goal!

The Table

Since the table is the centerpiece of the evening, take a few extra minutes to add some autumnal hues. Napkins and/or a tablecloth go a long way in adding color and warmth, and a few lit candles (whether real or battery operated) offer a special touch and set the perfect vibe for a fall book club.

fall books kids — What a pleasant autumn tablecloth!

books set in autumn goodreads — Great matching napkins, or stand alone option without the tablecloth

books with fall covers — A linen mustard napkin?! Beautiful with the patterned tablecloth to break up the print and to elevate the table, but can absolutely stand alone.

atmospheric books for autumn — Perfect napkins throughout the entire autumn season

fall romance books — This jacquard dish towel offers a pop of autumn color — would be great in the kitchen, or sitting underneath a dish on the table

If you will be indoors for at least part of the evening, set the tone with the lighting. If you have dimmers, feel free to bring the light down a bit, and burn a few candles. Touch lamps also add so much to a table (indoor or out)!

I have both the first two touch lamps listed above and love them both. If I was in the market for another option, I’d absolutely go for the third option with the pleated shade! I love that look. The more modern gold touch lamps listed last are so adorable and would add a great updated look to any table.

If you’re in the market for a touch lamp, just be sure to check out the dimensions prior to purchasing so you know what works for your setting.

If you want to add a little more to the table (although it will likely be quite full with food, plates, napkins, cutlery, and candles, so don’t feel the need, you can scatter a few leaves, acorns, and pumpkins at the base of the candles to up the autumn ante.

The Conversation

The most fulfilling part of the evening! Often, the conversation flows really naturally, but if you find the group at a lull, have these discussion points open on your phone (or printed out) to refer to:

Reader’s Guide for Autumn by Ali Smith

Book Club Kit for Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (this one even has a music list suggestion!)

Discussion Questions for Weyward by Amilia Hart

We’ve now touched upon all the essentials for hosting a festive + cozy fall book club! If you have any other suggestions, please leave them below and happy hosting!

More posts to inspire your book club experience:

How to Host an Inspired Summer Book Club

Seasonal + Simple Prosecco Cocktails

What Wine for Blue Cheese? A Simple Pairing Guide

Lifestyle · June 24, 2024

23 of the Most Perfect Gifts for Hosts When Traveling (by plane or car!)

This post is all about gifts for hosts when traveling.

Let’s check off one of the most important items on your travel to do list — what to bring your host! With a variety of options below, you’re sure to find the perfect gift!

When you are thinking about what your host might enjoy, consider how they spend their days during the season you are traveling so they can put your gift to immediate use. Also, if they’ve expressed any admiration regarding your own items: a carrying case, a nail polish color, a candle in your home — that’s a helpful hint! Just think through whether they would want one of their own, or just enjoyed it on you or in your home.

Gifts for Hosts When Traveling To Your Destination By Car

If you’re traveling by car, it can be much easier to bring gifts for hosts given since there are generally no (or few) restrictions.

1. Cheese Knives

These cheese knives from Anthro will pair with just about any cheese board, during any season. The handles have a nice weight to them, so they are sturdy enough for a soft or hard cheese.

2. Stylish Cheese Plane

If your host makes cheese boards or enjoys spending time in the kitchen, a cheese plane would be a lovely gift. A cheese plane makes cutting thin slices of both semi-hard and hard cheeses a breeze (as well as vegetables and other foods). I especially like a wooden handled tool — it balances the stainless steel with warmth.

3. Gourmet Cheese

what is a good gift for a host — Humboldt Fog by Cypress Grove

Yum, yum, gimme some! You could stop by your local cheesemonger or your favored grocery store and grab a nice block of cheese (or three!) to offer your host. Of course, Trader Joe’s is always has a great selection at reasonable prices as well. If you feel like your stay warrants several gifts in one, grab some nice cheese (one hard, one soft, one fun), The New Rules of Cheese book listed below, and the cheese knives listed above. All done!

4. Chocolate Truffles or Candy

A stunning box of luxury sweets clearly communicates, “thank you!”. Not only are these treats high quality, but they are wrapped beautifully, which will leave your host with a decorative box they can repurpose. This means it takes the wrapping out of the equation for you, which can be challenging when packing bags and trying not to tear a nice gift bag or wrapping paper.

5. Beautiful Coffee Table Book

If you know your host, you’ll likely know if they would appreciate a coffee table book which can be displayed just about anywhere, or can just be a nice addition to a library, whatever the size. When choosing a coffee table book as a hostess gift, consider their interests (gardening, baking, painting, antiquing, traveling, etc.) and the general color story of their home.

6. High quality butter, honey, jam

If you have a local vendor that sells a high quality butter, honey, and/or jam, consider this as an option for your host. It’s an accoutrement that will get used, maybe even while you’re visiting!, and is a fun representation of the local culture by your home.

7. Fragrance

If you know that your host enjoys candles, diffusers, soaps, or specific types of perfumes, this can be a great, straight forward choice. Keep in mind that there are many people who are very specific about the scents they incorporate in their home, so this should be a gift for someone you know fairly well so you can discern what they will enjoy. Brooklyn Candle Studio has many luxurious scents that aren’t too strong. They have an entire “Escapist” line which highlights beautiful areas around the world!

8. Flower and/or fern

If your host is a flower person, they would be thrilled seeing you at their front door with a colorful addition to their space or their garden! A perennial flower would be a nice touch for outdoors so they can think of you each year it grows back. Inside, a delicate maidenhair fern would do the trick, or a colorful pot of whatever flower is in season at the time of your visit.

9. La Colombe Coffee Lattes

10. High Quality Olive Oil

If your host enjoys cooking, they will appreciate a high quality olive oil. If you have a specialty shop or market that sells nice olive oil, stop by and ask the employee their opinion. If not, both La Tourangelle & Graza are great options.

Gifts for Hosts When Traveling To Your Destination by Plane

11. Local Coffee

If you know how your host prepares their coffee (drip pour over, fine, etc.), buy your favorite bag from your local coffee shop and ask them to grind the beans for you. If not, buy the beans whole and let your host grind the beans themselves. They’ll think of your time together every time they brew a cup!

12. Cocktail book

If possible, a nice extra touch would be to buy the ingredients for one of the cocktails and make them for your host during your stay. This would be a lot of fun if your host doesn’t mind you whipping this up in the kitchen or at their bar. You could choose a drink together once they open the book, or peruse the recipes prior to your trip (or while on the plane!) and decide which one you think you’d like best. My sister often brings us a fun seasonal cocktail book based on the time of year and we do just this, or we bookmark one to make during her next stay!

13. Cheese Book

This cheese book is petite, so it won’t take up too much room in your luggage or in your host’s home. If you enjoy having cheese together, this is a great touch!

14. Beautiful Scarf

There are so many ways to use a beautiful scarf! It can be tied around the strap of a purse or nice workbag, around your neck, as a scarf around the head, and even utilized as a headband! Oh, how versatile this fabric can be, adding a touch of sophistication and fun.

15. High Quality Tea

Does your host enjoy tea more than coffee? Here are a few nice options to choose from.

16. Gift Card

If you spend some time at your host’s local market (maybe it looks like the one above — swoooon), consider buying them a gift card. This could be a stand alone gift or paired with one of the other’s on this list. Depending on the size / scope of the market, they may even sell gift cards online, just in case you don’t make it there for one reason or another. We all know how long weekends can go with extended coffee dates and relaxing into the spontaneity of the moment.

17. Herbs de Provence & Finishing Salts

This is another gift for the host who enjoys spending time in the kitchen. These herbs and finishing salts would be lovely paired with the olive oil and the local market gift card, or truly as a stand alone gift.

18. Magazine Subscription

Magazine subscriptions are great! A gorgeous edition full of creative ideas and inspiring photos arriving to the doorstep every month? Yes please! Some great options:

Flower Magazine

Southern Living Magazine

Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

19. Groceries

Grocery delivery is so easy these days. If you would like to make a meal for the host one evening, have the groceries delivered so you can spend more time together, and include a few surprise treats!

20. Paper napkins

There are SO MANY lovely options for paper napkins these days and at all different price points. You’ll probably be going through a bunch of these while in your host’s home, so consider adding one of these to your hostess gift.

21. Seeds for the Garden

Another gift for a gardener, or anyone who enjoys trying to grow fresh food or flowers. Creeping thyme is a beautiful, hardy perennial ground cover which blooms for several weeks in the spring or summer, depending on the varietal. The blooms can also be used as a garnish in food and drinks!

Basil is always a good option — it smells divine, compliments many dishes, and even keeps some bugs away!

22. Spiral Tapered Candles

Spiral taper candles are on trend and come in so many shades. What a playful addition to a tablescape, sidebar, or fireplace. If you have any vintage or antique brass candle holders, they would pair beautifully and add a special touch:

If you like this idea, but don’t have time to run to the antique or thrift store, try these options:

23. Tote bag

Grab this adorable tote and throw in a bunch of delicious treats! A sparkling bottle of wine to celebrate your time together, a fatty cheese which will pair perfectly, a beautiful box of truffles, a magazine tied with a bow, and a local bag of coffee.

Wrap it in a tea towel (like these cheerful options) or bring a flattened gift bag and tissue paper, which will be less likely to get beat up if the gift hasn’t been wrapped yet, and will also take up less room in your luggage.

What Not To Gift Your Host

While there are many options for gifts, there are a few “no nos” when it comes to gifting:

1. Don’t gift your host a big or bulky item.

Since you don’t know exactly how you host is going to feel about your item, do them the favor of not buying something they may have to find storage space for when you’re not visiting.

2. Don’t gift your host something that you expect them to display (unless it’s a joke).

A funny / novelty item that you wouldn’t expect your host to display beyond your stay? That’s probably just fine. But, picture frames, large vases, or art pieces can be tricky, as it can lead to your host trying to find a spot for the item in their already curated home.

3. Do consider gifting your host something that is perishable or has a “shelf life”.

Unless you know your host really well, it’s ideal to gift them something that can be used up, just like many items on this list.

This covers a wide variety of options of perfect gifts for hosts when traveling, either by plane or car!

For more gifting inspiration, checkout our favorite things page or this quick hostess gift ideas guide:

10 Tasteful + Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

Peony Lane & Co.’s Favorite Things

Summer, Summer, Summer · June 10, 2024

12 Refreshing August Cocktails for Summer Sipping

This post is all about August cocktails.

It’s late summer, which means it’s time to enjoy the most refreshing August cocktails which fully embrace the beautiful fruits (and herbs) of the late summer season. Peaches, watermelon, and blackberries (and more!) — let’s keep that fresh bounty coming all month long.

August Cocktails Inspired By In-Season Fruit

Peach Inspired Summer Cocktails

Fresh peaches and mint — such a refreshing combination and both are in season in the US in August. This would be a great recipe to batch for larger groups. Rum is the classic alcohol used in a mojito and also what this recipe calls for.

This peach lemonade spritzer is light, and like a classic spritzer, uses white wine. You cannot go wrong with a lovely summer spritzer — it’s a crowd pleaser and great as a day drink option. This summer August cocktail would pair nicely with the light fare in this summer entertaining menu.

Both basil and peaches are in season in August, so this drink equals all the freshness right here. This cocktail calls for gin.

Watermelon Inspired Summer Cocktails

This watermelon rosé fresca calls for elderflower liquor (one of my faves!) and brut (dry) rosé. What a beautifully fruity and floral combination! This one would be a hit at summer book club, if you’re hosting!

Margarita goodness with watermelon flair — love!

Classic G&T with a watermelon twist. A really fun option, especially for those who prefer a classic craft cocktail.

Blackberry Inspired Summer Cocktails

Let’s mix up these drinks with a little blackberry + bourbon! A darker liquor adds great depth to the blackberry notes.

Mint, gin, and blackberry brandy (along with fresh blackberries) compound the flavors in this summer sipper.

Blackberries replaces the cranberries in this creative spin on a cosmo. Another classic with a great, summery twist!

August Cocktails Inspired by Tropical Fruits

Beyond in-season fruit, tropical fruits are always a great consideration for August cocktails, as they bring all the summer vibes. I”m certain I don’t need to convince you on this one. Let’s consider a few, shall we?

Holy goodness – the “Pineapple Princess” is a beautifully crafted cocktail including: tequila, orange liquor, and Aperol!

Okay, yum. If you’ve never had Mezcal before (or have been hesitant to try), it has smokey flavor. All tequila is actually a type of mezcal, so, mezcal, at least in my opinion, tastes similar to tequila (+ smokey).

This is a super fun passionfruit (and pineapple) cocktail that sings summer (from a moving car with the windows down and the wind whipping through your hair) vibes!

I hope you’ve found some great inspiration to enjoy some late summer August cocktails, whether under a shaded tree or beach umbrella, or whipping up a few of these for your companions on vacation — have so much fun!

We hope you’ve found some inspiration for your August cocktails!

More oh-so-breezy summer entertaining inspiration:

Seasonal + Simple Prosecco Cocktails

Summer Entertaining Menu

How to Host an Inspired Summer Book Club

Autumn, Fall, Fall, Hosting & Entertaining, Lifestyle, Spring, Spring, Spring, Summer, Summer, Summer, Winter, Winter, Winter · May 27, 2024

10 Tasteful + Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

This post is all about quick hostess gift ideas.

I find it helpful to have a few “go to” quick hostess gift ideas that I can grab if needed at the last minute, or stock-up on ahead of time. All the options in this guide are linked through Amazon for ease of purchase and to make for a quick turn around time and there are also homemade and DIY quick hostess gift ideas below.

The Quick Hostess Gift Ideas Guide

1. A small fern would beautifully compliment this terra cotta pot, which could be used indoors or out.

2. These cheerful + high quality Opinel knives are a great option for a host who loves to cook & spend time in the kitchen.

3. Charbonnel et Walker truffles speak for themselves. A special treat for a special host. Bonus: the box can serve as a beautiful display piece.

4. Colorful match boxes are always fun — these feature long matches which are easier to use when lighting candles, and are a beautiful option to set out next to a candle.

5. These French soaps are high quality and another beautiful display item in the kitchen or the bathroom.

6. We’ve all seen these fun matches and their glass containers. These would be lovely paired with a locally-made candle, or one that you picked up on vacation as a gift, or simply on their own.

7. I can never get enough of table linens. These sweet scallops add a special touch to these colorful napkins and will brighten any table.

8. Beautiful, fine-tipped pens are the perfect option for hostesses with the mostess. If you want, you can pair this with a lovely notebook or notepad.

9. These sweet books look beautiful with or without the cover. What’s a better option for a hostess than a book about food and drink?!

10. Another beautiful napkin — this one for a refreshing cocktail or mocktail – hydrangeas! A classic favorite.

Quick Hostess Gift Ideas Tips

quick easy hostess gift — French Picnic party themed prep!

Tip #1: Create a list on Amazon for hostess gifts and as you see something sweet, save it. You could also create a list for hostess gifts for various events or seasons. Creating a Pinterest board for this is great too.

Tip #2: Any of these gifts would be beautiful wrapped, or unwrapped, with a colorful bow. I bought a pack of these chiffon ribbons and they have lasted me a long time. I keep them accessible (near my kitchen) to use with a variety of gifts before heading out the door.

Local & DIY Quick Hostess Gift Ideas

When you go to your local market, coffee shop, candle shop, or favorite restaurant, grab a few gift cards so they are ready when you need them. I find this especially helpful when it’s holiday season and we are giving gifts to teachers and other professionals in our lives.

Many local shops also now have cute totes. What a fun idea to wrap your gift in a tote — double the gift! I also think it’s nice to nestle a plant in tissue paper inside a sweet tote bag. Of course, never underestimate a good bottle of wine or Prosecco — there are many bottles under $20 that are great options. If you’re unsure, just ask one of the employees for a suggestion — they typically have a few on hand for just this reason.

If you’re looking to make something at home, grab some fresh herbs and blend them with soft butter. You can gift this in a nice Weck jar and, if you have the time, pair with a fresh baguette. You could even buy the parbaked baguette from the grocery store and bake it at home prior to heading to the party. Have time for another step? Wrap it all (or any of the other gifts in this post) in a cute hand towel.

small hostess gift — A great size for homemade herbed butter

hostess gifts — The sweetest block print hand towel

That wraps it up for quick hostess gift ideas!

If you’re in the mood for more hosting & entertaining inspiration:

How to Host an Inspired Summer Book Club

Hosting an Elevated Wine Tasting Birthday Party

Summer Entertaining Menu

Any other suggestions, let us know! Send a message via @peonylaneandco .

For more hosting inspo and pretty things, follow @peonylaneandco on Instagram!

If you’re interested in more entertaining and tablescape ideas, visit PL&Co.’s Pinterest page!

To learn more about PL&Co., click here!

East Coast Travel, Summer, Summer · May 13, 2024

What To Do in Lewes Delaware

This post is all about what to do in Lewes Delaware.

Thinking about planning a trip to Lewes, Delaware? This guide will give you great recommendations regarding what to do in Lewes Delaware, whether you’re traveling solo, on a couples’ trip, or bringing the whole family!

You know those charming beach towns that are kinda-sorta hidden gems? Well, Lewes, Delaware is absolutely one of them. Growing up in New Jersey, we, of course, ventured to the Jersey shore for beach vacations. In adulthood I relocated into Pennsylvania and, as a result, have been exposed to the beaches of Delaware.

This quaint town is a lovely mix of restaurants, shopping, and beach life. During every visit we comment how it would be beautiful in any season, so while summer will, of course, give quintessential summer vibes, exploring Lewes year round is absolutely an option for your East Coast travel planning.

Read on to learn what to do in Lewes, Delaware!

What to do in Lewes Delaware Guide

The Station on Kings

I found The Station on Kings on Instagram before our trip and was reallll pumped. This café / market / home and garden store was much larger than I expected. It reminded me a little of the vibe of Terrain mixed with the vibe of Beach Plum Farm, though it’s definitely it’s own animal. It was an upscale marketplace boasting gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread (and other goodies), mixed in with home decor items. With tall ceilings, it felt very open and airy. You can order food to go, or choose to eat in house.

There’s a greenhouse-like dine-in area, as well as outdoor seating. I was very excited to find charcuterie and brie there, as the grocery stores in the Lewes area are pretty mediocre.

Insider tip: they didn’t have wine on display in the market, but if you’re interested, you can purchase a bottle of what they serve at the restaurant. I had a lovely rosé that I believe was from Cotes de Provence.

Heritage Antiques

My husband was so sweet – he encouraged me during one of my daughter’s nap times (we returned to our AirBnB every few hours to accommodate naps because we say “no thank you” to an overtired baby) to head to the Heritage Antiques mall which we passed just down the road from where we stayed. So, I obliged. It did not disappoint! I spent way too much time in there and left with way too many things. Though, I was thrilled with my haul. I’ve been decorating with a lot of botanical prints (hello, grandmillenial vibes) and was so happy to hit the jackpot. If you go here, don’t forget to visit the porch — I missed this area, though that may have been for the best.

what to do in lewes de this weekend — A few classic floral prints (found & purchased six of these)

Lewes Delaware Canalfront Park

Whether or not you’re vacationing with kiddos, make it a point to stop by Lewes Canalfront Park. As the name suggests, it’s right on the water and there’s a great play area for the kiddos, including a boat they can hangout in. It’s beautifully landscaped and winds along the water, just outside of the shops in Lewes. It’s a wonderful spot to take a picnic, a refreshing drink, or ice cream.

Broadkill Beach

We love Broadkill Beach. My sister and her husband introduced us to Lewes and were kind enough to bring us along to Broadkill Beach. It’s a small, quiet beach — perfect for families or anyone who is really seeking more of a New England-like beach. There’s also a sweet little store called the Broadkill Store — we try to take a picture of the kids in front of the sign every year. If you’re looking for a more lively, festive beach vibe, head to Savannah Beach which is also great and not far outside of the Lewes downtown area.

What To Do In Lewes Delaware: Downtown

Lewes is a historic town — they call it “the first town in the first state”, so there are plenty of historic elements to enjoy. Along their main street there are several great shops and restaurants. Read on for a few I’ve selected for our what to do in Lewes Delaware guide!

Kings Homemade Ice Cream

Kings Homemade Ice Cream is a mainstay in the area — picture your traditional, quaint little ice cream shop. It’s a quintessential beach necessity, with one location in downtown Lewes (which is just a hop skip and a jump from Savannah Beach – a short drive, but quite a walk).

There are plenty of benches downtown so you can sit and enjoy your ice cream, but our favorite thing to do is head across the street and enter to the right of the cemetery you will find there. There’s a sweet garden and peaceful seating area near a fountain. Our kids could play a little (especially our littlest one who wants to take every opportunity to practice her new walking skills!) and we all could soak up the time together.

Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar

Nectar is an awesome cafe with delicious food. Both times I’ve eaten here I’ve had my food to-go, but am always envious of those who get to dine-in. The vibe is Anthropologie-esque, which, to me, is super fun in an eatery. If you like a little bit of whimsy with your breakfast food, Nectar is for you.

Bramble & Brine

Bramble & Brine restaurant is a new-to-me restaurant. It looked beautiful and I’m hopeful the food is just as good as the ambience. We weren’t able to eat there given our small children and hectic nap time schedules. If you check it out, let me know your thoughts!

Kids’ Ketch

Kids’ Ketch is a go-to for us each year we visit Lewes and it seems many other families do the same. It’s fun to let the kids pick something out during each annual visit and reflect upon our memories together. Also, doing a bit of adult perusing is always a little easier when the kids know they get to do their own perusing as well!

Biblion

I mentioned this in my Kingston blog, but every time my husband and I are able to get away, we look for an independent bookstore to explore (and we also try for independent toy stores as well). Biblion is filled with books and novelty merchandise. Many of the books have been pre-loved, which really just gives it a comfy vibe.

Edie Bee’s Confection Shop

what to do in lewes delaware this weekend

Edie Bee’s is just beautiful. The walls are adorned with cheerful floral wallpaper, which really set the stage for all the colorful confections. If you are looking for special treats to bring as a host gift or to add to a charcuterie board, you will find some really special options. Of course, it goes without saying (even though I’m saying it) that kids (and adults alike!) will be mesmerized in this novelty sweet shop!

There are several other lovely restaurants and shops downtown to enjoy, including: Agave, Kindle, and Striper Bites.

That wraps it up for our guide about what to do in Lewes Delaware!

For more summer soaked goodness:

How to Host an Inspired Summer Book Club

11 Fun Things to Do In Kingston NY (& beyond)

Summer Entertaining Menu

Any other suggestions, let us know! Send a message via @peonylaneandco .

For more hosting inspo and pretty things, follow @peonylaneandco on Instagram!

If you’re interested in more entertaining and tablescape ideas, visit PL&Co.’s Pinterest page!

To learn more about PL&Co., click here!

Hosting & Entertaining, Lifestyle, Summer, Summer, Summer, Uncategorized · April 29, 2024

How to Host an Inspired Summer Book Club

LIFESTYLE + SUMMER

This post is all about hosting a summer book club.

Are you planning to host a summer book club? So, so exciting!

As a book club host and member myself, I can attest to the excitement that ensues while preparing for book club. It always feels special to look forward to spending time with friends, new and established, over thoughtful conversation about a book we all made space for in our busy schedules.

And sharing inspiring discussion set against the beautiful hues of summer… there’s not much better!

In this post we will cover all the most important areas to help you have a great experience with your fellow bookworms during your summer book club.

Let’s start it off with the heart of the summer book club… the book!

Summer Book Club Reads

Let’s lean into the summer book club with a summery book pick. It certainly feels like we’d be missing the mark if we didn’t.

Here are several book options which serve full-summer-vibes:

[*Please take note that most of the books noted above have white protagonists and are generally homogenous (though not entirely) regarding diversity, ableism, cultural themes, etc. If you are looking for a book pick that offers more depth in this regard, consider Next Year in Havana, or an entirely different pick.]

I have read all the books listed above and can vouch that they all can serve well as summer book club reads (click on each image for a full description via Amazon). One of the best parts? You may love them, you may hate them, you may land somewhere in between — what an intriguing discussion this will be!

How to Choose the Summer Book Club Book

There are a multitude of ways a summer book club can decide how to choose their book. Sometimes the current host picks the book for the next club as a “thank you” for hosting. Often this is done with consideration of picks the host has already rounded up from members, but the host has the final say.

Other book clubs choose a specific genre to guide them, or follow an already established book club via social media.

It can be really helpful to choose the next book (or next several) at the end of the current book discussion. This way everyone present gets a say. If your group hasn’t met in person, it can make the most sense to do a quick via Google Forms survey with a few book options.

The quickest option? Just send a group text with two book options and see which gets the most votes.

How to Choose Your Group

Already have your group? Nice work! Jump to the next section so I don’t waste your precious time.

If you don’t have your group – no problem! Here are a few ways to go about this:

Gather a friend or two who also enjoys reading, or needs some motivation to start. To build the group, ask each friend to invite someone. Consider setting some general rules around how to invite a friend, neighbor, coworker, so everyone is on the same page and the group doesn’t become too large. This is a fun way to meet new people!
Ask specific people in your life who you would like to get to know better. A book discussion is such a great place to build friendships given the book as the shared topic, and over time, you get to learn more about each person’s perspectives, interests, and life experiences.
Put up a post on your social media of choice inquiring if anyone would like to join a book club, or send out an email to colleagues. Don’t psyche yourself out here — just do it!

The participants in your book club will likely shift a bit over time depending on their own life responsibilities and happenings. And, others will show interest in your great gathering once the word gets out! Keep this in mind when planning.

Consider Your Space

Do you want to host the summer book club group outside given the beautiful, warm breeze this time of year? Um, yes, please!

If this is the case, consider your lighting options during the evening. Beautiful, soft globe string lights complimented by candlelight can be great options to promote discussion and ambience.

These string lights have various options for length. They are very similar to the ones we have in our yard, which look beautiful year round — we light them up every night!

We have ours attached to poles, but you may not need them depending on your patio / yard setup. If you do need poles, be sure to check the height you need, as well as how you will install them (into the ground, screwed into a wooden post, etc.).

Also, be mindful of those summer bugs hanging around. A few pest control options (like these beautifully scented fly away sticks from Terrain) are great options. I’ve invested in these and they do their job well. While they do have a scent, they don’t have the chemical smell that a lot of citronella or pest control products have.

Seating, is, of course, a major factor. Make sure there’s enough seating for everyone and that it’s comfortable enough to accommodate all body types. You’ll likely be sitting and chatting for a while, so this is a must.

If you have a large group don’t feel pressure to have all the perfect seating options — just enough to make it work. It’s more important that you are creating a space for connection, discussion, and merriment than perfection.

A few throw pillows always ups the comfort level, as well as light blankets in case it gets chillier as the evening progresses. I bought both pillows and blankets with simple patterns from Target that we can use in every season.

books to read this summer — Buffalo print pillows: Target

Sunbrella Striped Pillows: Target

Classic Striped Pillows: Pottery Barn

Summer Book Club Menu Ideas

This one is so fun! Whether your book club is pot luck style or you are entirely in charge of the food as the host, choose a theme which represents the book. You can do this by taking into account the overarching themes, the location in which it takes place, and/or the characters. You could also leave it up to the participants to interpret a food connection to the book. This makes for great conversation and can be such a fun surprise!

For instance, I recently attended a book club and our book was The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Have you read it? We had wide variation re: opinions on the book. Anyway, one person brought beer from Pottstown, PA (this is where the book takes place) and someone else made a cheeseboard with Pennsylvania pretzels and “Chona’s Cheddar”, “Bernice’s Blue”, etc., which are both characters from the book. Such fun ideas!

Here are some summer book club menu ideas to get you started:

Next Year in Havana:

This novel is about a Cuban-American woman who lives in Miami, but returns to Cuba to learn about her family history. You can’t go wrong with simple bite-sized Cuban sandwiches and classic mojitos for this one:

Bite sized cuban sandwiches!

And whip up a pitcher of these mojitos so you don’t find yourself spending too much time in the kitchen. Then, everyone can refresh their own drinks and you don’t miss the discussion.

One Italian Summer

This novel is about a woman who travels to Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and connects with her mother’s spirit as she explores the area and herself. This beautiful lemon basil burrata has all the flavors of summer, and highlights what the Amalfi Coast is famous for — it’s beautiful bounty of lemons!

The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian apéritif, which has really gained traction in the states. This would be an easy drink to serve. You could make a pitcher, or, have a simple recipe with all the ingredients listed for your book club members to pour their own.

A few summer book club appetizers and refreshing drinks for the win!

The Book Club Agenda

Let’s move onto the meat of the meeting — the discussion itself!

As the host, it can be very helpful to have a few questions on hand should there be a lull in the conversation. Don’t feel like you have to answer all the questions or use the agenda at all, but it can come in handy and help you to feel more at ease to have this at your finger tips. If you would like, you can send the list to everyone ahead of time, or have a printout prepared for each attendee.

Here is a great website to to help you build an agenda and understanding around the discussion for your summer reading book:

https://everyday-reading.com/book-club-questions/

I really like how how Janssen from Everyday Reading notes that the discussion questions are just a jumping off point and if you don’t finish them, or get to them, that’s a great thing. That likely means the discussion was rich enough without the questions.

Also, if you are reading a popular book, you can be certain there are many options online to obtain an agenda. Google is absolutely your friend here.

This post was all about helping you host an inspired summer book club.

Happy reading and happy hosting!

Other beautifully summer-inspired posts you may enjoy:

Summer Entertaining Menu

11 Fun Things to Do In Kingston NY (& beyond)

Hi, I'm Natalie

Browse the Blog

The Best Books About Cheese for Beginners & Intermediates

Other Cool Books About Cheese

Decorating for a Garden Party

Garden Party Themes: Color Story

Fresh Flowers

Garden Party Ideas: Decorative Touches

Garden Party Inspiration: Food & Drink

Ideas for a Garden Party Theme

Soccer Themed Bedroom Overview

Soccer Themed Bedroom Decor Ideas

Soccer Themed Bedroom Tips

1. The Spring Fling Cocktail

2. The Aviation Cocktail

3. The May Queen Floral Cocktail

4. Empress Carrot Cake

5. The Peony Royale Cocktail

6. Wet Your Whistledown Cocktail

7. Spring Blossom Cocktail

8. April Shower Cocktail

9. The Lemon Prosecco Float

10. Lillet Rosé Cocktail

What is Prosecco?

Winter Prosecco Cocktails

Spring Prosecco Cocktails

Summer Prosecco Cocktails

Fall Prosecco Cocktails

Simple + Classic Prosecco Cocktails / Spritzes

A Quick Blue Cheese Guide

White Wine for Blue Cheese

Sauternes

Riesling

Gewürztraminer

Chenin Blanc

Viognier

Chardonnay

Red Wine for Blue Cheese

Port

Zinfandel

Shiraz/Syrah

Malbec

Cabernet Sauvignon

Garnacha (Grenache)

Rosé & Sparkling Wines for Blue Cheese

Rosé

Sparkling

Fall Book Club: The Essentials

The Autumnal-Inspired Menu

Fall Book Club Menu Considerations

Further Menu Considerations

The Fall Book Club Drink

Mulled Wine

Wine Options

The Festive + Cozy Setting

The Table

The Conversation

Gifts for Hosts When Traveling To Your Destination By Car

1. Cheese Knives

2. Stylish Cheese Plane

3. Gourmet Cheese

4. Chocolate Truffles or Candy

5. Beautiful Coffee Table Book

6. High quality butter, honey, jam

7. Fragrance

8. Flower and/or fern

9. La Colombe Coffee Lattes

10. High Quality Olive Oil

Gifts for Hosts When Traveling To Your Destination by Plane

11. Local Coffee

12. Cocktail book

13. Cheese Book

14. Beautiful Scarf

15. High Quality Tea

16. Gift Card

17. Herbs de Provence & Finishing Salts

18. Magazine Subscription

19. Groceries

20. Paper napkins

21. Seeds for the Garden