Whether it’s a long, lazy dinner by the flicker of citronella candlelight or a post-work apéro on the terrace, summer entertaining is in full swing, and we’ve enlisted the help of the most stylish hosts we know to serve up their party tricks. Pour yourself a Campari soda and settle in—it’s Aperitivo Hour.
It’s been hot in Pasadena lately, and the best way to deal with the heat is simple—have your friends over, keep the AC running, and serve a refreshing menu alongside a crisp white wine. “I want my guests to feel like they’re walking into an oasis, where they can kick their shoes off, lounge, and be taken care of,” she says. “I have an open door policy, so if you’re in Pasadena, you can always come by for a glass.”
The founder of Dulan Wine and Substack writer hosts frequently. Sometimes, she tucks everyone into her breakfast nook, windows open to catch the breeze; sometimes, people hang around her coffee table, sprawled over floor cushions and armchairs. The constant is the laid-back nature of these gatherings. Her ideal evening goes like this: an afternoon drink in the living room, snacking on a few shared plates over the course of a few hours. “And if we have too much wine and are ready for something more substantial, I’ll switch up the music and quickly whip up a pasta dinner—those are the best nights!” says Chen.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, she hosted a similarly casual apéro. Friends stopped by in between their plans for the day, without a fixed start or end time. The food—light, seasonal, and for the most part easily to assemble without requiring a stovetop or oven—was scattered across the light-filled living area of her cottage, with chilled bottles of wine popping up in various nooks. (A major perk, we think, of owning a wine label.) There are worst ways to spend a heatwave.
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Set the Scene
“This summer, less is more. I start with a tablecloth—I’m currently into vintage solids with intricate detail. Then, I start adding color by way of flowers, food, serving dishes. I like it minimal and uncluttered so there’s plenty of room to set down drinks. My dining area and living area are one big room, so I usually separate the salty and sweet dishes between two tables. I love natural wood pieces to serve; it’s always been part of my country-core, rustic style. The pieces in my home have been used for years, and you can tell they’ve seen a party or two.
I also start every party planning with a hand-written shopping list for the market—this notepad from Jaymes Paper romanticizes a mundane to-do. I typically write down a mix of what I need and what I’m craving, and then pivot when I see something I like that’s in season.”
embroidered tablecloth
natural wood pedestal
Memopad No. 01
McGee & Co.
mango wood carved pedestal
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
The Hosting Outfit
“I love wearing all white in the summer, and I’m not precious about spills, so it works in my favor. Dressing at home should feel relaxed and easy; I want to lounge on the couch with my friends and talk for hours on end. So it’s either a simple white shirt and pant combination, or a flowy dress, and never, ever shoes!”
Riana tee
Ren jeans
Diem drop earrings
The One and Only tennis bracelet
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Tabletop Heroes
“Everything from my house is a treasure from a trip, or a hand-me-down from my parents. I always bring home something special back with me when I travel: a vase from Taipei, an olive oil dispenser from Menorca, a tiny spoon from Paris, a ceramic dish from Lisbon, a tapestry from my dad’s collection. I use every piece regularly and it’s always a great conversation starter. I bought a set of Pomelo Casa plates years ago that I treasure dearly—they’re fun, hand-painted and made small-batch in Spain. I always grab a couple Sabre pieces when I visit Merci in Paris; my collection is getting a bit out of control. I also have a set of vintage Liberty blue plates that I got at the Rose Bowl Flea that I use daily.”
dinner plates
Casa Lila plate
vintage Lunéville plates
pasta bowl
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
What’s on the Menu
“I keep it seasonal and simple—whatever I find at the farmers market the day prior, usually a vegetable tart with goat cheese and whatever’s in season. It’s failproof and you can make it the night before. Today was asparagus, but I was torn between heirloom tomato or zucchini versions, too. I also sliced a block of sharp cheddar, served with cherry preserves, alongside mini toasts and pâté, then sliced, chilled heirloom tomatoes drizzled with salt and olive oil. I put out a little bit of everything: something salty, something refreshing, and something sweet, like fresh fruit. This week was cold strawberries and plums; I couldn’t resist how cute and tiny the strawberries were!”
butter spreader
Essential knife set
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Drinks Station
“It’s the summer of Chenin Blanc at my house, so that’s always chilled and poured upon arrival—I serve my guests when they get here, but if they want a top-up, there’s always a wine wherever they’re sitting. I’m hyper-sensitive to an empty glass of anything! My fridge is also always stocked with sparkling water and Ghia, and I always keep a pitcher of water out, because nobody needs a hangover the next day. The one glass of wine to one glass of water ratio is so real.”
Spanish wine glass
Pure Sauvignon Blanc glasses
seagrass picnic pitcher
2018 Chenin Blanc
cocktail picks
rattan coaster
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
Photography by Serafina LoGiacco
All in the Details
“I always use ivory votive candles in clear glass. They burn for an entire dinner party and set a mood that’s homey and romantic. I love that they don’t have a scent and they don’t get in the way.
My house is always filled with flowers, usually from the farmers market. The table flowers are always simple and minimal, and always one type of flower… no mixing and matching for me. These little purple ones are called pincushion flowers (aka scabiosas); I love how delicate and simple they are.”
julep cup
white ceramic bud vase
x Maggy Ames stoneware colander
glass votive candles
Dinner Party Dos & Don’ts
“Not taking your shoes off and showing up empty handed. It’s important to say thank you by way of a small gesture—even something as simple as a bundle of herbs tied with a ribbon.”
“I made this bossa nova playlist years ago for my Dulan dinners and it still sets the best mood. It doesn’t get in the way of conversation, but it keeps an upbeat vibe.”
“I love the perfect mix of old friends who’ve known me for a decade and friends who’ve never met each other but should. Nothing makes me happier than worlds colliding.”
“I’m a planner by nature and tackle small tasks throughout the week leading up to a gathering so it doesn’t feel like I’m doing it all at once. I host so often that I know how long it takes to get it all done, which is always way longer than you’d think!
I always do these the day before: arrange flowers, iron the tablecloth, set out wine glasses. I like everything to be done by the time my guests arrive so my only focus is making sure everyone’s glass is full.”
Source: www.vogue.com
