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 according to Cat Chen, 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.
