Forget the Dinner Reservations – Why Dining In Is the Best Summer Option

Arriving at a Hampton restaurant on a summer weekend, expect to be greeted by a chirpy, college-bound hostess saying there will be an hour wait. Compelling Instagram feeds aren’t enough to sustain time at the bar with an enraged stomach. Take control of your summer meals by dining at home with the right set up.

Classic Summer Favorites

Seaside vacations offer plenty of activities. Beach days bobbing on flotation devices bought at the local hardware store. A resurgence of classic leisure outings like croquet, miniature golf and a lot of ice cream. Meals consist of hot dogs on paper plates and boxes of snack-sized cereal.

 

Farm-Fresh Meals

We now know enough about the harms of processed foods to choose healthier options. Shop local. Farm stands or specialty markets offer the freshest, most delicious options. You’ll find everything from soil-crusted produce, fresh baked bread, infused vinegars to candles and fresh-cut flowers. Cooking is simple, quick and doesn’t need a lot of prep work because food that was just pulled from the ground a bike ride away tastes better.

Entertaining Simplified

Avoid the convenience of paper plates by stocking the kitchen with quality pieces, like heirloom flatware and a classic cast iron pot that can go from cooking to the setting with stylish elan. A pre-dominantly white palette is given colorful injections with the addition of linens, melamine pieces, flowers and, naturally, the food. Cap off with artisanal ice cream cups enjoyed with festive spoons. Every meal becomes an event when you raise the palette.

Resources:

Cast Iron French Oven: Staub

Flatware: Henckels

Cereal bowls: Emile Henry

Ceramic platter: BIA Cordon Bleu

Mug: Amber Waves Farm

Colander: Reston Lloyd

Melamine tray: Zak Designs

Striped spoon: Gracious Style

Velvet Pear 3-Wick Candle: Nest Fragrances

Ice Cream: Brooklyn Buttery

Coffee Pods: Cafe Bustelo

Lemon Seltzer: Bubbly

Art: ducks goose