EASY DOES IT

It’s summer, and the livin’ is easy — or, at least, it can be. Second only to a takeout picnic on the ground is the sublime simplicity of the tabletop spread, otherwise known as charcuterie (or, in our house, nibbles). Set a pretty table, lay out some finger foods, and you’ve got a party.

You can go in any direction with this. Stick to Italian (think: cured meats + olives) or French (think: baguette + brie) or Middle Eastern (think: hummus + pita). Or just mix it on up and do a bit of everything. Crudité, sliced fruit, crackers + cheese, maybe some summer sausage. Add in some sparkling water and even the kiddos will serve themselves...

...leaving you with nearly no cleanup and time to chat with adults. Love that.

Part of this easy summer party recipe is Gathre, of course — because setting a beaut table that requires no laundering is our kind of elevated lifestyle. Aspiration, achieved.