Host a Summer Girls Night In: Wine & Cheese Party

Summer Girls’ Night In are all the rage and hosting one with your besties should be on the top of your list this season. With just a little planning ahead and creativity, you can easily transform your deck, patio or living room into a place you and your girlfriends can kick back and have endless conversations over wine and delicious appetizers.

INVITATION

Set up the tone for your summer party with a casual and fun invitation.

THE BAR: WHO BRINGS THE WINE AND WHAT TYPE

If you know your girlfriends’ taste well, the selection should be easy. You can opt to buy all the wine, or have each person bring a bottle or two. If you would like to keep it thematic, go for crisp and refreshing wines that are perfect for hot summer days. For casual events, no need for enormous complexity or age-worthiness.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WINE GLASSES

There’s definitely a wide range of stemware available nowadays. The new personalized wine glasses are sure to get any modern hostess excited. Add a super unique & creative touch to your get-together and make wine tasting even more enjoyable by customizing your own stemware to perfectly match the theme of your party.

CREATE A SIMPLE YET DELICIOUS CHEESE BOARD

Pairing wine & cheese can be a delicious yet complex endeavor. Set up a delicious board with cheeses, table crackers, raw nuts, dried fruit, cured meats and fruit, such as grapes.

Tip: To simplify, choose a flexible wine that pairs with a wide range of cheeses. Try a mild & soft cheese like brie, goat cheese and hard cheeses, such as aged gouda and Swiss.

Be the ultimate hostess by taking your cheese presentation to the next level. Brie is perfect to transform into an elegant and delicious spread.

TROPICAL PINEAPPLE & COCONUT BAKED BRIE

Adapted from www.MomFavorites.com

Ingredients:

1 (13 to 16 ounce) whole Brie cheese with rind
3 tablespoons pineapple jam
2½ tsp balsamic vinegar
½ cup chopped fresh pineapples
1 tablespoon coconut flakes

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the brie in a shallow baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the brie is soft and warm but not runny.
While the brie is baking, heat the jam and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat.
Remove the brie from the oven and transfer to a serving plate or wood board. Arrange the pineapples on top of the brie and drizzle with the heated jam and vinegar mixture. Sprinkle with coconut flakes. Serve with table crackers.

In addition, prep ahead of time herb mozzarella pineapple skewers and arrange them on a serving platter for a fun presentation.

ADD A SUMMER TROPICAL TOUCH TO YOUR SET UP

Create a fun and casual ambiance by adding accent pillows to your furniture and hanging patio lights over your table set up if you are planning to entertain until the sun sets. Don’t forget to take pictures with your besties and create special memories this summer!