Salt and supper vol. 01
salt of the summer:
There's something about setting a table that makes an ordinary evening feel a little more special. Maybe it's the candles, the old dishes, the food coming out of the oven or simply knowing that the people you love will soon gather around it.
When I began planning The Salt Table, I wanted the evening to feel warm, Summery, welcoming and unhurried. Nothing overly formal or complicated. Just good food, a thoughtfully set table, a little music and plenty of time to sit and a few friends around the table.
The menu was simple but full of things I love: baked brie drizzled with honey and sea salt, garlic and herb roasted chicken, roasted carrots, sourdough with whipped ricotta and olive oil cake to finish. I wanted food that felt comforting and familiar, with a few little touches that made the evening feel special.
I love the idea that a gathering doesn't have to be elaborate to be memorable. A few candles, a favorite playlist, something homemade and a table with room for everyone are often more than enough. Even the simplest details can change the feeling of an evening. This dinner party took place in my backyard next to my kids’ blow up water slide, perfection does not exist.
And perhaps that's what I enjoy most about hosting. It's not about impressing anyone or making everything perfect. It's about creating a space where people feel comfortable enough to linger, pour another glass, share another story and forget to look at the time.
I'd rather have a table full of conversation, a few dishes left to wash and an evening that runs a little longer than planned than a perfectly executed dinner that feels like work.
That's what I hope The Salt Table will always represent: gathering without the pressure, finding beauty in the little things and making room for the moments we'll remember long after the table has been cleared.
Hosting doesn't have to mean spending a fortune or being stuck in the kitchen all evening. For The Salt Table, I found that a little creativity and planning ahead made all the difference. Here are a few things I did that helped the evening come together while still leaving me plenty of time to enjoy my guests.
1. Shop secondhand before buying new
I found serving ware at Goodwill rather than purchasing everything new. I love mixing in pieces that have a little character, and secondhand shopping is a wonderful way to find unique serving dishes without spending a fortune. Not everything has to match to look beautiful together.
2. Mix store-bought flowers with what you already have
I picked up flowers at Trader Joe's and supplemented them with greenery and branches from around our property. Mixing the two gave the arrangements a more natural, collected feel without the expense of ordering elaborate floral arrangements.
3. Get creative with what you already own
One of my favorite little projects was combining a crystal candle holder and a hurricane vase to create a raised hurricane display. It was a simple way to give something I already owned a completely different look. Just be sure any glued pieces are stable and suitable for their intended use, especially around an open flame.
4. Prepare gifts ahead of time
If you're planning to give guests a little something to take home, don't leave it until the day of the gathering. I prepared my gifts several days in advance. Having them ready and waiting meant one less thing to think about when the day arrived.
5. Set the table the morning of
I find that setting the table early makes the entire day feel less hectic. I had everything in place that morning, from the serving ware to the linens. It also gave me time to step back, make any little adjustments and enjoy how it all came together before guests arrived.
6. Make a playlist before the day arrives
I started putting together my playlist a week ahead of time. I wanted music that would feel warm and relaxed, something that could play softly in the background without taking over the conversation. Having it ready meant I could simply press play when the evening began.
7. Choose a dinner that doesn't keep you in the kitchen
This might be my biggest hosting tip. I chose a dinner that could spend time in the oven rather than one that required constant attention on the stovetop. It meant I could spend more time visiting with my guests instead of worrying about getting every dish onto the table at exactly the right moment.
8. Make dessert the day before
I prepared the olive oil cake the day before the gathering. Desserts that can be made ahead are such a gift when you're hosting. One less dish to prepare on the day of the event leaves more time for everything else.
9. Let your coffee maker do the work
I set the timer on my coffee maker so it would start brewing at just the right time that evening. It's such a small detail, but having fresh coffee ready without having to think about it made serving dessert and settling into the later part of the evening that much easier.
10. Let your guests contribute
I always encourage guests to bring a thing or two that helps make the evening special. It might be ingredients for cocktails, a favorite appetizer or something to share. I think people genuinely enjoy being part of the gathering, and it takes a little pressure off the host, too. Hosting doesn't mean you have to do absolutely everything yourself.
A little planning goes a long way. My favorite part of hosting isn't having everything perfect; it's being able to sit down, enjoy the food and spend time with the people around my table. A few thoughtful preparations make that possible.
