(BPT) - Whether it's a backyard gathering, a park picnic or a casual evening on the patio, spring and summer offer countless opportunities to entertain in the fresh air.
Bezel, the newest addition to the Cakebread Cellars family, brings over 50 years of hospitality and winemaking expertise to California's Central Coast. Rooted in Cakebread's legacy of warmth, community and connection, Bezel offers fruit-forward wines crafted to elevate everyday gatherings with ease.
To help you bring that spirit to life every day, winemaker Jane Dunkley shares her favorite entertaining tips to make every gathering feel extra special.
1. Set the scene at any location
When people think about outdoor hosting, many turn to their backyard. However, don't feel limited to your personal space. There are plenty of other underestimated, public options that can help to elevate your event.
For example, you can also look for green spaces. A nearby residential park acts as a central and accessible setting for your get-together, and state and national parks where you like to hike or a nearby beach can serve as great options for hosting.
Leaning into the natural beauty of these settings adds an effortless sense of celebration. Whether it's the sound of waves, a view of the sunset or trees in bloom, the surroundings help set the tone.
2. Elevate the ambiance with easy add-ons
Once you've picked your location, it's time to think about how to create a charming setting. The good news is you don't have to break the bank to accomplish this. All you need are some intentional decorations, many of which you can bring to life yourself.
DIY decor can go a long way in making an outdoor area feel festive. Think of including seasonal touches on the table, like citrus fruits in a bowl, linen tablecloths or napkins and spring herbs on the serving plate.
Outside of these elements, you can also consider locations that offer some form of ambient lighting. For example, hosting around a fire is a great way to add warmth, and some beaches and parks even provide fire pits or rings for public use. If this isn't available, lanterns are a great portable option that provide a similar effect, and can be lit with candles, batteries or string lights that are easy to pack.
3. Make beverage service effortless
Create a simple beverage setup where your guests can help themselves. This will encourage mingling and give you more time to enjoy the moment.
Dunkley recommends including a range of food-friendly wines that complement a variety of dishes and preferences. Bezel's lineup of well-balanced wines is a great option for this, offering a simple yet thoughtful enhancement to any occasion at an approachable price, whether it's a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together or a moment to unwind at the end of the day.
To round out the station, consider adding jugs of plain and fruit-infused water alongside the selection of wines.
4. Let the pairings lead the way
When curating a menu, consider finger foods and main dishes that can be enjoyed al fresco. Dunkley also encourages embracing unexpected pairings to enhance the experience and give yourself and your guests the freedom to experiment and find pairings that best fit their palate. So, while you may have heard that summer is for white wines, you don't have to strictly follow this.
For example, chilled red wines like Bezel's Pinot Noir excellently complement summer barbecue staples like steak and ribs. However, you can also go against the grain by serving this red with grilled salmon.
Of course, it's always great to offer traditional warm-weather white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and experiment with other unconventional pairings with chips and French dip or sweet and sour pork, which are a few of Dunkley's favorite options.
No matter what you choose, remember that the best wine pairing is the wine that tastes best to you. There's no pressure, and to find these and other suggested wine pairings, visit BezelWines.com.
Whether you're a veteran or novice host, these tips can help you take your outdoor entertaining to the next level.
Please drink responsibly. To learn more, please visit Responsibility.org.
