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We’re knee-deep in the holiday season, and truthfully, I couldn’t be happier about the gatherings that are quickly filling up my calendar. Just a few years ago, the thought of entertaining friends and family so frequently would send me down an anxiety spiral. Party planning and menu prepping—they may be some of my favorite things, but they can take a lot out of you. These days though, my stress is low and my excitement for get-togethers is at an all-time high. What’s changed? I’ve embraced the wow-factor simplicity of an aesthetic crudité platter.

Your Guide to Curating the Perfect Crudite Platter

No longer do the holidays mean extensive menus and fussy table settings. For me, it’s all about casual gatherings where my friends can squeeze together in my living room and around the kitchen island, topping up their drinks while deep in conversation and grazing straight from a board. Think of it like a giant mix-and-match dinner of conversation-worthy flavors and textures. And most of which can either be assembled ahead of time or requires very little prep.

Throughout the holiday season, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to grazing boards, each with a different theme. That way, you can serve an entire evening’s worth of meals, all on a board. And to kick us off, I’m sharing one of my favorites: the crowd-pleasing crudite platter.

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How to Choose Veggies for a Crudite Platter

I know, I know, a board of vegetables? One word: yes. Especially during the holidays when I’m enjoying indulging in extra sweet treats and delicious things, I LOVE when someone breaks out a flavorful vegetable side dish or platter. It feels refreshing—and when done right, just as satisfying as any other food. But just because we’re doing a veggie crudite platter doesn’t mean you need to stick to boring vegetables. I live by one rule: exciting veggies only.

Follow this formula to ensure your veggie boards stay exciting for all to enjoy.

• Fresh and crisp vegetables. Think crunchy and refreshing veggies that stand strong on their own. Cucumbers, radishes, rainbow carrots, sugar snap peas, and fresh baby greens or endive. I’ll also quick-blanch some asparagus or broccolini if I have it on hand.
• Roasted and charred vegetables. Roasting these veggies adds a bit of that savory char to create a nice depth of flavor. Sliced zucchini tossed in lots of olive oil, baby potatoes, seasonal squash, and even out-of-season tomatoes all benefit from the roasting treatment while adding some interest to your board.
• Pickled and bright vegetables. Perhaps my favorite category. This group of veggies is truly a make-ahead party trick since most of them are store-bought. (Unless you love to pickle veggies yourself, by all means!) Jars of artichokes, pickled peppers, olives, cornichons, and any fun vegetable from the olive bar at your local market make a great choice. Their pickled bite adds a nice flavor element to your crudite platter.

Following this formula ensures a strong variety of textures and flavors, making for the perfect holiday grazing board.

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How to Choose Dips for a Crudite Platter

For the purpose of satiety and satisfying flavors, a selection of dips is a must. And if you’re at a loss for where to start, don’t worry—I have a formula for that as well.

• A creamy and rich dip. ‘Tis the (holiday) season, after all. Including an indulgent dip on your tray is the perfect pairing for your crisp veggies. Spinach artichoke dip, cheesy jalapeño, buffalo chicken, pimento, or in this case—a caramelized onion dip. (Recipe below!)
• A bright and zesty dip. Including a light and zesty dip adds a tangy and bright flavor to contrast any rich dishes. From tzatziki to salsas, or in this case, my herby lemon and sour cream, go with your favorites. (Yes, even a great ranch dressing!)
• A bean dip. Seems simple enough, but having a hearty dip on the platter helps transform a snack plate into a full meal. While you could stick with hummus, for the holidays, you can find a seasonal variety, a black bean dip, or try a homemade recipe, like this spiced pumpkin white bean dip.

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Assembly Tips and Tricks

Like any good charcuterie board, a few simple tips will help you craft a holiday-worthy crudite platter that’ll impress every guest.

• Mix and match bowls and platters. The best part of serving everything on a board is that clean-up and serving are so much easier. But to add some depth and visual interest, layering small bowls and plates is a great way to group and ground different items together.
• Use the same ingredient in several places on your board. This creates a visually cohesive vibe while also filling in any empty spaces you might have.
• Include strategic filler ingredients. If a crudite board is all you’re serving, you’ll want to include some other ingredients that can make this board more satisfying. Think crackers or bread, or different nuts and salty snacks. This again will add textural interest while also adding more visual depth to your board.
• Keep to-go boxes on hand. My number one hack for hosting is always having to-go boxes for my lingering friends to take with them. Is it mostly to save myself the headache of post-party clean-up? I’ll never tell… But a board like this is a great way for friends to add a bit of everything into a box to take home or snack on in their Uber on the way home.

Follow these tips and tricks for an Instagram-worthy crudite platter. And steal my recipe below for a crave-worthy caramelized onion dip that’s sure to be the star of your next holiday gathering. Enjoy!

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I’m relishing the Autumn feels right now—even though the leaves aren’t really turning in Austin, there’s just enough crisp in the air to have me burning spicy candles and wearing my beanie every chance I get. And you guys know that my favorite place to celebrate the season is in my cooking. The cozy flavors of fall were certainly my inspo when I threw together this farro squash salad— a symphony of seasonal favorites that satisfies cravings for something hearty yet healthy. So, let’s dive into fall cooking (and Thanksgiving menu planning!) with a recipe that’s as vibrant and colorful as the season itself.

A Satisfying Fall Salad

This dish is a celebration of texture, taste, and nourishment. And unlike many leafy green salads, it’s a truly filling one dish meal, whether you keep it vegetarian or add some additional protein to the mix (more ideas on that below.) Out of all the beautiful fall produce at the market this time of year, I get the most excited about the different varieties of winter squash to choose from. Honeynut, acorn, butternut, and kabocha—I love them all. (So much so that we just shared the ultimate guide on how to cook winter squash.) This one uses Delicata Squash (one of my faves) combined with nutty farro, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and more for an incredible combination of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients in Delicata Squash Farro Salad

This is a salad that’s bursting with seasonal, fresh, wholesome ingredients:

• Cooked farro
• Delicata squash
• Red Onion
• Apple
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Toasted pecans
• Olive oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Honey
• Mustard
• Salt and Pepper
• Fresh Herbs

The harmony of sweet roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with the nutty taste of farro, creates a salad that’s as delicious as it is healthy.

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How to Make This Fall Salad

Creating this farro squash salad is easy when you’ve got fresh fall produce as your inspiration. These ingredients don’t require much more than a simple roast in the oven to bring out all their natural sweetness. Follow just a few simple steps to build your salad (and feel free to add, omit, or freestyle! Salads are canvases that ripe for adaptation.)

Roast the Squash

Toss the sliced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized.

Cook the Farro

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the farro, and cook until tender yet chewy, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.

Toast the Pecans

Spread out the pecans on a baking sheet, and cook in a 350 degree oven for about 7 minutes, until they smell toasty.

Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to create a dressing that’s so versatile and absolutely addictive.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the farro with the roasted squash and red onions. Add the apples, drizzle the dressing, and toss to combine. Top with goat cheese, pecans, fresh herbs, salt, & pepper. Eat!and toss gently to combine.

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Serve and Savor

Serve this luscious farro squash salad on its own as a main dish, or pair it with leftover roast chicken or a piece of broiled salmon for added protein. It’s ideal for a quiet night in, and it’s also an absolutely perfect side dish on the Thanksgiving table. This salad proves how delicious and satisfying seasonally-based eating can be. It tastes like wellness in the best way possible, and you will absolutely fall in love with this squash and farro salad.

Other fall salads you’ll love:

Apple Walnut Salad

Putting apples in a salad is one of the easiest ways to get to my heart. Throw in some walnuts and dried cranberries and it’s game over.

Sweet Potato & Caramelized Date Salad

This recipe has everything I crave in a salad: something creamy, something crunchy, something unexpectedly sweet, and something tangy.

Shredded Kale & Cranberry Salad with Tofu

Massaging the kale is key here, and the crispy tofu just gives it all a crunchy, satisfying, and delicious texture.

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Scroll on for the recipe…

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Setting the table is one of our favorite ways to get creative. We’re counting down the days until we can design a warm, organic Thanksgiving table (Camille’s approach is all the inspiration we could ever need). And even when it’s just ourselves and a partner or we’re sitting down to a Tuesday night dinner with the kids, every meal is an opportunity to unleash your aesthetic prowess. With dinnerware, laidback linens, and statement-making florals, elevating your everyday table doesn’t have to be complex. And when it comes to the best silverware sets, each serves as the perfect finishing touch.

My family has passed down heirloom silver sets through the past four generations. (And yes, I spent a pretty penny shipping my own 20-piece set across the country.) While some may think it silly, the best silverware sets transform the experience of a meal. Everything from the visual appeal to the weight of your work influences our senses. Personally, I don’t want a plastic set ruining an otherwise spectacular dinner.

The Best Silverware Sets for Every Style and Aesthetic

But I also get it: in this wide, overwhelming world of stuff, finding the best silverware sets can lead to a days-long search. Thankfully, I got to do the (fun) work of shopping the most trusted home brands out there. And though I was expecting to be happy with my findings, the flatware that passed inspection is truly the best of the best.

Whether you’re in need of a larger set before the holidays or are simply looking to swap out the silverware you reach for on a daily basis, you’ve come to the right place. Shop the best silverware sets below—and get ready for a major tabletop upgrade.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Best Overall: Sabre Ivory Flatware

Ever since Camille introduced Sabre to the Casa Zuma assortment, I knew the flatware sets would become an instant favorite. Aesthetically, the style is sleek but rustic—a true nod to the brand’s organic, wabi-sabi feel. Each 4-piece set can seamlessly transition between everyday dining and special occasion meals. The feel, weight, and overall design are all so good, that we had to include another Sabre favorite in our roundup. (Keep scrolling!)

Best Modern: CB2 20-Piece Pin Tumbled Flatware Set

Available in matte black, brushed silver, or shiny gold, this modern and sleek flatware uplifts every meal. The pieces are a lighter weight, and while they are dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing to retain the original hue.

Best for Everyday Dining: Schoolhouse Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware Set

Out of all the silverware sets featured in this roundup, this is the favorite in terms of weight. Even the dessert spoons and salad forks feel substantial in the hand and can hold up to heavier dishes and meals. The tumbled finish lends a smooth feel, and each set comes in a gorgeous storage box—perfect for gifting.

Best Color: Mepra Italian Flatware, Fantasia Color Flatware Set

How fun? This cheeky Italian flatware set comes in countless color options. (19 to be exact.) If you’re a design maximalist or simply want your everyday tableware to spark joy, this is your buy. And while we love the mix-and-match approach of the set pictured below, the pieces are also available in solid, single colors.

Best Budget: Threshold™ 20pc Izon Flatware Set Silver

Sometimes, you don’t want to spend several hundred dollars on a silverware set. (And sometimes, you definitely do—we have options for that.) If you need something that won’t cause any worry, this Threshold silverware set delivers. Each individual piece clocks in at just $2.50. But with the clean shape and mirror finish, the sets are designed to impress.

Best Bistro Style: Sabre Teak Flatware

When you’re after the best silverware sets, it only makes sense to highlight the craft and quality Sabre is known for. The design is easygoing but elevated and a fit for every dining occasion. I love how Camille styled her set for Thanksgiving. The pieces play so well off the texture and warmth she layered into the table. Take a cue from overseas and add this French-made set to your kitchenware collection.

Best Unique: Fazeek Wave Cutlery 4 Piece Set

I’m obsessed with everything Fazeek puts out, and this silverware set is no exception. Aligning with the brand’s signature, wavy style, this cutlery set is an instant conversation piece. It makes every meal all the more fun.

Best Retro: Mackenzie-Childs Supper Club Courtly Check 3-Piece Place Setting

Checkered prints aren’t going anywhere, and we love the trend’s interpretation in this retro-leaning set. With a satisfying grip and sturdy design, this three-piece place setting is versatile but distinct. Go all-in with printed placemats and linens or let this set make a statement all on its own. Prepare to get plenty of use from these beauties.

Best Gold Finish: Opalhouse™ x Jungalow™ 5pc Stainless Steel Silverware Set

Looking for a silverware set that doubles as art? Look no further. The stainless steel set is unfussy while still getting major points for visual appeal. Sleek and dishwasher safe—what more could you want?

Best Vintage-Inspired: Pottery Barn Vintage Tumbled Italian Flatware

While I’m all for using the nice things (be it china, glassware, or silverware) regularly to make every moment special, there are those things I get excited to use for reserved occasions. This Italian set, included. Set a classic, streamlined table with white dinnerware, crisp linens, and candles galore. Ina Garten would approve.

Is it just me, or does life feel busier than ever right now? The days are so full, and while they’re packed with people and projects that I’m incredibly grateful for, I frequently long to slow it all down and soak up more unhurried days at home (anyone else bingeing #quietlife content?) Which is why I’m feeling extra excited for Thanksgiving this year. It means an entire week to bake cozy recipes, watch holiday movies, and read in front of the fire. And as you guys know from all the Thanksgivings I’ve shared here in the past, one of my favorite parts of the entire holiday is taking time to set an extra special Thanksgiving table for our families.

My usual approach to family dinners is laid-back and casual. Let’s be clear—I’m not usually designing elaborate tablescapes—my focus is really on making the food delicious and spending quality time our families. But—Thanksgiving is different! This is a day when I embrace the chance to go all out and make the table feel really special. I have so much fun planning it, and then when our family shows up and sees this really special table, it’s like a mental cue that says—today is a festive day.

In today’s post, I’m sharing my “practice round” for our real family Thanksgiving this year. I’m going with warm, natural wabi sabi vibes, and I’m using all dishes from Casa Zuma and incorporating some fall produce from the grocery store and olive branches from my backyard. And of course I’ll include links where you can find everything below. So let’s go set the Thanksgiving table!

Get inspired

I approach setting the table as a creative project and the table is my blank canvas. I always start by creating an inspiration board on Pinterest so I can hone in on my color palette and what materials I want to use. Then I shop my own house for vases, candles, and linens that I already own that fit the vibe of what I want to create.

The fun part is figuring out how to style everything in a way that feels fresh and different from last year. I don’t usually get super theme-y – I’m not a big fan of having things I only get out once a year. If I’m going to buy something new, I’m looking for things with a timeless quality that I can mix and match with everything I already own.

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Keep it stress-free

My top priority with any Thanksgiving tablescape is that it’s not going to stress me out. That’s why my number one tip is to set the table completely the night before—on Thanksgiving, there’s already so much to do just to get all the food on the table, I want my table to be already set and ready to go. 

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Color palette

I love a neutral color palette any time of year, so at Thanksgiving I lean hard into all the organic earth tones. I love all of those muted autumn colors, but I also want my Thanksgiving table to feel special, so I rely on lots of texture to warm things up. From the table linens to the woven serving pieces, I incorporate so much texture so my table feels warm and layered.

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Laid-back linens

I am not one for perfectly starched linen tablecloths. My vibe is almost always a casual linen table runner or linen table throw that lets the beauty of our teak wood table show through. Today I’m using our white table throw from Casa Zuma and it feels really fresh, like the perfect palette to everything we’re going to layer on top of it.

Also hot tip: I almost never iron my tablecloths anymore. I love my wrinkle release spray, and give the entire linen tablecloth or runner a spritz before I shake it out or throw it in the dryer. The result is that perfectly rumpled (but not too wrinkled) look that I love.

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Celebrate fall’s bounty

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to let food double as decor. Often I’ll set out a cheeseboard on the center of the table so its like a centerpiece and appetizers in one. This year, I kept it really simple and got inspired by the idea of a modern cornucopia, but instead I used my mango wood serving platter, and just filled it up with the prettiest fall fruits and veggies.

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Bring the outdoors in

Instead of buying flowers, I headed into the backyard and pruned a few branches from our olive tree, then laid them simply down the middle of the table. The effect is so pretty—almost like a natural runner.

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Warm & rustic dinnerware

If you know me, you know that I am a DISHES GIRL – beautiful stoneware and pottery dinnerware is one of my passions in life, and that love was one of the main things that inspired me to start Casa Zuma. All the pieces in our collection are in a neutral color palette, so that I can mix and match all of the pieces and continually come up with a fresh look. 

Today I’m using plates from our Playa dinnerware collection, recycled glass goblets, and our teak wood flatware sets. I gravitate towards pieces that are handmade and rustic and not too perfect. These are the things that really give a table its character and make it feel warm and welcoming. 

Spark conversation

I love to tuck simple conversation starters under each plate, to spark lively discussion throughout the meal. Creating connection and meaningful conversation is what it’s all about.

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Pour a glass 

I love using a mix of our recycled stemless wine glasses, tumblers, and goblets for a table that’s not too perfect. And I love recycled glassware for a few reasons:

• It’s a sustainable option (it removes millions of pounds of glass waste from landfills)
• It’s also beautiful and it’s more durable because it has this thicker wall – I always put these in the dishwasher.
• And aesthetically, I just love the more rustic and casual look that recycled wine glasses and goblets bring to the Thanksgiving table.

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Add sparkle with candlelight

I always say that flickering candlelight is the easiest way to make an impact on the table. You could literally let a grouping of simple pillar candles be your entire centerpiece, and it would still feel special.

I have a mix of ceramic and wood candlesticks that I’ve been collecting for years, and I like to mix and match them together on the table. Some of them are special marble and stoneware pieces I’ve collected through the years, while others are from Target—the high-low mix totally works.

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And that’s my 2023 Thanksgiving table! I hope that you feel inspired to use what you have, infuse it with a little creativity, and take your cue from nature and the beauty of the fall season. With your own unique style as your guide, you can create a Thanksgiving table that’s all your own and that brings more joy to your holiday this year.

And don’t forget to hop over to the Youtube episode to watch me set the table start-to-finish—I’ve been loving creating these videos and hope that you’ll subscribe to our channel!

Let’s get something straight: pizza is for all seasons. But there’s no denying that the most traditional versions feature all the produce stars of summer: tomato and basil or peach and pesto? Delicious, yes, but not at all what I’m craving for the fall months. So, now that we’re a ways into October, it’s the perfect time to roll out the bacon, apple, and sweet potato pizza I’ve been perfecting for y’all.

If you’ve hung around here for a while, you know that I’m kind of into pizza, and very into experimenting with unconventional toppings. This one features sweet potatoes (quite possibly the world’s most perfect vegetable, IMHO), sliced thinly and roasted like yummy “chips,” plus thinly sliced apples, crispy bacon, pretty red onions, and that fried crispy sage that will be your new addiction. It all comes together for an autumnal pizza topping combo that’s a little decadent and a lot delicious, and I know you’re gonna love it. So, let’s grab our dough and go!

How to Assemble Your Pizza

Let’s start at the beginning: my easy homemade pizza dough recipe. I’ve made the same one for the past 10 years, with just a couple of small updates along the way. Usually, I have a ball of dough in the freezer, which I thaw in the fridge overnight, and then let rest on the counter for a couple of hours before it’s time to stretch. You want to get all the chill off of it so that the dough is perfectly pliable, without tearing.

Next, it’s time to stretch. Stretching your pizza dough, as opposed to rolling it out, allows you to form that delicious, chewy crust around the edges and allows me to create more of a round pizza shape. I follow the stretching technique described in the Gjelina cookbook:

“With your fingertips, punch the air out of the dough and press your fingers into the center and extend outward to shape the mass into a small disk. Continue to press your fingers and palm down on the center of the dough while turning with your other hand, pushing out the dough from the center but maintaining an airy rim around the perimeter. Continue stretching out the dough on the work surface with your hand by spreading your fingers as far as you can as you turn the dough… You are done stretching the dough when it is 10 to 12 inches in diameter and thin enough so that you can read a newspaper through it.”

Don’t forget to use plenty of flour when kneading and stretching your delicious dough!

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Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Pizza

Yes, a sweet potato pizza is a bit unusual, and the key to keeping it flavor-packed and not at all heavy is to cut your sweet potato slices super thin, preferably on a mandoline. I also echoed those super thin slices by using my mandoline to cut my red onion and apple paper thin. The end result is a pizza with layers of fall flavor and a surprising combination in every bite. Just add creamy goat cheese and mozzarella, and crispy, smoky bacon and fried sage, and we’ve basically moved into fall heaven territory. Don’t be alarmed by the lack of pizza sauce—you won’t even notice the difference with all of the flavors going on here.

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How to Make Fried Sage

Now for the pièce de résistance: fried sage leaves. I make these so frequently through the fall months that I might as well have a pan of hot olive oil going on the stove at all times. These dress up a plate of pasta, roasted butternut squash, or a whole roast chicken in one fell swoop, and they couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to make fried sage:

• In a small sauté pan, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan by 1/2″. Heat over medium-high until it sizzles when you add a drop of water.
• Carefully place sage leaves in a single layer in the oil. Fry for 1 minute, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the sage to a paper towel-lined plate. Top with another paper towel to press out excess oil. Eat as soon as possible while it’s still crispy and hot!

The Cheesy Topping

There’s something about goat cheese that feels very fall to me. Perhaps because it’s such a delightful complement to apples, pears, and winter squash. Here, it plays perfectly with all the cozy flavors. Even Adam (not the biggest goat cheese fan) didn’t take issue with it since the combination with creamy mozzarella cheese tamps down the strength of its flavor.

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And there you have it: the bacon, apple, and sweet potato pizza I’ll be devouring through all of October and beyond. Yes, you can use a store-bought pizza crust and bake to keep prep time low, and yes, you can use a gluten-free crust or vegan cauliflower crust if that works better for you. As I’ve shared before, I’m a pizza lover through and through, and there are very few things you could do to a pizza that I wouldn’t love.

Can’t wait to hear if you give this one a try, and be sure to rate and review, and tag us @camillestyles on Instagram so we can see your version. Speaking of which, we need an official Camille Styles Pizza hashtag! Any suggestions?

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As of this publishing, I’ve been convinced: elderflower lemonade is the new water. Kidding… I’m still prioritizing my however-many-glasses-a-day minimum, but I’d consider Elisa Marshall’s rose & elderflower lemonade just as essential. To my well-being, my happiness, and my tastebuds’ content.

With sober curiosity on the rise and more of us limiting our alcohol consumption (or doing away with it completely), mocktails are enjoying their time in the spotlight. But, when it comes to mocktails, my major qualm is this: in an attempt to mimic the flavor of their alcohol-based counterparts, they end up tasting simply like an inferior substitute. I’m not interested in drinking something pretending to be what it’s not. That’s why I’m grateful for zero-proof sippers based off nothing beyond the unique flavors they aim to create. And when it comes to this rose & elderflower lemonade, it’s obvious: it has character on its side.

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Maman’s Rose & Elderflower Lemonade

Elisa served this lemonade at an intimate gathering in her NYC loft last month, pairing the slightly effervescent bevvy with fresh and innovative dishes. And while Elisa’s known for her creative approach, the whimsy of the evening’s meal was grounded by a clear knowledge of complementing flavors. This sweet/sour drink was the perfect palate cleanser between every course, keeping guests hydrated and delighted throughout the meal.

But beyond the drink alone, this recipe also features an aesthetic spin: rose ice cubes. This simple DIY adds visual dimension while also infusing your beverage with even more delicately floral rose flavor. Personally, I’m investing in more ice cube trays so I can prep these in abundance. Because when it comes to romanticizing your life, even the smallest rituals count.

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Reprinted with permission from Maman: The Cookbook by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte with Lauren Salkeld. Copyright ©2021. Photographs by Linda Xiao. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House

When it comes to hosting, it’s always the appetizers that give me the most trouble. Let me explain my dilemma: while the main course is, by all accounts, the pièce de résistance of most any gathering, it’s the appetizers that help it shine. Their purpose is to whet guests’ appetites, tiding them over while the host puts the finishing touches on whatever dish is to come. A pre-dinner snack, if you will. So the biggest faux-pas an appetizer can make? Being too heavy or too easy to fill up on. (I’m alluding to my love-hate relationship with artichoke dip.) That’s why, when Elisa Marshall served this kale pea & ricotta spread at an intimate dinner in her NYC loft last month, I knew I’d found it: the perfect appetizer.

Maman’s Kale Pea & Ricotta Spread

The argument for its perfection is well-supported. Not only does this kale pea & ricotta spread present beautifully no matter how you plate it (I’m taking inspiration from Elisa’s garden-of-earthly-delights-in-a-glass arrangement), but it’s the perfect dipper for any crunchy, snappy crudités you’d like to serve. The individual champagne coupe glasses pictured give this kale pea & ricotta spread an elevated appeal, but trust: leftovers make for the perfect afternoon snack—enjoyed straight from the Tupperware. (I wouldn’t judge if you dive in with just a spoon.)

Thankfully, this is also one of those genius appetizers that makes the most of my favorite kitchen appliance: my beloved food processor. It does all the chopping and mixing for you—so all that’s left is to simply enjoy to your stomach’s content. (With room for the main course to spare.)

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Reprinted with permission from Maman: The Cookbook by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte with Lauren Salkeld. Copyright ©2021. Photographs by Linda Xiao. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House