Embrace the warmth of summer with a delightful aperitivo, a perfect prelude to a relaxed evening meal or a casual get-together with friends. Paris-based writer and cookbook author, Rebekah Peppler, renowned for her French hosting prowess, shares her insightful tips and tricks for creating a stylish yet effortless gathering, even in the midst of a heatwave. Her philosophy centers on fresh, simple ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and an atmosphere that encourages prolonged enjoyment and lively conversation.
A Parisian Summer Soirée: Hosting with Ease and Elegance
In the vibrant heart of Paris, where summer temperatures can soar, Rebekah Peppler, a seasoned resident of Montmartre, and her partner Laila Said, have mastered the art of the refreshing apéro. Recently, they celebrated the end of a particularly intense heatwave by inviting friends over, transforming a casual drink into a memorable dinner and late-night conversation on their balcony. Peppler, also the creator of the "Shortlisted" newsletter and author of cookbooks like À Table and Le Sud, emphasizes letting the morning's market finds guide the menu.
For their post-heatwave celebration, the culinary duo curated a spread of uncomplicated, crowd-pleasing delights. A substantial platter of creamy aïoli served as the centerpiece, surrounded by tender baby potatoes, crisp snap peas, and cool cucumbers, all perfectly suited for dipping. Tinned fish, elevated with a fresh squeeze of lemon, soft-boiled eggs, a crusty baguette, and delicate slices of cheese completed the delectable array. The crucial element? Every dish was designed to be prepared without the need to switch on the oven, keeping the kitchen cool and the host relaxed.
Crafting the Ambiance
Peppler's approach to table setting is equally considered. Her cherished oval marble tabletop, a unique find from Leboncoin, serves as the ideal backdrop. Its resilience against spills of wine, wax, or tomato juice means less worry and more enjoyment. She thoughtfully uses Post-It notes to plan each serving dish, a habit from her food styling days that streamlines the hosting process. Depending on the number of guests, she selects dinner plates or smaller salad/dessert plates, ensuring comfort and encouraging guests to indulge in multiple helpings.
The Art of Effortless Style
When it comes to her hosting attire, Peppler favors a palette of white, beige, and tan, embracing comfort without sacrificing chic. Her go-to ensemble often includes versatile pants, an oversized white button-up from brands like Chava Studio, Sézane, or By Malene Birger, and a vibrant red lip for a touch of flair. Minimalist jewelry, such as her Ina Beissner Dua ring and a pearl and black cord necklace from Rika Studios x By Marichelle, complements her relaxed elegance.
Culinary Delights and Refreshments
For the apéro, olives are always the first to appear, followed by her popular gougères from À Table. Baguettes, flaky salt, mustard, and quality butter are staples. During summer, her focus shifts to a grand aïoli, featuring a generous portion of garlicky dip accompanied by a bounty of fresh vegetables—potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, radishes, fennel—whatever the market offers. Soft-boiled eggs, tinned fish, or even roasted chicken from a local boucherie can be added, with a crisp green salad and cheese rounding out the meal. Dessert is kept simple with gourmet chocolate bars, seasonal fruit, and crème cru.
Drinks are equally straightforward but refined. Wine, often chilled in vintage ice buckets, flows freely, with Ann Demeulemeester and Serax glassware for wine and Tokyo Sadaki tumblers for water. Peppler and Said even embrace the heat by serving "piscines"—wine with ice—a refreshing twist for warm evenings. Laila, the resident playlist curator, crafts atmospheric soundtracks that transition from lively early evening tunes to mellower late-night melodies.
Hosting with Grace: Dos and Don'ts
Peppler offers valuable advice for guests: always offer to bring something, be it ice, wine, or a forgotten ingredient. If the host declines, a bottle of wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or flowers are always appreciated. She avoids seating charts to foster organic conversation and ensures comfort for all guests, particularly those with social anxiety. Her ultimate stress-reducing secret involves pouring herself a glass of wine while preparing, ensuring she can greet each guest warmly at the door and offer them a refreshing drink upon arrival, especially after navigating their walk-up apartment.
Rebekah Peppler's approach to summer entertaining in Paris is a masterclass in combining elegance with ease. Her advice for a relaxed yet sophisticated gathering, from a market-driven menu to a welcoming atmosphere, provides a wonderful blueprint for anyone looking to host memorable soirées. The emphasis on fresh, simple food, thoughtful presentation, and a stress-free attitude reminds us that true hospitality lies in making guests feel comfortable and cherished. Her tips on engaging guests and creating an inviting environment highlight the importance of connection over elaborate preparations. Ultimately, Peppler inspires us to embrace the joy of sharing good food and company, making every gathering a cherished memory.
