It’s time I admit to myself that I’m, by definition, a Francophile. I’m a sucker for a “The way to [Dress/Eat/Wash Your Face] Like a French Lady” headline. I’m obsessive about watching Parisians go about their day in probably the most modern, carefree outfits. And I devoured not one, however two gorgeous books about New Yorkers who left behind life within the quick lane for a slower, extra intentional life in France. (Jamie Beck’s An American in Provence and Ajiri Aki‘s Joie, each of which I extremely advocate.)
When Ajiri got here by way of Austin to have fun the launch of Joie, we had the pleasure of internet hosting her at Camille’s casa for an informal gathering. And whereas, sure, it was a bit sparklier and extra celebratory than typical, the late-afternoon occasion absolutely embodied the center and soul of a real apéro. And in the event you’re not acquainted, permit me to introduce you to the magic of the best way to host an apéro.

What’s an apero?
Originating from the French phrase “aperitif,” an apéro is a pre-dinner (or lunch!) gathering that celebrates the fun of scrumptious appetizers, refreshing drinks, and relaxed conversations. It’s a laid-back, pre-meal gathering with a give attention to buddies, household, and dialog—NOT spending hours within the kitchen. All it takes to host an apéro? A fast journey to the market and a textual content to buddies.
The magic of an apéro is that it may be deliberate or spontaneous. The French have perfected the artwork of conversing about hobbies, journey, and all of life’s pleasures over champagne and contemporary baguettes. And because it’s the proper method to collect this summer time, I’m mapping out the best way to host an apéro together with the easy dos (seize straightforward snacks) and don’ts (speak about work) simply forward.

Step 1: Set the Scene
An apéro is supposed to be loved. For the host, that will very properly imply pulling out the nice china (an essential lesson I’ve discovered from Ajiri). Seize your favourite platters, ornamental bowls, and cute little utensils. Pull out the etched glassware and classic plates. It’s a laid-back gathering, sure, however that doesn’t imply it could actually’t be fantastically genuine to you. Should you’ve bought candles, mild them. And by no means underestimate the ability of contemporary flowers. Keep in mind, the aim is to create an surroundings the place everybody feels comfy.


With regards to the menu, easy is the way in which to go. In Joie, Ajiri notes that even a bowl of chips and nuts will do the trick. It’s completely acceptable to raid your pantry for salty snacks. Finally, go for easy-to-prepare appetizers that require minimal effort and time. And keep in mind, you’re solely meant to whet the urge for food right here, not demolish it utterly. Listed here are a couple of basic choices to contemplate:
- Contemporary Vegetable Crudité. Put together a colourful platter of contemporary greens like cucumber, carrot sticks, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and radishes. Serve with quite a lot of dips like hummus, tzatziki, or salsa.
- Charcuterie. Set out a small number of meats, olives, and nuts for an elegant snack plate.
- Cheese. I discovered from Ajiri that cheese is barely served earlier than dessert in France. Nevertheless, in the event you stay anyplace else it’s completely acceptable to nibble on a number of cheeses pre-dinner.
- Baguettes. Contemporary baguettes are ideally suited right here, particularly in the event you’re in France. Should you can cease by the farmer’s market or a neighborhood bakery for a contemporary baguette, the Parisians will probably be proud. (But when not, my lips are sealed.) All the time serve with good butter and flaky salt.


Step 3: Choose the Drinks
No French apéro is full with no pleasant drink in hand. Right here’s what you want:
- Glassware. Set out your favourite wine glasses, champagne coups, or flutes.
- Wine or Champagne. Should you’re choosing wine, select a light-weight and candy choice. A crisp white wine is an easy selection.
- Apéritifs. Provide basic French apéritifs like Lillet, Pastis, or a Kir, a French cocktail made crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) topped with white wine.
- Water and Different Refreshments. For a non-alcoholic choice, put together a easy mocktail with glowing water, contemporary fruits, and herbs.


Step 4: Unwind and Take pleasure in
The important thing to the ritual of an apéro is to let go of perfectionism and embrace the right here and now. Enable the dialog to circulation naturally and benefit from the pleasure of excellent firm. Drop the subject of labor (the French would by no means permit it) and as a substitute flip the dialog towards upcoming travels, ask about hobbies, and share tales. And above all, savor the second.