Whether it’s a long, relaxed dinner by the flicker of citronella candles or a post-work apéro on the terrace, summer entertaining is in full swing. We’ve asked the most stylish hosts we know to share their party tricks. Pour yourself a Campari soda and settle in—it’s Aperitivo Hour.
There’s a time and place for a formal, sit-down dinner. The end of summer—with its fading heat and the last days of a wonderfully unstructured schedule—is not it. This time of year, the best moments come from simple pleasures: one last batch of perfectly ripe tomatoes, a bouquet of green sunflowers whose fading color matches the changing seasons, and gathering your friends, back from various far-flung vacations, for one final relaxed meal before fall’s fast pace takes over. Vertigo founder Taylor Sade knows this well: “There’s a real laissez-faire energy to this time of year that I love—things feel more undone,” she says. “During winter, I’m inclined to bring out the tablecloths and intricate details. Right now, I’d rather lean into the ease of it all.”
That was the idea behind her latest gathering: a casual, late-summer dinner at home where the menu was simple and the “dinner table” was more of an abstract concept. “If we wanted it to feel like a restaurant, we’d just go to one,” explains Sade. “Instead, we usually do a home-cooked meal served family-style in the kitchen, then everyone finds their own spot—the couch, the daybed, the dining table, wherever there’s room. Every corner gets claimed by the end of the night.”
Of course, when the setting is this stylish, it doesn’t take much to make any spread look impressive. Sade’s apartment, a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind collectibles and vintage furniture in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, is full of cozy nooks—add bowls of spaghetti pomodoro, and it’s guaranteed to be a party. “We hosted a very impromptu Friendsgiving last year that was, hands down, my best memory from my last ten years in New York,” says Sade of her informal entertaining style. “The more at-home I can make you feel, the better.”
Photography by Emma Beiles Howie
Set the Scene
“I’m religious about fresh flowers. Whatever’s current at the market usually dictates the home aesthetic of the week—I always aim for entertaining to feel like an extension of my home rather than something that takes over the space. At night, I like to keep everything low and warm, and opt for side sconces and lamps instead of overhead lighting.
I suppose next comes the food: what’s being served, and what we’re serving it on. Last year for my birthday, two of my closest friends gifted me this beautiful Bellocchi casserole, which worked great alongside the yellows and greens of the sunflowers as an unconventional but perfect salad bowl. I’m always open to mixing and matching colors and patterns down the table—I like things feeling collected rather than coordinated.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistNickey Kehoe forged wall sconce$90 NICKEY KEHOESave to wishlistSave to wishlistTreko Makun pillow$675 JENNA COOPERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRalph Lauren Home Berken blanket$1,500 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlistSave to wishlistIl Buco Vita Bellocchi casserole dish$325 IL BUCO VITA
Photography by Emma Beiles Howie
Photography by Emma Beiles Howie
The Hosting Outfit
“As comfortable as I can get away with. Any time I’ve started out ambitious, I always end up barefoot in a variation of whatever I just changed out of. Long dresses are usually my go-to: light and easy for running from room to room, but they still present well. A fun pattern usually balances my minimal beauty look, and I love anything paisley. I love everything feeling lived-in; if it looks like I spent all day cleaning the house and arranging the flowers but had no time left for my hair, it’s because that’s exactly what happened. I don’t mind being the most casual one in the room.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistZimmermann Carousel maxidress $2,273 FARFETCH Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Vertigo teardrop amulet $700 VERTIGO Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Cartier Tank watch $16,500 THE REALREAL Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Vertigo tiger bracelet $300 VERTIGO Edited with Labbet app Photography by Emma Beiles Howie Tabletop Heroes “I picked up this bamboo serving set from Sabre in Paris last Thanksgiving and waited a whole year to finally use it for summer salads. I’d been eyeing the Arte Italica pewter pitcher for way too long and finally bought it. Building a collection of homeware you can mix and match is always the goal—you can never have enough. Le Fanion in the West Village is a favorite for larger platters, bowls, even countertop jars; all really lovely one-of-a-kind pieces I’ll have for life.” Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sabre Paris bamboo serving set $152 2MODERN Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nickey Kehoe scalloped pitcher $650 NICKEY KEHOE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Abask petite salad bowl $430 ABASK Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Pillivuyt pasta bowls $140 WILLIAMS SONOMA Edited with Labbet app Photography by Emma Beiles Howie What’s on the Menu “I usually start with whatever produce is in season and work my way up from there. Ideally, it’s something that gets better with time; something you have to cook down. Today, it’s all about tomatoes as they’re wrapping up their season: an arugula caprese and pasta pomodoro. That said, I’m vegetarian, so I’m rarely in charge of the full menu… but I have an insatiable sweet tooth, so you can always expect something with chocolate at the end.” Save to wishlist Save to wishlist cutting and carving board $70 WILLIAMS SONOMA Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sur La Table Le Saunier De Camargue Fleur De Sel $17 SUR LA TABLE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Etsy handmade bowl $60 ETSY Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Julie Jones Home whipstitch cloth napkin $13 JULIE JONES HOME Photography by Emma Beiles Howie Photography by Emma Beiles Howie Drinks Station “Anything you can pre-batch is your friend. A Hugo spritz has been my recent go-to because it pairs well with fresh fruit (in this case, I used fresh black cherries) and mint leaves for added color. A nice quality pitcher is the real key here—it dresses anything up—and a few bottles of wine on the table is a given.” Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nickey Kehoe ribbed glass pitcher $48 NICKEY KEHOE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nickey Kehoe straight glass set $15 NICKEY KEHOE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nickey Kehoe stemmed glass set $18 NICKEY KEHOE Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nickey Kehoe champagne flute set $18 NICKEY KEHOE Photography by Emma Beiles Howie Photography by Emma Beiles Howie All in the Details “I will never host anyone or anything without florals—even if it’s a last-minute makeshift assortment from a bodega. For this arrangement, I combined dried Samara branches and green sunflowers for something transitional between summer and fall. We have high ceilings, so I always look for branches with good height as the base and build from there. We’re so spoiled with our selection in New York that I make no excuses. If I can’t make the 6 a.m. flower market trip on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday (don’t bother going later in the week than that), Key Foods on Avenue A is my go-to. I also think scent is so important for a home. The large Diptyque candles are a year-round staple in my home and are especially great for hosting since the fragrance throw is so strong, but I always have seasonal scents scattered around the house. Mr. Chung’s Country Road will be lit from now through October.” Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Diptyque Ambre scented candle $250 NORDSTROM Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mr. Chung candle $59 NOVEMBER 19 MARKET Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Etsy vintage glass jar $85 ETSY Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Willy Guhl concrete urn $2,800 MERIT Dinner Party Dos & Don’ts The Faux Pas… “Not liking cats.” The Party Playlist… “You can’t go wrong with Sade.” The Guest List…”It depends on the occasion, but I usually think the more, the better. For smaller gatherings, it’s nice to invite people who wouldn’t normally meet but would get along well in the right setting.” The Stress-Reducing Secret… “I try to keep my home in a constant state of ‘ready.’ Whether it’s fresh flowers every week, a stocked fridge, or just keeping things tidy, making these habits part of your daily routine instead of saving them for special occasions lets you host more often, enjoy it more, and makes it much easier than having to transform your space overnight for a few hours.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Aperitivo Hour A Late Summer Dinner with Taylor Sade
What is Aperitivo Hour
Its a relaxed social dinner event hosted by Taylor Sade that celebrates the Italian tradition of aperitivolight bites and drinks before the main mealbut turned into a full latesummer dinner
Who is Taylor Sade
Taylor Sade is a chef and host known for creating seasonal approachable dining experiences that blend Italian inspiration with local latesummer ingredients
What makes this dinner different from a normal dinner party
Its less formal and more interactive Expect grazingstyle courses refreshing drinks and a focus on conversation and ambiance rather than a rigid sitdown meal
When does it take place
Its designed for late summer typically August through early September when tomatoes stone fruit and fresh herbs are at their peak
What kind of food is served
Light seasonal dishes like bruschetta marinated vegetables cured meats fresh cheeses grilled seafood and fruitbased dessertsall meant to be shared
Are drinks included
Yes The event usually features lowalcohol cocktails spritzes wine and nonalcoholic options like Italian sodas or herbal iced teas
Do I need to know how to cook
Not at all Its a hosted dinner so you just show up and enjoy If its a workshopstyle event Taylor provides simple guidance
Is this event good for beginners to Italian food
Absolutely The flavors are fresh and familiarthink tomatoes basil olive oil and breadso its very approachable
What if I dont drink alcohol
Youre covered Aperitivo culture includes plenty of nonalcoholic options and Taylor typically offers creative zeroproof drinks
Can I bring a plusone
That depends on the specific event Most dinners have limited seats so check the invitation or booking page for guest policy
What should I wear
Smart casual Think summer dresses linen shirts or relaxed but neat outfits Its outdoorfriendly and comfortable
How long does the dinner last
Usually 2 to 3 hours with a slow grazing pace so you can enjoy the food drinks and company